The Government of The Bahamas’ policies are indicating a shift towards a rights-based approach to disability, one that recognizes that persons with disabilities (PwDs) can make meaningful contributions to society once given equal access to training and opportunities.
The government, through the ministry, also provides assistive and adaptive devices, services and support through the Disability Affairs Division, Department of Social Services, in addition to disability allowances and other services.
“As a country we are providing a more inclusive environment to meet the needs of our community of persons with disabilities. Just because you have a disability, it does not mean that you can’t live as equals with others and have a job or own a business,” Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Hon. Myles K. LaRoda said, during an address at the annual church service launching June as Disability Empowerment Month in-country. The service was held at New Jerusalem Kingdom Ministries.
“We stand together to ensure that all have access to healthcare, education, training, housing, social and cultural activities, everything that we as persons without disabilities have! We must make a conscious effort to include those who are less fortunate, creating equal opportunity for everyone to thrive!”
Mr. LaRoda outlined a number of initiatives undertaken by the Ministry and its various Departments, stakeholders and partners, to promote independence and self-sufficiency for persons with disabilities, while creating equal opportunities for everyone to thrive.
“We have worked along with SBDC (Small Business Development Centre) to launch an Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Programme to encourage independence and self-sufficiency. Some 38 persons with disabilities were trained, mentored and encouraged to make their business ideas a reality.
“We have launched a day programme for adults with disabilities at the Nassau Village Community Centre which takes place 3 days a week. Here people are taught everyday living skills to be more independent, to have some fun and social interaction.
“We continue with the NCPD’s (National Commission for Persons with Disabilities) mandate to provide a greater accessible Bahamas, and our inspectorate has been very active throughout the Islands of The Bahamas to ensure that our buildings are more accessible.
“(Additionally) We are working with DRM (Disaster Risk Management Authority) to ensure that there is greater accessibility for persons with disabilities in shelters, as we enter into hurricane season. I urge you to download the AccessAbility Bahamas app so that you too can get registered. Let us know where you are as a person with a disability so that the authorities can get you out of harm’s way quickly, should the need arise.
“And we continue to provide assistive and adaptive devices, services and support through the Disability Affairs Division, disability allowances and other services.”
Minister LaRoda told his audience that the observance of Disability Empowerment Month allows all stakeholders and partners, and the Bahamian community at-large, to share in the recognition of the achievements and capabilities of persons with disabilities, regardless of the obstacles and barriers they may face.
“And there are some amongst us now whose achievements and capabilities we must highlight. Namely, Mr. Kevin Cartwright, a published author and the first, blind, principal of the Erin Gilmore School for the Blind. Ms. Jasmine Frazier who is now a qualified marriage officer – another person with a disability. And we celebrate with Seth Brown, (a student at the AF Adderley School) the young man with Autism who advanced in the National Spelling Bee along with Miss Melissa Juarez Cruz (a student at St. Andrew’s International School who uses a wheelchair for mobility).
“Such persons do not allow themselves to be defined by their disability. And that is what we are celebrating this Empowerment Month. They inspire others to be all that they can be and more, and provide the extra boost and motivation to overcome hurdles.”
From: Bahamas Information Services
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