KEY stakeholders have welcomed the passage of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, after years of waiting.
But Administrator of the National Commission on Disability (NCD), Ms. Beverly Pile said the real work has now begun.
In invited comments, she said NCD’s mandate has now been expanded to address implementation, monitoring and sensitisation of the provisions in the legislation.
According to her, the latter is quintessential and will allow not only persons with disabilities but Guyanese on the whole to understand for what it provides.
“We had done some level of sensitisation prior to the passing of the Bill and people understand about disability. Now we have to go full force as soon as we can, by the next quarter,” she said.
Pile said getting to this stage was a long journey that began in 2005 and the consultation was finished by 2006. The final draft was completed in 2007 and the law was finally passed last week Thursday.
She said the statute gives person with disabilities the legality to do what they should to access services and realise their full potential.
It will not be smooth sailing but the Bill paves the way for the intended beneficiaries to succeed, Pile said.
She said different organisations and networks in the regions will be fully involved in the next steps being taken by the NCD as it cannot work on its own but must engage other stakeholders in meaningful partnerships.
“Together we can work to make things happen,” Pile stated.
National Adviser to the Guyana Community Based Rehabilitation Programme (GCBR), Mrs. Geraldine Maison-Halls agreed.

Forefront

She remarked that passing the Bill puts Guyana in the forefront of advocacy for persons with disabilities.
“This is a major milestone. It is history making and makes provisions for the necessary infrastructural developments to be made,” Maison-Halls acknowledged.
She explained that, with the relevant infrastructure, such as ramps for wheelchair users, access would be enhanced.
“There will be access not only to services but to education. Persons with disabilities will be able to enjoy the joys and privileges of a fuller life,” Maison-Halls anticipated.
She said, much more than infrastructure, the legislation facilitates the inclusion of persons with disabilities into society.
“This is a good move and persons with disabilities will be allowed to contribute to development of society,” Maison-Halls said.
Director of Health Ministry Rehabilitation Services, Mrs. Barbara Lawrence said the Bill must now be translated into action to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
She admitted there is still much to do but said her department will play its part.
Lawrence said, in simplified terms, the department will be responsible for facilitating quality services and ensuring that there is equitable access to them, which  is important.
She said more persons will be trained to address the needs and several have already indicated interest in the Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation Sciences that will be offered at the University of Guyana (UG) from September.
“After this training, there will be appropriately qualified persons to address the needs we have here. We will not be so dependent on expatriates. We will have our own local people,” Lawrence said.
She said the degree is unique in that it is specifically designed for Guyana and covers occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy.
“Guyana is moving to address the needs of persons with disabilities. We are going in the right direction,” Lawrence declared.