The Deputy Director-General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community has called for stronger partnerships in order to give disabled people greater access in the region.
Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu has given the keynote address at the Fourth Pacific Regional Conference on Disability.
She says while there are advances in the region's disability sector, work still needs to be done on discrimination and access to public facilities.
"In many cases it's a funding issue with lack of resources to be able to put in the necessary infrastructure for access. It could also be due to the fact that policies and regulations have not been put in place."
Ms 'Utoikamanu says while labour laws can aid against discrimination in the workplace, time will be needed to adjust generational mindsets in society.
