‘Data driven’ policies transforming lives for Guyanese with disabilities, UN conference hears
The Guyana Government is making significant investments to improve the lives of persons living with disabilities and to ensure there is effective and timely health and educational intervention, these disadvantaged children are now being recorded in a database.
Persons are also being trained to provide specialized care and support to parents and caregivers.
“Our comprehensive and inclusive policies and programmes which are data driven are transforming the lives of every person living with disabilities through access to social justice, education, health care, physio social support, food security and by reducing all forms of discrimination and violence,” Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud said on Wednesday.
She was at the time delivering a statement during the general debate of the 16th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
According to Dr Persaud, Guyana’s constitutional and legislative frameworks encompass equal rights for all.
To this end, she said the government is seeking to improve the lives of persons living with disabilities through digital connectivity and learning.
“As Guyana seeks to harmonise national policies and strategies with the convention on the rights of persons living with disabilities, government is making significant budgetary allocations and investments to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities including through digital connectivity and learning,” she said.
And to ensure persons with disabilities lead normal lives, Dr Persaud said the Government of Guyana recognizes the need for a “life course” approach.
Apart from free technical and vocational training and housing, Dr Persaud outlined that presently persons living with permanent disabilities receive monthly financial assistance until they qualify for old age pension.
In addition, she said to cater for their daily needs, funding is provided for entrepreneurship and free assisted aids are given to encourage participation in everyday school, work and life activities.
“Our comprehensive and inclusive policies and programmes which are data driven are transforming the lives of every person living with disabilities through access to social justice, education, health care, physio social support, food security and by reducing all forms of discrimination and violence,” Dr Persaud said.
“This is based on the understanding that for independence, equal participation and personal growth, access must be a live reality. Central to this is the meaningful engagement of persons living with disabilities in the development of policies and programmes and decision making,” she added.
Dr Persaud said Guyana is committed to “breaking down” the physical, attitudinal and institutional backfires that prevent persons living with disabilities from enjoying the life they want and deserve by ensuring their rights and dignity are respected.
The conference is currently being held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, under the theme “Harmonizing national policies and strategies with the CRPD: achievements and challenges”.
