President condemns prejudice against disabled

By Byun Duk-kun
SEOUL, April 20 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak reaffirmed on Monday
government efforts to improve how people with disabilities are viewed and treated
by society, noting prejudice is a major obstacle confronting the disabled.

"Facilities for disabled people are important, but what is more important is to
get rid of any prejudice against them," Lee said in a recorded message marking
the Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The president said the government is making various efforts to improve the
standard of living for the handicapped, including increasing job quotas at all
state and district offices from 2 percent to 3 percent.
"This will allow us to hire about 10,000 more (people with disabilities), and we
will work to expand this quota to include public and private firms in the
future," he said.
Lee said he firmly believes that employment, or economic independence, is the
best social benefit the country can provide, not only for people with
disabilities but any member of the society.
Government efforts, however, may not be enough, he said.
"Only a society that does not discriminate against people just because of their
disabilities can be called an advanced, world class nation," he said.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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