.jpg)
The sewing machines will support the DPN’s bed sheet production project, which provides both income-generating activities for the organisation and endows members with marketable skills and entrepreneurial experience.
The Braille books will support the members’ reading and writing efforts.
Ambassador Hardt highlighted the importance of promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, emphasizing that disability rights are basic human rights, not special rights. Persons with disabilities have the same rights to non-discrimination, access, equality of opportunity, inclusion, and full participation in society as other people.
The Ambassador noted that the United States works with other countries in a shared effort to remove barriers and create a world in which disabled people enjoy dignity and full inclusion.
Ambassador Hardt observed that discrimination against people with disabilities is not only unfair, but hinders economic development, restricts democracy, and erodes the sense of justice at the root of a society. He underscored the commitment that exists between the Government of Guyana and civil society to expand policies, programmes, and support to address the needs of persons with disabilities.
Commending the leadership of the Disabled Persons Network for this initiative, Ambassador Hardt said the U.S. Embassy is very pleased to support a civil society organisation that is fighting for the rights of a critical group of often underserved citizens. He encouraged them to continue in their mission: To inspire other persons with disabilities in Guyana to live full and successful lives.
Chairman of the Region 5 Democratic Council, Bindrabhan Bisnauth, highlighted the DPN’s strong advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities, both locally and nationally. He noted that the Council will be making provision in the 2013 National Budget to support the rights of persons with disabilities.
