A MOTHER of three living with disability has pleaded for an end to discriminatory behaviour directed at those living with disabilities.
Speaking on behalf of the Ra Disabled Association, Seruwaia Galu of Nabalabala Village in Ra, told the Constitution Commission of the difficulties she faced every day as a person living with disability while trying to raise her three children alone.
Ms Galu said there were still instances where she and other members of her association experienced degrading behaviour from the public.
"The way people look at us when we go to church services, we request that people do not look down at us. We ask that we be received and be seen as someone who has no disability," she said.
"They may look at us that way but they do not know what kind of people we are and at times it hurts when they treat us that way."
Ms Galu, who is a single mother to Class Seven and Class Four students and a five-year-old, said her family survived on the $60 per month financial assistance they received from the Ministry of Social Welfare.
"Paying my children's school fees, buying their school uniforms and their textbooks and other books is very expensive and it becomes difficult to provide for them."
Ms Galu said bus services at the area was also a problem.
"Transport for schoolchildren is not adequate in this area and it is not suitable for the children. There is no special bus for schoolchildren and they often arrive late at school because they travel by the public buses," Ms Galu said.
She said most of the members of her association faced similar problems and needed help from relevant authorities.