A few were seen to be employed within the Social Services Ministry. Community based Rehabilitation is in practice in 60 divisions of the country. Training programmes are underway for staff and volunteers. As regards the available facilities, it is uncertain whether they reach the large number of disabled in the country. In the matter of employment for disabled people, the cooperation of the government and private sectors is needed.
Community based rehabilitation also requires the cooperation of the community.
However, even when these people are ready and capable of being gainfully employed, they are still faced with the problem of travelling to and from the workplaces and using facilities without assistance. Thus they cannot fully participate unless they have access to transport and other facilities. Mrs. Jegarasasingham says that from the recommendations set out in the UN Standard Rules, the Ministry has decided to give priority to Rule No. 5 which deals with Accessibility. A workshop on Accessibility was organised by the Ministry in March this year. Architects, Engineers, local government officials involved in construction and provincial secretaries were invited to the workshop.