Executive Director of the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities (DAPD), Nathalie Murphy, has called on authorities involved in building the new Petite Savanne to make it a community that is physically accessible and barrier free.
The community was severely damaged during the passage of Tropical Storm Erika on August 27 and residents were evacuated after the area was deemed unsafe. Government is presently searching for a new place to relocate residents.
Murphy believes this creates an ideal opportunity for creating a model society that is open for all, including those with disabilities, and a model others can emulate.
“In other words what I am saying is, the houses, the residential homes, the school, the medical centre, the shops, the sidewalks, the churches, the roads that are going to be constructed, rebuild, restored…. I think we should make it a model of a physically accessible and barrier free society,” she said at the opening ceremony the association’s new dormitory funded by the government and the people of through the Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday.
She said the DAPD is willing to assist in such venture.
“We stand ready as an organization to provide the necessary support, expertise, guidance,” Murphy said.
She stated that about 20 people with disabilities from Petite Savanne and the south of the island were affected by the storm.
Sometime ago this was addressed. She has made some excellent points. Since rebuilding will be conducted, this is an excellent time. Why not make those areas accessible for the handicapped?
In Canada they are called physically challenged. This effort has been successful throughout the country, in every establishment as churches, and also on the sidewalks and roads.
They are people too. This will help them to be mobile.
Wow, excellent idea. Keep the fire burning you right on Q….
i just love this lady
Brilliant!
She is right on Q. Very fundamental, and necessary request, forward every backward never. We all in this together. According to Pope Francis lets stop the Garbbage of who is the most powerful amongst us, and bring all on board if we truly believe in a better, bigger Dominica. Let our action do the talking, Enough already. smh!