THE current administration’s public reaffirmation of support for persons with disabilities, as was reiterated by President Bharrat Jagdeo, is a clear commitment to the advancement of the country’s social sector – an all-round advancement for the benefit of all Guyanese people. The holistic approach to supporting Guyana’s vulnerable is clear in the improvements of their legal status through the passage of legislations – not only for the differently-abled, but also for women and children – as well as improvements in the financial support to advance different initiatives to ensure equality, justice and basic human rights.

And  cognizance must needs be taken that it is under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) that the provisions for support to the differently-abled are being made, with emphasis on rehabilitative medicine, a $30M initiative that is now advanced to the tune of over $200M.

Prior to the passage of the Guyana Persons with Disability Act, the administration’s interventions included: subventions to the National Commission on Disability (NCD); subventions to the Cheshire Home, which houses 25 severely disabled children and adults; the promotion of programmes for persons with disabilities to have better lives, such as the prosthetics programme; provision of transportation for persons in wheelchairs so they can access health services and special needs classes; and more recently, the collaboration of the Ministries of Health and Education on the development of a sign language manual, which will serve as a curriculum to train teachers in sign language.

President Jagdeo has publicly said that as the economy does better, increased finances will be available for investment in the social sector.

A point to note is that the Government emphasizes that development of the economy depends on the inputs of Guyanese themselves; that it depends on all citizens, including persons with disabilities who have much to contribute.

Recognizing that fact, the Head-of-State has committed to increasing the employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field with the establishment of a call centre to be manned by the differently-abled.

Additionally, with the Act in place, even greater opportunities for employment are expected to be created.
It is undeniable that vulnerable groups have much to offer, if they are provided with the environment to nurture their potential, rather than be subjected to stigmatization, discrimination and marginalization.

The President has lauded their “heart and commitment” in the 16-year fight for equality and justice – a page in the book of an extraordinary group that the rest of Guyana can take and apply in their everyday struggle.

The commitment and struggle of persons with disabilities have catalysed a dynamic of opportunities for every stakeholder in the Disability Movement, which has been further rewarded by increased support from all levels, especially the Government.

The paradigm is changing in the social sector as stakeholders recognise the need to move forward from a position of strength by engaging different partners – national,  regional and international, to make a difference in a comprehensive way.

With that major shift – propelled by a commitment to further investments in the social sector – differently-abled people across Guyana are guaranteed their rights as stated under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities:
These rights include:
*  Respect for everyone’s inherent dignity, freedom to make their own choices and independence;
* Non-discrimination (treating everyone fairly);
* Full participation and inclusion in society (being included in your community);
* Respect for differences and accepting people with disabilities as part of human diversity;
* Equal opportunity;
* Accessibility (having access to transportation, places and information, and not being refused access because you have a disability);
* Equality between men and women (having the same opportunities whether you are a girl or a boy); and
* Respect for the evolving capacity of children with disabilities and their right to preserve their identities (being respected for your abilities and proud of who you are).
But the work started is not done and, with the passage of the Act, a new chapter has begun in support of persons with disabilities.

Similarly, for other vulnerable groups, primarily women and children; yet heed needs to be taken that there is much more to be done to enforce the legal provisions for support that have been made.

And although it is recognized that more remains to be done, and that more investments in the social sector are needed to ensure that those vulnerable in our society are given a chance to live their lives to the fullest and realise their true potential, those who were once relegated to exist on the periphery of society have now taken centre stage, with Government’s sustained commitment to the social sector.