In South Korea, concerns over livelihood for blind people
September 18th, 2008From the New York Times:
The Constitutional Court of South Korea is considering a challenge to a law that allows only the legally blind to become professional masseurs. The legal challenge by sighted masseurs is stirring intense passions, including protests that have left three people dead. “Massage is the only job we blind can do,” said one masseur. “In the name of free competition, they are trying to take away our right to survive.”
Prejudice and lack of official support have long restricted opportunities for people with disabilities in South Korea, and blind people say they sense persistent social stigma. Sighted masseurs argue that the law violates their right to employment and holds blind people back by confining them to a single vocation.
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