Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities (DAPD) Incorporation has called on the government to assist in the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
President of the DAPD, Irma Raymond- Joseph made that call while addressing the 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) building on Monday.
The purpose of the UNCRPD is to promote, defend and reinforce the human rights of all persons with disabilities.
“We are looking forward for the implementation of the UNCRPD,” Raymond Joseph said. “Mr. Minister [Education Minister, Petter Saint Jean who represented Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit], please help us to achieve this goal.You are here this morning so we are placing it squarely at your feet or in your hands to assist us to push forward the implementation, take it to cabinet, discuss it, say to your colleagues that the people at the DAPD they are looking for this to go to Parliament, that we can legislate the UNCRPD.”
According to her, the fight for equal rights and justice, access and opportunities for persons with disabilities it is an ongoing one.
“We at DAPD, we know that persons with disability they bring to the table qualities, talents, productivity, they bring commitment and loyality,” she stated. “We are not asking, we are not advocating for preferential treatment in our advocacy, but we are saying we too have a right and we need to be heard, and we have a right to enjoy everything that others are enjoying.”
Raymond- Joseph explained that in the DAPD convention article 5 talks about equality and non-discrimination.
“We look at attitude accessibility, we are asking for a place where you can create a work environment that is free from misconception, attitudes and the whole stereotype about persons with disability, we look at awareness raising, accessibility, education, work and employment,” she noted. “We at DAPD are saying that the time has come where persons who would have acquired a disability shouldn’t be sent home…we are saying that we have what it takes.”
She pointed out that if a person becomes blind due to cataract or glaucoma, then that person as long as their sensory ability is still functional, they can still function at their very same workplace.
“A person for one reason or the other may have suffered some incident that would cause them to be a wheelchair user, we are saying that they can still function on their wheelchair and still do a very effective job,” Raymond-Joseph said.
Meantime she said the DAPD is looking towards a barrier-free, non-discriminatory and an all-inclusive Dominican society.
“We are hearing of bridges being built, we are hearing of hospitals and other public places. We are saying nothing about us without us. Include us we are the experts. We may not be able to read the fine print of the plan, but our input can allow you to design that will assist us greatly,” she argued. “We do not want to be referred to as dependents on the state or liabilities, we empower our people do be assets to be gainfully employed that they can assist in the economic development of the country.”
Additionally, she stated, “We are saying to the employers out there if we have the skills and qualifications do not discriminate against us. We can perform an equal job as someone who is normal.”
Furthermore, Raymond- Joseph noted, “Try us and you will see the qualities that exist in us.”
She said discrimination should be a “no-no” for persons with disabilities.
“No longer we stay home and we hide. We are out and we say whatever you can do we can do it too,” she stated.
The AGM was held under the theme “Affirmative Action for the Realization of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Sustainable Development Goals.”
Everything today is, call a meeting, invite the Media and place the information on the internet.
Even though a few dignitaries and the PM’s representative were invited and attended, is the PM formally informed in writing? Good luck with this new venture.
I do agree. Those who were employed and became disabled and are able to work should be allowed to continue working.
Adults who are disabled also from birth, if capable of employment should not be denied this opportunity. First of all, they should also not be denied education.
Most people do want to work as long as they are capable of working. The disabled who are capable are no exception. It gives them a sense of well-being and effectiveness.
They are not referred to as handicap as it were in those days. They are now referred to as physically challenged. I do agree with the latter word. It sounds more dignified.
Same as today, the elderly is now referred to as senior citizens; not old-age people.
Some changes will have to be effected to accommodate them which will be a huge, costly undertaking for government work places, business enterprises, schools and churches.
New steps, sidewalks, washrooms should be constructed in such a manner which will be easily accessible to the disabled.
Vehicles which transport passengers will have to be likewise. New ones will have to be bought with this accessibility.
The government and business enterprises including churches will have to bear the cost. If the government can afford it these enterprises should be assisted. Probably through a tax credit/decrease.
Since the UN has proposed this, is the UN willing to financially assist in this respect?
Dominica is still recovering from TS Erika. Roads, bridges to be repaired/constructed are important.
The intelligence of those who are disabled is not eliminated. Their mind and learning capability are functional. They can perform exceptionally well in the work force and should not be denied education and employment, the latter based on their capability
I visualize it would be difficult for those who are blind. They will have to learn Braille. Braille instructors will be needed.
It is not as easy as one, two, three or merely a matter of having meetings to discuss this issue to effect this change.
Patience will have to be applied while the government considers this possibility to decide how this big undertaking could be implemented and at a reasonable cost.
I feel certain someday this will be a reality. My thoughts.
Progressive countries recognize the rights of people with disabilities. Today, the word “persons” is used. It appears to be the norm in this era. They change some words and terminology assuming they are better and correct. It is like changing of the guards.
They should not have tampered with the English language. We have been OK with it.
The word “people” is plural. Why is it not used instead of “persons?” It is as if the word “people” is banned and from the dictionary and such sources.
One person; two and more, people. Why do they not leave the English language, words and spelling alone? Why do they think it is necessary to change them?
The world is not better off using them. On the contrary, as the world progresses, the world – of people – some of them became worst. So much for all those changes.
The UN dictates to other countries. Was the world not better off without those organizations? They give them money, on condition these countries adopt their demanding directives. They do not give them a choice. It is like a bribe.
Once again and this may be the millionth time the Skerit led DLP Government has failed the citizens of Dominica FAILED, no access and proper facilities for the physically challenged. No respect and measures in place for victims of accidents no respect for our women and children. Is more sewo more sewo with Skerit and we the citizens are poor and suffering leading unhappy lives no jobs no opportunities Skerit you are history’ worst prime minister. We are getting publicity yes for the many negative reasons. Panama papers, money laundering Lap Seng, Ashe, and more. mon Dieu put a hand and deliver us Dominicans from this misery… misery…
Dan is the man in the van
I am not a supporter of SKERRIT not now and never will be, but with all due respect to him I must say that it’s not Skerrit that have D/ca in the way it is
D/a people put them selves in that predicament and they are willing to remain in it, Just yesterday a whole set of BUS loads of supporters from the 4 four cardinal points of D/ca gathered in the Soufriere constituency to support him in the illegality of the things which day are doing in D/ca
why don’t D/ca people say no to the LABOUR PARTY CABAL and their CORUPTION and rally with the CHILDREN of D/ca? the Children of D/ca are crying they dan’t have peace with the cabalist
Good luck to you all. I’m afraid the truth is: no money for noble courses like this. The little money that is left is going to Soufriere/Scotshead at present to feed the red propaganda machine. It is very sad.