The Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities (DAPD) has hailed government’s formal ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Person Living with Disabilities as a major victory.
The government of Dominica on October 1, 2012 formally ratified the convention and the DAPD said it is by far one of its greatest accomplishments since its birth some 29 years ago.
The DAPD says the new move marks the dawn of a “new day” for the movement in Dominica.
“We are aware that after ratification comes implementation, and reaffirms our readiness to work in consultation and partnership with Government to ensure that this is effectively undertaken,” noted Secretary Erma Joseph at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.
She said the disability movement must be seen as part of human diversity and humanity and attention must now be given to “universal design and inclusive design. This means that products, environments, programmes and services must be designed to be usable by all people with or without disabilities, to the greatest extent possible”.
According to Joseph, the ratification will bring about tremendous benefits to Dominica.
Meantime Executive Director of the DAPD Nathalie Murphy says education will be one of the first areas to be given priority.
“We need to pay attention to education and access to the environment and public buildings. If these areas are not available, then it will affect the movement. Training, employment and health will also be given priority,” she stated.
The UN declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples was ratified in 2002/2003. Nothing has been done, I hope something is done for people with disabilites
Well the total lack of interest in this article says it all doesn’t it?
Not only clear the sidewalks but they also need to be leveled so that it will be easier for the disable.
I am really happy for the DAPD and it’s a super first step! People with disabilities have been grotesquely overlooked for way too long! Maybe the approach to better serving people with disabilities should be pursued as a block i.e. OECS, to access grants and other forms of financing.
Anyway, ratification is one thing, enforcement is another. The government has to be prepared to act on the paper now.
Further, making facilities handicap-ready cost alot of money and I’m not sure of how many businesses are in a position to get their establishment ready so economical options must be researched. For example, instead of concrete gangways like we see at Royal Bank, are there temporary ones available that can be placed in position when a person with disabiliies needs to access? Are these temporary gangways (not sure of the word) less expenivse than the permanent concrete ones? These are the areas to explore.
It’s called a ramp.
LOL of course a ramp. senior moment. Not for hell was the word comoing to me.
Mrs. Murphy is so eloquent plenty of us without disabilities must take note.
Big up the Government on this move. Give jack it jacket when its due!
I move in the right direction by this Gov’t in setting all people a new level and equeal.It is time that we do things to make the life of the disable easier Mrs Rolle keep up the good work and it is not going to be a fly by night so keep on working.
Congratulation in a very big way.
Yay!.. It was about time!!
ratification is wonderful, but let us hope we can aford implementation.
use the drug monies what the confiscate from the drug pushers,when the arrest them,and sell there assets that they accumilate during ther drug activities,simple, plus just take one percent from the civil servants salary,st.maarten gov does it,and no one complain,and let the merchands make donations,they can easly get a tax write off,drunk drivers take ten percent from them when cath driving drunk or cause of accidents,or wreckless driving, simple
Congratulations are in order for the DAPD the Government is moving in the right direction with the movement. One big step.
MR Rolle must be rolling in his grave. but better late than never. I suggest for a real start —start clearing the side work in Roseau to allow free and unobstructed movements for persons with disabilities.
Mr Rolle would be happy to know That the Roseau Youth Centre can be accessed by wheelchair for meetings at present.With some minor demolition to a wall in the Female Domitory the washrooms will be user friendly for campers.