Agency takes steps to help disabled people deal with Covid impact
The Committee for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has come up with new measures to help the disabled deal with the impact of Covid-19 outbreak, deputy government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said on Wednesday.
“Those who have taken loans from the committee will be given a debt moratorium until March 31 next year,” she said. “The fund will also provide emergency interest-free loans of up to 10,000 baht per person. No guarantors will be required for this loan.
“Applications will be accepted until September 30 and the loan consideration process will take no more than two months from the application date,” she added.
The validity of ID cards held by persons with disabilities will be extended by another six months, so they don’t need to visit the relevant department to renew them.
“This measure will benefit some 50,000 people whose card is scheduled to expire this year,” she added.
The committee has also called on the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) to consider administering vaccines to disabled persons who do not meet conditions set by the government.
Covid-19 jabs are currently only being provided for people above the age of 60 and those with chronic conditions. There are some 800,000 disabled persons who do not fit the priorities, the committee said, but they should get vaccinated first due to their limited capability of movement.
“The committee is also planning to set up a field hospital that specializes in treating disabled people at the Thailand Science Park in Pathum Thani,” Ratchada said. “The facility will be equipped with special facilities and sign-language translators will also be on hand. There will be 220 beds.”