AS I have previously stated, issues of disabilities are challenges for today’s disability organisations for we cannot afford the omissions of the past. Important to note, is that the definition speaks of protecting the disabled. Unfortunately, there are too many who have a restrictive interpretation of that important function of the organisations, limiting it to just issues of rules and rule violation, and I must admit that in pursuit of that objective, the Commission of Disabilities has been able to establish an effective Bill under Miss Pile and Barbara Lawrence.
Injuries have led to numerous employees like me and others being permanently disabled. Accident and ill-health can rob us of the many pleasures of life that money cannot buy. There is yet another aspect of the problem. Injuries can incapacitate workers to the extent that they can no longer perform the work they did prior to the accident, so they are left without work. As so many like myself have lamented – no work means financial woes for the family.
Another dimension of the problem is countless numbers of disabled are sent off the job at ages ranging from 45-55 years and before, due to accident. The same occurs as a result of blindness or deafness. What is tragic about these cases, it is so often difficult to determine where employer liability truly lies. The right to work is enshrined in Article 22 (1), Chapter 11 of the Constitution of Guyana. Provide a rehabilitation service for workers after a disabling occupational illness or injury. Provide medical assistance for pre-employment, pre-placement and periodical medical examination. Whenever possible provide rehabilitation service which is designed to prepare disable persons for resumption of work, having regard to their aptitude and capacity.