Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy says Cabinet is putting a number of strategies in place that will boost the quality of life of disabled persons in 2009.
A Government Information Agency (GINA) press release said Ramsammy told stakeholders at a consultation that “Cabinet is making its final perusal of the disability legislation before it is taken to the National Assembly.” The consultation aimed at drafting a national strategic plan for disability and rehabilitation services. Among the ministry’s plans in 2009 is submitting a proposal to Parliament for an extensive transportation service to be provided for persons living with disabilities.
Meanwhile, Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation Representative Dr Kathleen Israel lauded the timing of the consultation as it coincided with a week of activities geared at boosting awareness of persons with disabilities and National Disability Day. She commended the national strategic plan and the ministry’s efforts to address the needs and rights of persons who are physically challenged by adapting the 2007 act on disabilities. Israel said the act underscores the ministry’s responsibility “to ensure access to rehabilitation and medical services for those in need, and stresses the importance of prevention and early detection and diagnosis on disabilities.” It also highlights available devices to assist disabled persons in their daily lives.
The full implementation of the act will result in a paradigm shift in the way disabilities are addressed in Guyana she said. Israel also said in order for “this substantial work to have the kind of results envisaged, there is need for a comprehensive plan that identifies the strategies and activities needed to achieve the health rights of people living with disabilities.”
Additionally, Chair of the National Commission on Disability Evelyn Hamilton said the Commission has just completed a second five-year strategic plan which includes a proposal to make stakeholders more aware of the services offered by the institution and disability services offered through the ministry.
Hamilton who is also the Chief Planning Officer at the Education ministry, observed that the Commission’s major mandate is to advise government on policies that will allow disabled persons to live productive lives. In this regard she said inclusive education, one of the key components of the new Education Strategic Plan 2008-2013, is being considered. This will entail provisions being made in the school system for children with special needs and for more teachers to be trained in this area.
Additionally, Director of the Support Group for Deaf Persons Leon Walcott said there is need for the drafting of an act on disability. He said too the media can be used to create more public awareness by first being more sensitive when referring to disabled persons in their reports. He also charged disabled persons not to rely solely on government, the private sector and friendly organisations but to “Demand that your organisations represent you because that is what they are there for.”