Vanuatu Society for People with Disability moves into brand new headquarters

Life is about to become a little bit easier for people living with a disability in Vanuatu following the official opening of the Australian-funded Vanuatu Society for People with Disability (VSPD) headquarters on Rue Colardeau.

Opened on 21 July by the Australian High Commissioner, Jenny Da Rin, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Ralph Regenvanu and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Chairman of the Pam Recovery Committee Johnny Koanapo, the VSPD will be equipped to better support people living with disabilities.

The building, funded through the Australia Vanuatu Tropical Cyclone Pam Recovery Program, has been built fit-for-purpose with disability ramps, wheelchair accessible doors and toilets and lever style door handles. The project was completed by local contractors Loli Construction and BI Consulting.

“Australia has been a long-term supporter of the VSPD by helping to ensure people living with disabilities in Vanuatu are included in the development of the country.

“I am proud that Australia is playing a role in supporting the VSPD to provide support and advocacy services for people living with disabilities,” said Jenny Da Rin.

The Australian and Vanuatu governments are working together to reduce barriers faced by people living with disabilities in Vanuatu, with organisations like the VSDP and Disabled Peoples Advocacy Association, to keep their needs front and centre.

The refurbished VSPD building will motivate, enable and empower people living with disabilities and give them an accessible place to go to for information and resources to help them to participate fully in community life.