Turning words into action.

• Position: OAS - Conference news

OVER THE NEXT few years, Panama will lead a concerted effort to ensure greater opportunities for people with disabilities In the Americas. Speaking to the OAS Permanent Council in January, Panamanian First Lady Vivian Fernandez de Torrijos said it was time to "turn words into action" and address the needs of some 90 million people with disabilities, who continue to face discrimination and exclusion.

During the special meeting, the Permanent Council designated Panama as headquarters of a technical secretariat that will implement and follow up on the "Program of Action for the Decade of the Americas for the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities (2006-2016)." That program, adopted by the General Assembly last year In Panama, calls for sustained efforts to bring about greater inclusion and participation; promote opportunities in the social, political, economic, cultural, and development arenas; and provide persons with disabilities access to rehabilitation services and programs, among other measures.

In her address to the Permanent Council, Fernandez de Torrijos called on the countries of the region to adopt effective state policies...