THE Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) has installed a wheelchair sign that will see persons with mobile disabilities being able to access the services of the GPO more easily.
The wheelchair sign was installed at the request of the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD) sometime last year, and is situated at the entrance to the northern section of the building (North Road).
The Guyana Post Office Corporation and the NCD yesterday commissioned the sign. It is expected that the commissioning will see motorists and other users of the GPO’s services keeping the area clear to facilitate wheelchair owners unhindered access to the GPO.
In the past, despite the presence of the wheelchair ramp, persons with disabilities were unable to freely access the GPO building, as it was constantly blocked by peddle cycles and other obstacles.
In a press release, the Commission (NCD) called on the public, especially motorists, to respect the sign and not to park their vehicles in any position that would block that entrance.
It is the Commission’s view that all those who strive to ensure that the area designated to be used by wheelchairs is not obstructed should be considered as people who aim to protect the basic rights of persons with disabilities to access public buildings and services.
Mrs. Beverly Pile, Administrative Officer at NCD, outlined thus: “All persons with disabilities should have a barrier-free access to all public facilities. Motorists who do not (heed) the wheelchair sign are violating the rights of persons with disabilities. Those rights are protected by the Guyana Persons with Disabilities Act 2010.”
The Persons with Disabilities Act makes provisions for the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD) to conduct programmes and exercises aimed at fostering better awareness of the needs of those with disabilities.
The National Commission on Disability is a semi-governmental organization that is constituted by the PWD Act 2010. Its main objectives are promoting and fulfilling the rights of persons with disabilities, and working with various agencies to institute policies and programmes that include persons with disabilities.