-local advocate tells UN conference, calls for additional international support

RECENT advancements in technology and the improved access to same, has seen more persons with disabilities (PWDs) being able to access educational opportunities and live independent lives, Programme Manager at the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, Ganesh Singh has said.

“In Guyana, we have seen the positive impact of technology and digital connectivity including indigenous people with disabilities. Now we have more persons that [sic] are living with disabilities that are accessing educational and training opportunities,” Singh said during his contribution at the recently concluded 17th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the United Nations’ New York Headquarters.

Through several initiatives, supported by the government here, there has been the provision of digital devices to facilitate virtual learning or digital learning.

According to Singh, this has seen more persons with disabilities now being employed using technology to perform their duties. However, Singh noted that there are still significant gaps in Guyana and other developing countries.

“We do recognise that international partnerships and cooperation can facilitate the tech innovation and transformation and ensure that there is equity when it comes to access of technology to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities.”

As such, Singh stressed for developing countries such as Guyana to have more equitable access to these assistive technologies that enhance the lives of persons with disabilities.

At the opening of the convention, Guyana’s First Lady Arya Ali had voiced a passionate and strong call for greater international financing for disability and inclusive development in developing countries

During her remarks, the First Lady highlighted that there are limited institutional, technological and financial capacities in small developing states.

“In a truly inclusive and sustainable world, persons with disabilities must be empowered to live a life with dignity and respect; a life where they can realise their potential. What is the reality? In developing countries, the majority of persons with disabilities of working age are unemployed and many children with disabilities do not attend school,” First Lady Ali said.

Guyana, she added, has taken a ‘life-course’ approach to supporting persons living with disabilities.

Guided by the UN, the country has an established registrar for persons living with disabilities to guide the relevant authorities in formulating policies and interventions.

“The adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities created necessary momentum for removing institutional and attitudinal barriers, and promoting the full participation of persons with disabilities in society.

Guided by the convention, Guyana enacted disabilities legislation and adopted a multifaceted approach to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy equal treatment, focusing on education and empowerment,” she explained.

Highlighting several strides made by Guyana to create an inclusive economic landscape, the First Lady noted that all persons living with permanent disabilities are eligible to receive monthly financial assistance. Additionally, assistive and mobility aids are also provided free of cost and specialised support is given for children through the widespread training of teachers.

Further, she disclosed that Guyana through the establishment of a disability complex has been able to train and empower persons living with disabilities.
The Mahaica Disability Complex not only provides vital skills training, but also allows citizens to access business grants and interest-free loans.

Concurrently, Guyana is developing a Business Centre to advance financial independence and economic empowerment of persons with disabilities.