PM’s message on International Day of Persons with Disabilities
“Break barriers, open doors: for an inclusive society for all” is this year’s theme for International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Every individual deserves the right to equality, the right to have full access to all services in a country and the right to fully participate in society without prejudice. On this day, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it is important that people are made aware of the issues and challenges faced everyday by disabled persons.
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, primarily the Ministry of The People and Social Development recognizes the importance of providing equal opportunities for all and as such, has assisted various NGOs with various activities that seek to increase awareness and promote equalization for persons with disabilities. The Ministry has also established The Disability Affairs Unit which coordinates and monitors the implementation of National Policy on Persons with Disabilities.
Let us all strive towards the following goals as we assist in the provision of equal opportunities for the disabled:
Support the various NGO’s that aim to develop the skills and abilities of the disabled
Increase public awareness of issues pertaining to persons with disabilities
To encourage self-reliance and to promote inclusion and participation of Persons with disabilities in the country’s socio-economic development
To create a social, economic, political, and physical environment favouring full participation of all citizens
Quote: Minister of The People and Social Development Dr the Honourable Glenn Ramadharsingh, March 8, 2013: “The Government of Trinidad and Tobago recognises that the differently-abled are agents of their own destiny deserving of equal rights and treatment. They have the same rights and responsibilities and as such should enjoy equal access to the services available to each and every citizen.”
Activity: Trinidad and Tobago Paralympic Committee is having a four day exhibition in Low Lands Mall Gulf City, Tobago from December 10-14, 2013 from 10am to 6pm. Also, the Cerebral Palsy Society of Trinidad and Tobago will be hosting a 2 hour seminar on December 6th, 10am to 12pm along with a fun walk and the distribution of flyers on December 8th at 8am at the ASJA Girls College, Chase Village.
For more information visit:
The official website of the Ministry of The People and Social Development of Trinidad and Tobago
The official website for the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities