LIFE for persons with disabilities (PWDs) is not easy. It gets even more complicated if they do not have the support they need to perform basic daily tasks.
This dependence can lead to frustration and loneliness and for these reasons, systems ought to be in place to empower such persons so that it would be easier for them to navigate life.
Since taking office, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPPC/C) has done an outstanding job as many opportunities have been created for these persons, who oftentimes see themselves as a burden or the forgotten bunch.|

Given the many programmes and initiatives created by the government through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Ministry of Labour, PWDs no doubt have a sense of belonging, of purpose. Many are living a better quality of life as they are able to earn and are self-sufficient.
Can more be done? The answer will obviously be yes, but we should all take a look at the progress made over the last three years.
Through the many skills training programmes and other initiatives, the government has publicly confirmed that it has not forgotten PWDs and has every intention of including them in the development plans it has for the country. Government through its actions have also signalled its commitment to ensuring that they live more enjoyable lives — something that many are struggling to do.

While some may argue that there is still a long way to go, it must be appreciated that every step, no matter how small it is, must be recognised and celebrated. Once it’s in the right direction, the time it takes becomes irrelevant.

Further, the needs of PWDs are on a long list of things that require the government’s urgent attention.
Since taking office, government has taken several steps in the right direction. Among them is the lifetime public assistance persons living with permanent visual, physical, hearing, speech, learning and mental disabilities will receive.
The government is so serious about improving their quality of life that the process has been simplified. An automatic approval system will now replace the Local Board of Guardians. Now, the only requirement is that applicants be registered with the National Commission on Disability before submitting a completed application, a form of photo identification and a medical to the Ministry of Human Services.

Again, this is good news as people dislike complicated systems. They will embrace anything that is easier and less time-consuming. Notably, issues involving PWDs must be treated with sensitivity and compassion, since these persons are oftentimes unable to move around on their own.
Sometimes getting the assistance of a relative might be hard and so implementing systems that would make their lives less complicated will be well received.
Significantly, PWDs over the last few years have been benefitting from specially tailored programmes that seek to empower and help them navigate the technological world.
Last month, 20 PWDs participated in an eight-day garment construction course and several visually impaired persons benefitted from ICT training sessions which were a collaborative effort between the Office of the Prime Minister and the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD).

Other successes include the 55 PWDs, from six of the 10 administrative regions, who completed courses in disability studies, food preparation, general office administration, Spanish and website designing. These training programmes were executed by the Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
The construction of a $73 million training and empowerment centre called the “Learning Lab,” at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, is also commendable.

Also of note is President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s announcement in 2022 that children living with disabilities will get automatic public assistance and the construction of a $120 million modern business centre which will be replicated in each region. Each child also received a one-off $100, 000 cash grant that year.
While the government continues to work hard to build a bright future for PWDs, it has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that they are included and are given equal opportunities to learn and earn.