Medvedev invites disabled to participate in 'big government'

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday disabled people should participate in a "big government" project, and asked them to prepare proposals to establish a dialogue between government and society. Medvedev's intiative of 'big' and 'extended' government was designed to update what he called 'narrow' government. It should become the platform of cooperation between ministers and party representatives, local authorities and institutions of civil society, he said. "I invite disabled to participate in it, not as those who get help, but as active members," Medvedev said. He added that in a 'big government' he did "not need people who would simply represent the disabled" and that he believes the disabled can contribute a lot to the development of the country and participate in a number of projects.