Inclusion should be a national priority

Our disabled community will be in the spotlight for the next few weeks as we observe the Month of the Disabled under the theme One Community, United in Action for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.

At the launch last Friday, officials from the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs underscored that all citizens, especially people with disabilities, should have equal access to opportunities and resources, “with no one being left behind”.

Over the last year, there have been notable strides toward building a more inclusive Barbados and creating awareness about the lives of people with disabilities.

We can point to the extension of social security benefits for people living with disabilities and the introduction of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2025, which seeks to address critical issues such as education, employment, healthcare, and transportation.

However, much work remains to be done. People with disabilities continue to face multiple barriers that prevent them from fully realising their potential. As a society, we must confront these injustices and foster an environment that truly values and supports every individual.

As Mahatma Gandhi famously said, “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” This principle still holds true today. A just society is built on equal access to opportunities.

One of the most urgent issues is discrimination. In a modern society like ours, the dignity and worth of every individual should be protected. We all have a responsibility to challenge discriminatory practices and foster a culture of respect, inclusion, and acceptance.

Every child, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to learn and grow. We laud the work at the Ann Hill School and special units at several primary schools across the island. Authorities must continue to ensure that these schools are fully equipped to meet the needs of students with disabilities, offering special tools, resources, and trained staff to support them. 

People with disabilities must also have access to meaningful employment. Earlier this year, Edmund Hinkson, chairman of the Advisory Committee for Improving the Lives of People with Disabilities, revealed that nine out of ten disabled Barbadians are unemployed.

Both the government and the private sector must step up to create pathways for employment, such as internships and on-the-job training. Companies must recognise the talents and skills of disabled individuals and foster inclusive work environments where they can thrive.

In Barbados, we often repeat the phrase, “Disability is not inability”. Many disabled individuals have unique talents and skills that are often overlooked. Companies and organisations should create inclusive work environments where people with disabilities can perform tasks effectively.

Furthermore, persons with disabilities deserve to live independently. Accessible housing, transportation, and public spaces are essential for ensuring that individuals with disabilities can participate fully in society. For instance, more buildings should be equipped with ramps and elevators, and public transportation should be wheelchair accessible. When people with disabilities have the right resources, they can lead independent, dignified lives.

Social inclusion is another critical aspect. Families of disabled persons should not hide them away from society. They should be able to participate in social activities, form friendships, and have meaningful relationships. Communities need to break down the barriers that isolate disabled individuals, whether in schools, workplaces, or social settings.

The challenge before us is not merely to accommodate people with disabilities but to embrace them as equal members of our society. We must move beyond charity and pity and focus on empowering people living with disabilities. By providing the necessary support, resources, and opportunities, we can create a Barbados that truly values inclusion—one where everyone, regardless of ability, can live a life of dignity.