NEWS
Prime Minister on the occasion of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Day in Nova Gorica: "Slovenia will remain a welfare state in which the hearts of all people beat to the same rhythm."
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Alenka Bratušek, on the occasion of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Day attended a gala ceremony in Nova Gorica marking the 60th anniversary of the Association of the Deaf and Heard of Hearing of Severna Primorska. As a keynote speaker, she took the opportunity to stress that, despite the recent adoption of three acts regulating the issues of hearing impaired people, there is still much to be done in this area. "That is why we gathered here today, namely to take stock of our achievements and set ourselves new development objectives. I will strive to ensure that, in this term of office, despite efforts directed at addressing the extremely complicated economic and financial situation in Slovenia, things in the area of the deaf and heard of hearing will turn for the better."
The Prime Minister also said that, with the equal opportunities policy and the cooperation of the State, experts, and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Clubs Association of Slovenia as an umbrella organisation, we would prevent discrimination against the deaf and hard of hearing and improve their position. She also highlighted the importance of the notes of caution by the deaf and speech impaired and their cooperation in this regard, which she assessed as favourable since they are the ones who know best what improvements can still be made to make their lives easier. However, regardless of technical achievements and legal arrangements, there are still a number of unresolved issues pertaining to their lives, which are being addressed by three ministries. The Prime Minister will strive to "tackle deficiencies as soon as possible, regardless of the financial and economic crisis, which should not interfere with our efforts".
At the close of her address, Ms Bratušek, using a sign language, congratulated all the participants on their day. She thanked the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Clubs Association and other organisations for their endeavours, announcing that, committed to providing equal opportunities for all its citizens, Slovenia will remain a welfare state in which the hearts of all people beat to the same rhythm. This was also the motto of this year's celebrations of the deaf and hard of hearing.