Executive Director of the Dominica Association of People with Disabilities (DAPD) Nathalie Murphy has said that although it is important for people with disabilities to receive the necessary equipment, access to various places still remains an issue.
She challenged members of the Rotary Club of Dominica to start creating awareness on the issue of access for persons with disabilities. “I think I would send a challenge to Rotary Club to embark on an educational program where we can get the public to start creating access properly so that persons who are wheelchair users will be able to enjoy life and enjoy it fully.”
According to Murphy, people in wheelchairs are usually charged an extra fee when using public transportation and in some cases are denied entry on the buses. “It is important that when these individuals receive equipment that they are able to utilise it. We have heard of reports where persons with disabilities, in spite of the fact that they have equipment, they cannot use it fully because their environment is not disability friendly.”
Speaking at the handing over ceremony on Tuesday of 18 wheelchairs donated to the DAPD by the Rotary Club of Dominica, Murphy referred to article 9 in the United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities stating that this article speaks to enabling persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life on an equal basis with others.
Murphy pointed out, however, that quite often people who are disabled particularly those suffering with mobility impairment are often denied that right. “If people don’t have the necessary equipment I don’t think that they can enjoy participating fully on an equal basis with others and that is why it is important that those with mobility impairment are able to access the equipment that they need. When we speak about access to the physical environment we speak of roads, buildings, and we also want to speak about access to transportation.”
She added that this type of discrimination prohibits people on wheel chairs from participating in their island’s development.
well said mrs,,start with planing department then then the all of dominica .but remember the ones who are hard of hearing,seeing ..i have had first hand of that in dominica
I wholeheartedly endorse what you stated. I recall a similar article was posted on DNO a year or so ago. I did provide my comment.
God will bless you for that!
Dominica which is a progressive country, the government should also speak about it and encourage business owners to make their buildings disability-accessed.
The outside world in especially the progressive countries is no longer non-friendly to people with disabilities. The new word is “physically challenged.”
They have access to public transportation; to buildings, churches, restaurants, grocery stores, other stores especially the bigger and prominent ones, government buildings, public washrooms and the list goes on.
Those who are able to move around and use wheel chairs, canes or walkers, are now mobile. They go any and everywhere and are able to enjoy life. This increases their happiness and longevity.
We in Canada are disability-friendly. It is the Law as well, also to those who are blind and who have eye-seeing dogs. Some of these people are also employed.
I hope something is done in Dominica and soon enough to make everywhere accessible to the disabled which will enable them to live an enjoyable and productive life of all.
Business owners of every sort please take note and assist. None of us know what the future holds for us. This transition may cost a few extra dollars. Discuss it with the government that you could receive an income tax rebate. How about that?
A challenge is extended to you, all for the love of God, of neighbor and those who are in need of in this case.
Yes people let us be more aware of the needs of others
well said Mrs. Murphy. I’m also requesting/asking that when they a building the VIP areas for the shows access will be made for wheelchair users. would love it