President says technology, human contact essential for disabled

Swiss President Ruth Dreifuss, marking the International Day of Disabled Persons on Friday, underlined the importance of modern communications tools for the disabled, but cautioned that face-to-face contact remains essential.

Swiss President Ruth Dreifuss, marking the International Day of Disabled Persons on Friday, underlined the importance of modern communications tools for the disabled, but cautioned that face-to-face contact remains essential.

Dreifuss praised the decisiveness and personal initiatives with which the disabled were often shaping their lives, saying the Swiss must respect those achievements.

Modern communications tools are playing an important role for the disabled, and that is why Switzerland is focussing on this theme on the Day of Disabled Persons, according to Dreifuss, who is also interior minister.

“Information technology is particularly important for the disabled, but it must not and cannot replace personal encounters and face-to-face talks,” she said.

“Only if we enter into personal contact with the disabled will there be a true bond between those who have a disability and those who do not,” Dreifuss added.

An umbrella organisation lobbying for the rights of the disabled on Friday presented a new website to coincide with the International Day of Disabled Persons (www.sympa.ch).

Some lobby groups again called on the Swiss parliament not to ratify an international agreement that regulates prenatal scientific research. Many disabled have repeatedly come out against such research as they fear it could lead to more abortions.

According to the United Nations, 500 million men, women and children suffer some mental, physical or sensory impairment, making people with disabilities one of the world’s largest minorities.

“This is a ‘silent crisis’ that affects not only disabled persons and their families but also the economic and social development of entire societies,” a U.N. statement says.

From staff and wire reports.