Disability advocates share hopes as ‘historic’ legislation debuts

In a landmark move towards inclusivity, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill was brought before lawmakers on Tuesday, with several campaigners marking a key moment in the nation’s approach to disability rights by witnessing the bill’s introduction from the public gallery of the House of Assembly on Tuesday.

The bill, which has been 20 years in the making, promises to address key issues including education, employment, healthcare, and transport for people with disabilities.

Members of the disabled community interviewed by Barbados TODAY outside Parliament expressed joy at the development.

Special Envoy for Persons with Disabilities Roslyn Hurley said: “I feel great, wonderful. I never thought it would happen in my lifetime, I am glad to see that it happened now that I am still warm. I can say thanks to Mr Hinkson and to my minister, Kirk Humphrey.”

She shared her elation to see members from her community represented at the debate and government ministers who support their cause.

“I am very happy and grateful. This is a good thing for us for the New Year. I am so glad to see history go down. I may not be here in the next 50 years but when people look back at history, they will say Roslyn Hurley was there.”

She thanked all those instrumental in bringing the disabled community to this point.

Bonnie Leonce, American Sign Language interpreter and advocate for the deaf, gave voice to those from the deaf community represented at Parliament: “I’m really happy about it, I’m really happy to be here finally this legislation will be passed, so we have to see what is going to be done, how it’s going to be implemented. When it’s successfully passed, this should be real progress for those in the disabled community.”

She added: “The number one thing, we need better interpreters, we need better education. We want to be on par with hearing people, and students as well. We want equality, that’s what we really want.”

Tonia Holder-Springer, public relations officer of Rehabilitating Enabling Society for Amputees (RESA), said she looked forward to a good outcome from the debate: “There’s a lot going in our disabled community and I really hope that it comes out good today.”

She highlighted just some of the benefits they have been advocating for since the organisation was created in 2016: “Mostly transportation, better living for disabled people, healthcare.”

She revealed that the organisation was inactive during the pandemic but they have been actively advocating for the past two years.

“I go to QEH and advocate for RESA and also for diabetic patients because I’m also diabetic. I try to let them know there’s life after amputation and try and take care of yourself,” she added, “healthcare is the best thing you can do for yourself.”

She advised on self-care to avoid amputation: “Even when you get amputated or before the amputation, take care of your feet, take care of your body.”

Perro Halloway, president of the Barbados National Organisation for the Disabled (BARNOD), also believes this is a historic moment for persons with disabilities.

“These events do suggest that we are moving forward in terms of building that foundation, that puts things in place for us to use and advancing the lives of persons with disabilities because we can’t change mindsets but once we can change the legislation then we have some leverage, something to use in order to help cement that fight. This is 20 years in coming.”

He said many in the movement believe this is a landmark moment for them as people with disabilities.

Wayne Nurse, acting director of the National Disabilities Unit highlighted some of the areas that would be debated under the bill: “We’re gonna see how they’re gonna be helped in education, sports, employment, health. This is something they have been looking forward to and they have been advocating for such and we’re glad it’s actually happening now.” louriannegraham@barbadostoday.bb