Equal participation in society for Persons with Disabilities
−Govt determined to have Guyana lead by example
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, December 3, 2019
The Government of Guyana is prioritising access to services for Persons with Disabilities to ensure they are self-sufficient and living healthy lives.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was observed on Tuesday under the theme ‘Promoting the participation of Persons with Disabilities and their Leadership: Taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda.’
Minister of Public Health, the Hon. Volda Lawrence, in a message to mark the day, said the administration has focused on achieving Sustainable Development Goal #3 which is to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all.
“It is evident that if we leave behind our Persons with Disabilities, we will not achieve that right to health for all and universal health coverage.
To this end, the government has invested in the National Vocational School by expanding its programmes to include a beauty care track which would help to empower young adults with disabilities and give them a viable means of self-sufficiency,” the message outlined.
Director of Disability and Rehabilitation Services, Dr. Ariane Mangar, also noted the government’s efforts to ensure Persons with Disabilities have equal access to services and other things needed for day to day activities.
Mangar said the aim was to improve the quality of life of PWDs through access to the same opportunities to work, live and learn to the best of their ability. Mitigating some of the difficulties associated with ageing and providing accessible health services through partnerships are some of the ways they are tackling the issue.
“People with disabilities are not heroes and are not victims. They are agents of their own destiny, seeking an equal place in the Guyanese community,” she said.
According to Mangar, current health trends suggest the prevalence of disabilities will increase, partly because of the growing incidence of chronic diseases.
“At some point, every citizen will experience some form of temporary disability as their life course progresses,” the director stated.
Mangar said the government would lead by example to build a sustainable and transformative future in which everyone with disabilities, could realise their full potential.