Disabled still disadvantaged, says Minister

Parliament should soon be considering legislation aimed at bringing much needed assistance to people with disabilities.

This promise was made by Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, during an open day for Camp Reach at the National Disabilities Unit on Wednesday.

Speaking to the media at the camp, where 25 disabled children are being hosted during the summer break, the minister said that the advisory board tasked with outlining ways to improve the lives of disabled persons on the island was at an advanced stage with its work.

“As you know we would have launched an advisory committee on disabilities to advise the minister in relation to improving the lives of persons with disabilities. That committee is at an advanced stage in its work, and we anticipate that we would have that report within the next few weeks.

“The meetings of the disabilities groups are all but finished except one, and then we are going to be having, over the course of the next month, public meetings for persons to weigh in on what they think the disabilities policy will look like,” he explained.

The minister also revealed that draft legislation targeted at improving the lives of the disabled has also been received by the ministry and should be brought to Parliament before the end of this year.

Humphrey welcomed the much-needed legislation, saying that people with disabilities are still highly disadvantaged on the island.

“In my mind persons with disabilities remain one of the most disadvantaged groups in Barbados. Given the number of persons we have with disabilities, given the importance that they play, in my mind, to society, the fact that we are able to bring this legislation is important.”

Humphrey also renewed calls for the private sector to get on board and help support more initiatives geared toward the disabled, including assisting them in securing employment. (SB)