Government will introduce landmark legislation by December to address decades of inequality faced by disabled Barbadians, including possible affirmative action measures.
As he brought to light what he called the “horror stories” of discriminatory and unequal treatment of disabled people in Barbados, Minister of People Empowerment Kirk Humphrey announced Tuesday that the new National Policy for Improving the Lives of Persons With Disabilities would likely be upgraded through legislative action.
His disclosure to lawmakers came as he acknowledged that persons with disabilities had been denied many social, educational and economic opportunities available to other citizens.
Introducing the policy in the House of Assembly, Humphrey offered “a sincere apology” on behalf of current and previous administrations for the historical inequalities. He praised disabled Barbadians for showing “grace” during consultations despite years of unequal treatment.
“I know that there is much more to be done,” Humphrey told MPs and members of the disabled community who attended the House sitting, confirming he would return to Parliament in November or December with legislation that would include “critical special provisions” for addressing discrimination.
Sharing some of the trials and tribulations faced by members of the disabled community, the St Michael South MP said they ranged from denial of entry into school due to incontinence, denial of dental care for children and adults with special needs such as autism, lack of interpreters in health care institutions to assist the hearing impaired and the deaf to communicate their health challenges, lack of adequate transportation, few provisions for housing that was disabled-friendly and excessively high unemployment among those who are disabled.
Stressing that the government was duty bound to take action to assist the disabled, he said the Special Needs Grant and Non-Contributory Pension for guardians of children and adults with disabilities such as Multiple Sclerosis, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and Autism, which applicants have recently started to receive, was just the start of a major policy shift.
Humphrey said that while the healthcare system was one to be proud of despite its deficiencies, the disabled described the care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) as “poor and inadequate”.
When it came to dental care, Humphrey said persons with autism were often denied care on the grounds that their behaviour was unpredictable. And families that did not have the money to have their loved ones sedated to receive dental care were often left untreated.
Communicating with health care providers was also identified as a major issue for the hearing impaired and those who rely on sign language. According to the Minister, the COVID-19 pandemic period was particularly difficult for the disabled community when most people were wearing masks.
He also cited the absence of certain medicines from the National Drug Formulary, thus depriving the disabled of subsidised or free access to these medicines.
As a result, among the key recommendations in the National Policy for Improving the Lives of Persons With Disabilities is greater training for medical personnel to detect and treat people with disabilities.
On the matter of education, Humphrey told the House of Assembly that while there had been some strides made, there remained challenges. Describing those who made it through university here as “real heroes”, he conceded that the system was not set up to accommodate disabled students.
The people empowerment minister also highlighted the denial of placement for disabled children in schools on grounds of incontinence. He said provision must be made for persons who have lost urinary control.
Humphrey said the disabled community also called for more teaching aids and assistants to be hired, and expressed a desire to see the entire transportation system outfitted with disabled-friendly access so that all citizens are accommodated.
During his presentation, Humphrey highlighted the “tangible work” the current administration had undertaken, which he said had built trust with the disabled community.
“Trust is important in creating social policy . . . when you don’t trust your partner, it will be problematic,” he said, noting the confidence the disabled community had placed in his ministry to deliver necessary improvements to their quality of life.
Humphrey credited St James North MP Edmund Hinkson, for laying the crucial groundwork through an advisory committee that shaped the National Policy for Improving the Lives of Persons With Disabilities. Hinkson served as chairman of the Advisory Committee for Improving the Lives of People with Disabilities.
The policy emerged from 75 public engagement sessions involving charities, businesses, ministry staff and disabled people. Humphrey specifically praised the contributions of government senator Andwele Boyce and Janeil Odle, a blind attorney-at-law and equalities advocate, who are both working with the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs helping to shape policy positions and address issues facing the disabled community.
(IMC1)
