BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Casper Fa’asala, Chief Executive Officer of the Disabled People’s Association of Solomon Islands (DPASI), has been passionately advocating for people with disabilities since taking on the role in 2021. Fa’asala, who previously served as the organization’s president and vice president, is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities across the country.
Promoting Disability Rights
Fa’asala’s role involves advocating for better representation of people with disabilities to key stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and community leaders. Speaking recently to Island Sun, Fa’asala highlighted significant issues such as accessibility and stigmatization that continue to affect individuals with disabilities.
“For example, attitudinal barriers and the stigmatization of people with disabilities remain widespread. My role is to advocate for their needs and help change mindsets,” said Fa’asala, who hails from Malaita Province.
As CEO, Fa’asala also promotes a human rights-based approach, ensuring that people with disabilities have a voice in government policies and legislative decisions. His organization actively engages with government committees to express the concerns and aspirations of the disabled community.
Achievements and Transformative Work
Fa’asala takes pride in the changes he has helped implement within the organization and at the national level. Among his early tasks as CEO was leading a review of the Solomon Islands’ disability policy, resulting in the creation of the Solomon Islands National Disability Inclusive Development Policy, which takes a more holistic approach.
“The revised policy now addresses broader areas such as climate change, disaster management, transportation, and communication, ensuring that it meets the diverse needs of people with disabilities,” Fa’asala explained.
Advocating for Rights and Inclusion
Fa’asala acknowledged that despite progress, challenges persist. Issues such as inadequate water supplies, lack of accessible housing, and insufficient attention to wage equity for disabled employees remain prevalent.
“Many water supply projects do not cater to the needs of people with disabilities. Additionally, housing and shelter for disabled individuals in villages often fail to meet basic standards,” he noted.
Fa’asala also highlighted the achievements of athletes with disabilities who brought home medals from the recent Pacific Games. However, he called for better access to training facilities and transportation, including accessible buses with wheelchair-friendly features.
Changing Perceptions
For Fa’asala, one of the biggest challenges is shifting public attitudes. “People with disabilities are not sick people. They are individuals with different abilities, and we need to focus on their skills and potential,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of understanding impairments and recognizing that everyone has strengths that can be developed. “At the end of the day, people with disabilities can perform many tasks just as well as anyone else. It’s about creating opportunities and changing perspectives,” he concluded.
Through his advocacy and leadership, Fa’asala continues to work toward a more inclusive Solomon Islands, where people with disabilities are empowered to thrive and contribute to society.
