최초 안내견 입성한 21대 국회, 누구도 배제되지 않는 정치<br /><br />As part of our series to mark on the UN's International Day of Persons with Disabilities... our story this Friday focuses on South Korea's parliament...a place that affects people's lives directly.<br />How barrier-free is the National Assembly to lawmakers with disabilities and in making policies for disabled citizens, Arirang's Choi Jeong yoon reports.<br />The 21st National Assembly has one extra, unofficial member.<br />It's 'number zero' Joy, the guide dog of Korea's first ever female visually impaired politician Kim Yea-ji.<br />The way Kim participates in lawmaking is different from her colleagues.<br />She reads documents transcribed into braille, but faces obstacles as the braille reader can't display certain graphs and pictures.<br />And when bills are voted on, other lawmakers use a touchscreen, but Kim uses the old system, pushing a button under the desk, which means sometimes her vote is delayed or not counted at all.<br />"The history of lawmakers with disabilities isn't long. While I'm in politics, I'll try to ensure future visually impaired lawmakers can exercise the same rights. I hope there will be more of them so the rights and interests of people with disabilities increase."<br />After a car accident, Democratic Party lawmaker Choi Hye-young suffered from spinal paralysis, putting her in a wheelchair.<br />Though she tries to make the voices of the disabled reach everyone in parliament, the steep ramps make it hard for her to move around the building.<br />She says the National Assembly must go beyond "barrier-free" and implement universal design to create a place accessible for all.<br />"We need to share the notion that 'barrier-free' is not just a kind gesture but an obligation. Parliament must be easily accessible not only for the disabled but to all people regardless of age and condition."<br />To make that happen, the 21st National Assembly is making changes.<br />"We are providing a system that turns text into speech for the visually impaired. And since August there are sign language translations of press briefings."<br />However, legislators with disabilities say a lack of awareness is hindering inclusive policies.<br />They say the wall can be broken with communication which then changes into understanding.<br />"It seems building a 'barrier-free society'... will require not only more active involvement by policymakers... but also the cooperation of all stakeholders the government, the private sector and our communities at large.<br />Choi Jeong-yoon, Arirang News."<br />
