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9. Recommendation: The composition of the Sub-committee responsible for

managing the Fund should be amended to increase the representation of

persons with disabilities so that they have more voices in the management

and use of funds in a way that responds to their real needs. The procedures

for approval of funds, whether it is a project-based or a personal loan

application, should be changed since most Sub-committee members do

not have the expertise for the task. For a project-based application, the

Sub-Committee may consider hiring a specialist to do the feasibility

analysis of the project while for a personal loan application, it may

outsource the screening and approval of application as well as the

collection of debt to a credible financial institution. A specific timeframe

should be set for the approval of both the project-based and personal loan

applications. This should enhance efficiency of the Fund management.

Awareness raising (Article 8)

10. The Fourth National Plan to Improve the Quality of Life of Persons with

Disabilities (2012-2016) identified promotion of positive perceptions towards

persons with disabilities as one of its strategies. During the second half of the

Plan, the DEP has produced television programs to raise public awareness

about the potential and capabilities of persons with disabilities. It has also

implemented a program presenting awards to persons with disabilities who

have lived a successful life and to private companies or local administrative

entities that employ persons with disabilities. The NHRCT, however, is of the

view that current efforts aimed at promoting positive perceptions and

raising awareness of the public on the situation and problems faced by

persons with disabilities may not be adequate. This is reflected by the fact

that some parents of children with disabilities do not want their children to