A report in The Fiji Times on July 7, 1983, stated a $150,000 rehabilitation centre for the disabled was formally opened in Suva.
Adi Lady Lala Mara, the then prime minister’s wife, officially opened the centre by unveiling a commemorative plaque.
Other guests at the opening were the Lord Mayor, Cr Noor Dean, Australian High Commissioner, Colin McDonald, and Laurie Monroe — the liaison officer for Asian Pacific Action Committee.
The centre was completed in December, 1982. The Australian government gave a grant of $150,000 for the building. A further $60,000 was given to buy equipment such as teaching aids, offset printers and typewriters.
The Australian government also gave scholarships to two students. Mr McDonald told guests that aid given by the Australia government was well utilised.
The effort in building and coordinating activities at the centre was commendable.
Frank Hilton, an adviser in special education, traced the history of rehabilitation activities and the formation of Fiji rehabilitation centre in 1979.
The centre co-ordinated activities of the Fiji Blind Society, Crippled Children School in Fiji and the Intellectually Handicapped Society.
Mr Hilton said the building was an inspiration for all to work together — the disabled, professionals and the general public.
He said the disabled were not a burden on society, but were capable of being productive members of it.
Scarcity of jobs, Mr Hilton said, made it more necessary to seek out talents of the disabled and prepare them for realistic jobs. Mr Hilton said the centre provided many facilities.
However, recognition and support of public was most needed.
The public could help by giving contracts in printing, sewing and other such work done by students of the centre.
The workshop would be divided into three units — activities, training and production units. In the activities unit, practical woodwork and sewing work would be done.
In the training section, students would be taught basic skills.
