The National Commission on Disability said transportation is a major impediment to allowing persons with disabilities (PWDs) to access services that contribute to their personal development.
A two-day ‘Writeshop’ on developing disability awareness messages heard that a survey conducted with 1500 PWDs found that only 17% of the respondents were employed and 40% of them lost their jobs after becoming disabled. It said nine per cent of those interviewed are qualified, skilled and able to work and only require the opportunity. The report identified transportation as one of the major barriers that prevent PWDs from accessing services that contribute to their personal development and to the society. It ranks second among the most frequently cited difficulties in accessing education and based on numerous consultations with PWDs, it remains one of the biggest challenges for their socio-economic and political participation.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy again raised the issue of discrimination against PWDs by operators of public transportation. The minister said he supports the move for the return to public transportation and suggested that legislation should be in place to penalise persons who practise discrimination. He said the rights of PWDs are often breached and all stakeholders need to become involved to stem this practice. Ramsammy said too disability was not considered a health issue but it has now been included on the agenda for the next World Health conference.
Commissioner of the National Commission on Disability, Julie Lewis challenged PWDs to educate and empower themselves for the job market and challenge the negative portrayals of some members of the group in the media. Lewis said PWDs themselves play a role in combating such negativity and that they need to become involved in positive activities.
