THE Disabled People Association of Solomon Islands (DPASI) will be changed to the National Disability Forum of Solomon Islands (NDFSI) by 1January 2025. 

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Casper Fa’asala told Solomon Star that with this new name entails a broader look at the development of persons with disabilities in going forward.

The decision for the name change followed a conference hosted by DPASI in May this year.

The conference brought together representatives from the association’s affiliates – Visually Impaired, Solomon Islands Deaf Association, Disability Women Empowerment Association, Psycho-social Association, Pioneer Families (old aged), Youths and Para-athletes, some self-help groups and Disability Training and Support Center for Disabilities at Bethsaida. 

Mr Fa’asala said this conference saw the adoption of a new constitution, which necessitates the name change.

“What we are saying with this new name is that-People already know we are disabled and we do not want to be pinned down as that. We want to create a positive perception of how others look at a person with disability.

“We want to be rather looked at through our abilities and the different skills that we have to offer and how we can contribute to new innovations and development that will contribute towards the overall development of our country. 

“So, we are looking at the human rights approach, developmental approach and participatory role that persons with disabilities can play in order to promote and contribute to the development of the country as a whole,” Mr Fa’asala said. 

Mr Fa’asala said DPASI is currently working on the registration of its new constitution with the Company Haus and it should be able to finalise that soon to ensure the name change becomes effective by 1 January 2025 as planned. 

By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara