Chief Executive Director of the Dominica Association of People with Disabilities (DAPD), Nathalie Murphy has called for an environment that is friendly to people with disabilities so that they can move around indepedently.
Murphy told Dominica News Online (DNO) on Wednesday that proper sidewalks should be built in Roseau to assist persons with disabilities.
“Builders in Roseau should take into account the environmental issues that affect people with disabilities, particular persons with impaired vision and we have to ensure that the sidewalks are free from any hazards or obstacles to cause any additional disability to them,” she stated.
She pointed out that there should be an environment, “where people with disability can manauver and function independently without having obstacles getting in their way that will prevent them from functioning.”
“They have to ensure that even when the sidewalks are built, the motor vehicles don’t use them as parking areas,” she said.
Murphy further mentioned that the DAPD has embarked on an educational campaign with motorists, “So people with disabilities can freely access the environment.”
Meantime, United Workers Party (UWP) candidate for the Roseau Central constituency, Joseph Isaac revealed at a press conference this week that as part of the party’s vision for change, people with disabilities will be given much attention.
Isaac said proper systems should be put in place to support people with disabilities.
“When we look at people with disabilities, we need to have proper systems in place,” he said. “So for example in a renewed Roseau, a clean and green Roseau which will be the best place to live in the region as a city, a clean city, a city where people with disabilities can move up on ramps and move on the sidewalks, not a sidewalk where you have holes every part you park.”
The DAPD was formed in 1983 as an organization of disabled people with any kind of physical or mental limitation.
It established itself as an effective voice for persons with disabilities in Dominica and has successfully worked to raise the consciousness of the public and private sectors, regarding both the difficulties faced by disabled people in society and the potential of disabled people to be productive contributors to the country’s social and economic well being.
Currently the DAPD has over 400 members.
In this 21st century Dominica has to stop locking up it’s persons with disabilities behind closed doors, like we have done in the past. People with disabilities can contribute to society if given a chance. The streets of Roseau should be wheelchair friendly so as to accommodate those people in wheelchairs.
I believe some months ago there was an article on DNO pertaining to this. I am certain the government is aware of that. Nevertheless, this should be addressed to the government who, in turn, will inform nationals about it, as those who own businesses and the churches, to make their buildings accessible for the disabled while the government also does its part in making the streets accessible and free of port holes, garbage and other obstructions.
This venture will cost money but it is worth it. For the present the disabled are housebound. Imagine when they will be able to be mobile how happy they will be.
Bus owners should also make their transportation accessible. The government should take steps to ensure that new buses which transport nationals should be built accordingly.
Will those who own businesses able to afford it? The government may have to introduce a program to aid some of them, those who expend a certain amount of funds to make their property accessible. This can be done but with cooperation from all concerned. Hope it occurs in the near future. Time does not wait for anyone.
Does D/ca have wheel-trans for the disabled? If not a few should be considered and purchased.
Dominica is progressing and with progress, these important matters should be implemented as soon as the funds become available.
Good luck!
when people talk the truth.. others take it as its bashing the country and government.. if its orange say its orange, dont come and say its kinda yellow.. we all know who is responsible to take care of this.. im glad you can say it as it is (DAPD), in this 21st century roseau road side is a disgrace for a main town.. even Portsmouth is way better..how can you be walking in town and kicking road? all because of all the bumps and holes ,the limited side walks are parking spot and the road is for vehicles and pedestrians .. SMH
If they had taken the money for the white house and fixed the streets of Roseau, it would have been put to a much better use that benefited a lot more people. But that is not who you have in government right now.
Yu cya push yr baby on de sidewalk n all you doh wanna pay tax. SMH…Keep asking for all dem services n doh contribute to the economy n turn around n blame de govt.
It would be nice if we had all those things but keep ish in perspective.
P.S This has nothing to to with people with people with disabilities and I wish more was being done for them. This is more directed to people who keep complaining about de state of de country!!!!
absolute nonsense ppl are paying taxes and not receiving the services that need to be provided. money is being spent to campaign and give handouts while services deteriorate in fact i applaud that you mention your post is not about the disabled because not even the able can navigate the streets of roseau comfortably
as it relates to tax u should also be aware that vat is the main income earner for government and applies to water, telephone, electricity, food etc so that practically everyone pays tax regardless of if they want to or not so dominicans are actually the main contributors to their economy #gobacktoschool
I totally agree. Can’t even push a stroller on these sidewalks.