Morocco earmarks $1.4 mln for handicapped integration

The Moroccan secretariat of state in charge of family, solidarity and social action has earmarked for 2003 over 14 million dirhams ($1.4 million) to support 160 associations working in the field of handicapped persons integration.

The department says in its annual activities report partnership with the civil society is the key to improve handicapped persons' condition, recalling that in 2003, some 200 associations have benefited from its support and advise.

Concerning education, the department says it has mainly created 104 special classes and organized training sessions for educators, inspectors and headmasters.

The enactment this year of the law on accessibilities for handicapped persons is a major asset that will reinforce Morocco's endeavors in favor of the handicapped, the document goes.

According to the document, the secretariat of state in charge of family, solidarity and social action has also set up special libraries, handed devices worth some 2.27 million DH and supported many handicapped job-seekers.