Blind Society in collaborative workshop on Disabilities Act
BLIND Awareness Month is currently being observed locally and, as part of the activities to mark the observance, a group of the visually impaired, who are members of Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), got together, last week for an enlightening and highly interactive workshop. The forum, the purpose of which was to sensitise participants on all aspects of ‘The Persons with Disabilities Act 2010’ and its implications for them, was hosted by the Guyana Society for the Blind (GSB), at St. Phillips Green, D’Urban and Smyth Streets, in collaboration with the Blind Cricket Association (BCA) and the National Commission on Disability (NCD) in the Ministry of Health.
Representing the NCD were Ms. Sarah Jane Digby, the Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) Disability Advocacy Adviser and Ms. Mila J. Catanduanes, VSO Organisational Development Adviser.
Mr. Cecil Morris, President of GSB, represented his organisation on the panel of speakers and Mr. Ganesh Singh spoke on behalf of the Council of the Organisation for Persons with Disability. 
Talking about the legislation was Ms. Terri Pemberton, Treasurer of the BCA,  who led the discussion.
Digby observed that, with May being the designated month all over the world, different blind groups are working to raise awareness on issues of importance to them. 
She said, here, in Guyana, part of the ongoing effort is to ensure communication about the statute and two DPOs, GSB and the BCA aim to work with blind and visually impaired persons so they can have a better understanding of it, what it means to them and give them a sense of the reality, as well.
The Act was assented to by President Bharrat Jagdeo in November 2010 and the Health Ministry assumed direct responsibility for its administration, with the Ministries of Education, Human Services, Housing and Water, Public Works and Communications assuming collaborative responsibilities.
“Obviously, we are campaigning to get implementation happening but the important thing is just letting people know where we’re at, what’s more to come and giving them space to ask questions in a safe environment,” Digby informed.
She declared it is a blessing that so many different Ministries are involved, noting that disability is such a big issue that it touches every aspect of life.
Reminding that it will take time before the Act really gets rolling, Digby said: “We want people to be enthusiastic but we also want them to keep abreast with the reality on the ground.”