-non-inclusion and overlooking sighted among the factors

THE non-inclusion and overlooking of persons living with disabilities in society and its activities have resulted in them being among some of the poorest persons globally, this is according to Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles.

The diplomat made the comments yesterday while commissioning an $8M ramp at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre on Carmichael Street in Georgetown.
The project was a partnership between the Governments of Guyana and Canada and was executed through the Ministry of Health and the Canadian High Commission in Guyana.
The (C-shaped) ramp links two buildings within the complex and was built according to international specifications and replaces a wooden structure. The administration of the centre approached the Canadian High Commission for partial funding to facilitate the replacement of the wooden structure which was determined unsafe for the students and staff of the facility.
According to Dr. Giles the commissioning of the ramp could not have been done at a better time since it coincided with the International Day for Persons with Disabilities and which both Guyana and Canada joined the rest of the world in observing yesterday.
Nations should use the opportunity to pause and check on the principles of the United Nations Convention on the rights of Persons Living with disabilities and for there to be energies focused towards a change in attitudes and approach to the persons living with disabilities, Dr Giles exhorted.

The adoption of the convention of the United Nations with respect to persons living with disabilities have seen much strides made in supporting persons living with disabilities, however there is always the room for more to be done and for improvement, the diplomat added.
Dr. Giles urged that there should be no relenting in the efforts to ensure that there is full and active integration into society of persons living with disabilities. She applauded those who have been working with this special group for their commitment and fortitude.
According to the High Commissioner it is very important for societies to note that disabilities not only affect the persons living with disabilities but all society and there must be a multi stakeholder approach to dealing with the issue. She also called for there to be advocacy on the part of the members of the society at all levels for those persons living with disabilities and their total inclusion and respect for their rights.
From time to time there has been the overlooking of the prejudice and hardship that are faced by persons living with disabilities, Dr. Giles noted. Disabled persons form a critical part of the society and they need to be celebrated especially those who would have risen above their difficulties and have become advocates for others living with various disabilities.

(By Leroy Smith)