Windhoek:Vice-President Lucia Witbooi has called for concerted government efforts to promote inclusive education, accessible healthcare, and improved support services for autistic persons in Namibia. She emphasized the need for the nation to shift from stigma and discrimination to greater acceptance, understanding, and equal opportunities for all individuals.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Witbooi made these remarks during the official opening of the 6th World Autism Organisation Congress in Windhoek. The event, themed 'Transforming the Narrative about Autism,' aims to encourage a reevaluation of how autism is perceived, discussed, and addressed in terms of rights, needs, abilities, and aspirations.

Witbooi highlighted that autism has long been viewed through the lens of limitations and stereotypes, leading to stigma, discrimination, and social isolation. These factors have contributed to the exclusion of many autistic individuals from opportunities that should be universally accessible. She pointed out that families often face inadequate support systems, limited access to specialized services, and environments that fail to accommodate their needs.

The Vice-President stressed that autism should not diminish an individual's worth, dignity, or potential. She called for the recognition and respect of every autistic person's unique identity, abilities, experiences, and aspirations, emphasizing that disability inclusion is a human rights obligation and a key pillar of Namibia's national development.

Witbooi noted that Namibia's Constitution and its commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities provide a foundation for promoting equality, human dignity, and the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. She urged for more than words, advocating for deliberate policies, adequate investment, sustained partnerships, and measurable action to transform the narrative around autism.

In conclusion, Witbooi called for the congress to promote international cooperation, share best practices, and advance practical interventions to improve the lives of autistic persons, underscoring the importance of building inclusive societies that recognize individual abilities and provide opportunities for everyone to reach their full potential.