Strong support for persons with disabilities in Guyana- First Lady tells UN

First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali addressed a United Nations gathering on Tuesday, highlighting the strong support for persons with disabilities in Guyana.

Mrs. Ali spoke at the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In her statement, the First Lady detailed the legislative and institutional measures in place to support this vulnerable group in Guyana.

According to her, the Prevention of Discrimination Act and the Persons with Disabilities Act provide the legal foundation to prohibit discrimination in employment, mandate rehabilitation, ensure access to free education and healthcare, and promote participation in cultural and recreational life. Guyana also has its National Commission on Disability, which is tasked with promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.

But that’s not all. Mrs. Ali said the government has been keen on providing “practical support” including life-long public assistance, employment, housing opportunities, and assistive devices.

“We recently launched the Center for Equity, Opportunity and Innovation – that currently employs scores of persons with disabilities and provides technical, vocational and business development training.

“The combined efforts of the Mahaica Learning Lab, Board of Industrial Training, Business Center and the Open Doors Vocational Centre offers free skills training for persons with disabilities,” Mrs. Ali highlighted.

She also noted that Guyana is home to the Regional Disability Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, which offers early diagnoses for children with disabilities.