Officials in the Cook Islands have taken the first steps to drafting a national disability policy.
Alastair Wilkinson, a consultant with the Social Development and Policy Unit says the government of the Cook Islands wants more opportunities for disabled people.
Wilkinson says the first step towards developing thos opportunities is giving the disabled a voice in village, Island Council and national government levels.
Legislation may be needed to ensure disabled people are listened to and enjoy the same rights as anyone else.
Disability officer No'oroa Numanga says they hope to have a final draft of the new disability policy for the Cook Islands ready by July.-
