Erdogan stresses self-sufficiency for the handicapped

A delegation led by State Minister for Women and Children's Affairs Nimet Cubukcu yesterday visited Anitkabir, Ataturk's mausoleum, to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, started by the United Nations in 1992. "We are aware of the responsibility on our shoulders," Cubukcu wrote in Anitkabir's memorial guestbook. "We will continue our efforts to bring sustainable solutions to the problems faced by the disabled." Afterwards, the delegation, including representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for the disabled, was received by President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP) policies on the handicapped are based on fairness, said Erdogan, and they work to promote self-sufficiency. "This government introduced the Law on the Disabled, which began reforms," he added. Erdogan reiterated that they will continue to eliminate social, physical and legal hurdles faced by the disabled.