Executive Director of the Dominica Association of Persons Living with Disabilities, Nathalie Murphy, has welcomed the idea of easier access to the Government Headquarters for persons living with disabilities.
On Tuesday, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Services, Community Development and Gender Affairs, Esther Thomas, announced during a farewell ceremony for the two Japanese volunteers who were attached to the DAPD, that her ministry will be looking into providing elevators at the government headquarters to promote access to the various ministries.
Murphy said the news is welcome since the DAPD has been advocating for easier access to various buildings in Dominica. “The DAPD welcomes the news that measures are going to be put in place to provide access to government headquarters,” she said. “The association has always been advocating for an accessible physical environment, access to the buildings and we can see that something practical and concrete is going to happen to ensure that persons with disabilities can access the government headquarters independently.”
She added that the association is prepared to work in collaboration with any agency or institution that is willing to provide easy access to their public buildings since such moves enhance the performance of persons with disabilities.
We are in an era where those living with disabilities are now mobile and/or would like to be mobile. It is good for them that they could get around in wheelchairs and scooters.
There should be easy access for them to enter all government offices, other business enterprises and churches. Elevators, ramps and escalators where applicable would be a good idea. I realize this would be costly. Nevertheless, in the long run it will be well-worth it. You will make a set of move around, they will no longer have to remain indoors. This could also keep them healthier and also lengthen the span of their lives.
Incidentally, the new word in Canada is “physically challenged.” I believe I heard another word but cannot remember it at this time.
The sidewalks should also be accessible to them. Roseau especially needs good and safe sidewalks.
For some years the discussion has been pertaining to installing street lights. If this is too costly, there should be crossing guards, in areas where the traffic is heavy, to assist pedestrians and also those who wish to travel in wheelchairs or scooters.
If we want and expect Dominica to be a world-class country, then these matters should be attended to and implemented.
A gov. for all.Thanks SIR.