Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud on Friday announced that all persons living with permanent disabilities as well as cancer patients and people living with HIV will benefit from lifetime public assistance.
“All persons, all living with permanent disabilities will be able to access public assistance without any need to qualify… So whether you are a child or an adult, it covers the entire spectrum of disability, physical and mental as well… That public assistance will be provided to them for the rest of their lives,” Persaud said during an engagement with the media at the refurbished Night Shelter at East La Penitence, Georgetown.
The new policy took effect immediately.
The ministry said in a subsequent statement that in addition to persons with visual, physical, hearing, speech, learning and mental disabilities, persons diagnosed with cancer and those living with HIV/ AIDs and other lifelong incurable and untreatable diseases will also qualify under the new policy.
It noted that there is no need to re-register if persons are already registered with the National Commission on Disability or the Ministry’s Public Assistance Programme.
According to Persaud, there would no longer be a requirement for applicants to go before the Local Board of Guardians before they can access public assistance. “It’s automatic,” she said before explaining that the only requirement is that applicants be registered with the National Commission on Disability before submitting a completed application, a form of photo identification and a medical to the Ministry.
She explained that once the applicant is registered, the medical report establishing the disability will only be required once, from any private doctor or one from the public system. “They do not need to be subjected to any other medical or any other tests going forward,” Persaud stated.
The announcement will be communicated to all officers and doctors will be present at registration sites across the country to conduct on the spot assessments, Persaud said.
“This is something that’s been very, very close to my heart and it really puts much into the hands of persons who are living with disabilities. Of course, we would like to put much more, but this is a step,” she said.
Additionally, Persaud revealed that a three-person board would review the process for persons who believe that they were treated “unfairly” or didn’t have a “proper” assessment done.
The Board comprises Raiza Khan, Azeena Baksh and Ariane Mangar. “They will review any claim that is made by a person living with disability so we can ensure all persons living with disabilities benefit from public assistance,” Persaud said.
Just over two weeks ago, President Irfaan Ali announced that children living with disabilities would benefit from a one-time $100,000 cash grant and other key interventions.
Prior to this, the Office of the First Lady Arya Ali had announced that she was able to raise just over $13 million through a recently-held fundraiser to begin the setting up of a business centre for Persons with Disabilities in Region Six. President Ali later said such facilities would be opened across the country.
In addition, Persaud also said that the ministry will be providing free support aids and training for persons living with disabilities.
Meanwhile, Persaud also disclosed that a diaper bank will also be launched for children and adults who are in need of diapers and they will be provided free of cost.
