A pilot programme that will allow the participation of persons who are deaf in the theoretical and practical driving examinations is set to commence in ‘A’ Division (Georgetown), the Ministry of Public Security announced yesterday.
The ministry said the programme was given the greenlight after the National Commission on Disability and the Deaf Association of Guyana met with Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan last Thursday.
According to a press release issued by the ministry, the decision was taken in light of a Cabinet decision on May 24, 2018 on the amendment of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act to include the issuance of permits to deaf drivers.
The release added that the programme was one of the recommendations agreed to by Cabinet to facilitate the issuance of driving permits to persons who are hearing impaired. Others include a national awareness campaign for the general public and the issuances of driving licences to deaf drivers only for private vehicles and not for commercial vehicles “given the present infrastructural development and culture of driving on Guyana’s roadways.”
Six persons from the deaf community will be included in the pilot project at a date to be announced later.
The release added that the government will
continue to provide equality and ensure non-discrimination against persons with disabilities.
Approximately two weeks ago, members of the Deaf Association of Guyana staged a protest in front of the Ministry of Public Security. The reason for the protest was based on the fact that persons who are hearing impaired cannot legally drive any vehicles. The Deaf Association of Guyana stated that the fact that the Guyana Police Force does not allow deaf persons to take the driver’s test is an infringement of the basic human rights of persons who are deaf as it restricts their ability to enjoy the benefits of being mobile.
The Deaf Association of Guyana had engaged the Ministry of Public Security since 2015 on the issue and had also engaged with the minister from the previous government and had not received any feedback. The association also noted that though there is no legal provision that bars deaf persons from driving, the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force has refused to issue licences to persons who are deaf.
Some persons who were at the protest also stated that they would be willing to wear hearing aids if it means that they would be able to obtain licences.
