Implementation of Disability Act slowly taking shape

Georgetown: Persons living with disabilities are yet to reap the full benefits provided for under the Persons with Disability Act which came into being during the latter part of last year.  According to Programme Manager within the National Commission on Disability (NCD), Zoan Williams, at the moment efforts to implement the Act have been a bit slow as the NCD is yet to engage officials from point Ministries including the Ministries of Health, Labour, Human Services and Social Security. She revealed that thus far some discussions have been held with the Ministry of Labour but more talks are yet to be undertaken with a view of addressing the rights of persons with disability.

However, with the recent election and the appointment of new ministers to the various point ministries, the process may not see continuance until next year, Williams speculated.  “Not much can be done right now and we understand that because the various ministers will have to settle in, so I expect by January we will continue this process…” she added.

The meetings with the various officials of Government entities, she said, is intended to discuss a document, which outlines recommendations to integrate the legislation in terms of sensitization of the population.  With the input from the various organizations it is expected that measures will be put in place to ensure that buildings are accessible, among other things, to persons with disabilities.