REPRESENTATIVES of Disabled Peoples’ Organisations (DPOs) in Guyana have concurred that the Fifth Summit of the Americas was a step towards increased advocacy of social, economic and political reform in the Disability Movement.

At the just concluded meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad, the Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities was among the topics on the agenda.

The discussions were held under the theme ‘Securing our citizens’ future by promoting human prosperity, energy security and environmental sustainability’ and the gathering brought together the Heads of State and Government of the Western Hemisphere to discuss common concerns, seek solutions and develop a shared vision for their future development of the region, be it economic, social or political in nature.

Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) Programme Manger for Disability, Ms. Inge Groenewegen said the fact that the issue was given a voice at such an event was good.

The VSO initiative, a primary avenue of support for DPOs, is aimed at strengthening Guyana’s regional development process by supporting capacity building of local and regional focused organisations and institutions.

Echoing Groenewegen’s, VSO volunteer attached to the National Commission on Disability (NCD), Ms. Kristine Fonacier said the rights of persons with disabilities have been at the forefront of the concerns of the international community.

So we are glad to see that disability was taken up at the Summit of the Americas,” she remarked.

Mr. Chase Chisholm, a Peace Corps volunteer attached to the Open Doors Centre, said it is remarkable that awareness of disability reached such a forum.

The Open Doors Centre is a Sophia training facility that offers courses in Electronics/Electronic Installation, Carpentry/Joinery, Garment Construction and Information Technology (IT) to persons with disabilities.

Chisholm explained that, even with the work of Open Doors and other DPOs, the Disability Movement is not where it should be.

But it is getting there, he asserted.

Chisholm said, too, that, once disability continues to be part of the agenda at international fora, persons with disabilities will be educated and their lives improved.

Guyana Council of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities Chairman, Mr. Leon Walcott declared he was not surprised that they were discussed at that level because the World Disability Movement is powerful.

He lamented, that, unless the Guyana Government, through the Ministry of Health does not pass the Disability Bill, they will not get anywhere.

Walcott said the proposed legislation is a foundation for progression and while people’s attitudes cannot be legislated, there can be provided a framework to level the playing field and create better opportunities for persons living with disabilities.

Another spokesperson in the Disability Movement, Mrs. Geraldine Maison-Halls, who is also the National Advisor to the Community Based Rehabilitation Programme, expressed the same opinion as Walcott.

While it is heartening to see that disability was on the Summit agenda, the concern is what follow-up measures will be taken beyond that and whether, in Guyana, the law will be passed,” she said.

Maison-Halls said, as a region, what remains to be seen is the stand it will take in the advancement of the Disability Movement.

Director of the Rehabilitation Services in the Health Ministry, Mrs. Barbara Lawrence was optimistic that the Disability Bill, the draft of which is currently at the Attorney General’s Chambers, will be passed.

?s a developmental issue, it was good that disability was recognised at such an important (Summit) meeting. It indicates that international leaders have taken an inclusive approach as it relates to progress,” she posited.