Participants of the assembly are discussing issues, including how Mongolia pays attention on its peoples with disabilities, what are the special services dedicated to the blind people and their pressing issues as well as introduction of good experiences of other countries into the life of visually impaired people of Mongolia.

Minister of Labor and Social Welfare S.Chinzorig said that the Ministry is working for grant welfare allowance which corresponds with living standard by a way of amending the Law on Social Welfare. Moreover, conditions will be provided to involve visually impaired people in loans and assistance granted by SME Development Fund and Employment Promotion Fund. In particular, certain amount of the loans being issued from the funds will be allocated for programs on supporting employment of visually impaired people. However, loan process of the funds is commonly run through the Internet, which makes visually impaired people impossible to participate in the tender. Considering the problem, the Ministry is working to create conditions for these people."

There are about 16 thousand visually impaired people in Mongolia, of whom just 4.6 percent are employed. On this matter, President of the Mongolian National Federation of the Blind D.Gerel said, "Some 320 people studied at vocational training center for the blind, of whom some 70 percent are working as massage therapists. Most of the visually impaired people work in the factory of the blind and as massage therapists." "Two completely blind people were involved in the computer training at the vocational training center. Now, they are successfully working at Call Center of the Social Insurance Department, providing citizens with information and advice," she added.

During the assembly, a handicraft exhibition of the visually impaired people was displayed alongside the presentation of technologies that simplify manual handling.

The general assembly will conclude tomorrow, September 12.

B.Batchimeg