There is an on going dialogue on the subject of disability. The National Forum on Disability held last quarter certainly gave persons with disabilities a voice, raised awareness in general, and has set the tone for the engagement and start up of the National Policy on Disability Working Group. During this quarter the momentum has continued.
The report on the National Forum on Disability sponsored by the Governor’s Office, under the theme ‘A holistic approach to improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities in Anguilla’, was made public. It is accessible on the Government of Anguilla’s Website www.gov.ai.You may log on tohttp://www.gov.ai/document_library.php and look for National Forum on Disability Report, November 27, 2012. It is also available through the Department of Social Development 497-2317 and the Ministry of Social Development 497-3930.
Accordingly, the availability of this report surrounding the forum is invaluable. The report documents the current situation where disability is concerned; the pre-forum outputs; the forum event and presentations; and the audience and other recommendations. These are some of the drivers towards making progress on a national level that will benefit persons with disabilities, their families, and the nation as a whole.
Apart from the information presented in this report, the Department and Ministry of Social Development has also coordinated a mechanism for change. The National Policy on Disability Working Group assembled for their inaugural meeting along with Governor’s Office, and Department and Ministry of Social Development Officials. The working group comprises representation from the Health Authority of Anguilla; the Department of Education – Multi Professional Services; the Anguilla Community College; the Labour Department; the Association for Disabled Persons/A Disabled Person/A Representative; the National Youth Council; the Anguilla Retired Persons Association; the Anguilla Red Cross; the Anguilla Social Security Board; the Anguilla Civil Service Association; and the Department of Social Development.
The meeting was a platform for exchange where the terms of reference for the group’s role and responsibilities was discussed and agreed. The Chairmanship of the group was also agreed in the person of Mr.Clive F. Smith, Senior Social Worker, Department of Social Development.
In addition to the rapport on the issue of disability in general, the importance of wider stakeholder contributions to solutions through this grouping was emphasized.
Overall, the Disability Working Group’s objectives are as follows:
1. To formulate a policy that is sound in terms of cross cutting and sectoral issues and is both feasible and sustainable
2. To encourage opportunities to incorporate real experiences and ideas into national machinery designed to improve quality of life and foster an environment of equity and equality
3. To lay the foundation for reform in the national landscape where disability is concerned
4. To develop a proposal for an action plan and corresponding budget for implementation
The issue of disability was featured in the public media. The annual commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was highlighted through a press release. A call was made to the public to improve access to businesses and public spaces in Anguilla in order to reduce barriers for disabled persons in the physical environment. This call was in keeping with the theme for this year “removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all”.
As the discourse continues the disability agenda will move forward in a positive direction. The Department and Ministry of Social Development are grateful for the public’s ongoing participation. The information and feedback shared will serve to further guide the process.
– Press Release
