Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
The disabled community is offering their resounding support to President Christine Kangaloo for her recent call on the Government and Opposition to prioritise the passage of legislation aimed at addressing challenges faced by disabled citizens.
Speaking to Guardian Media, Kenneth Surratt, the executive officer of the Blind Welfare Association said there was an urgent need to have comprehensive legislation to safeguard the community.
Saying disabled people are vulnerable to criminals, Surratt said it was crucial to pass proper legislation swiftly to provide assistance and protection to those living with disabilities.
“Crime is hitting hard at home with people who are blind. The Law Association is looking at the draft legislation, and we hope the Government and the Opposition can get this done before the 2025 election,” he said.
He also expressed support for President Kangaloo’s additional call for the implementation of a National Work-from-Home Policy.
“Once that comes on board, we don’t have to worry about transportation or reasonable accommodation at work. Once we start working from home, this will reduce dependency on disability grants,” he explained.
Surratt also revealed that the draft legislation is not yet publicly available. Urging parliamentarians to heed President Kangaloo’s recommendations and make the draft legislation widely accessible, Surratt said, “We want the Ministry of Social Development to launch this draft legislation in a big way and let the whole country be aware of it.”
As T&T’s population continues to age, Surratt said 15 to 20 per cent of citizens suffer some kind of disability.
This, he said, underscores the pressing need for legislation.
“Such laws would offer critical protection, particularly in domains like the construction industry and educational opportunities,” he added.
He revealed that the Association has started engaging with stakeholders in the architectural industry to promote universal design principles in construction, ensuring greater accessibility for all.
Meanwhile, Ricardo Rampaul, Chief Operating Officer of the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), also expressed appreciation for President Kangaloo’s advocacy. He voiced the hope that lawmakers would take heed and consult with organisations and individuals dedicated to addressing the needs of people with disabilities.
Rampaul said key concerns raised within the disabled community include building codes, infrastructural accessibility, workplace inclusion, and equal access to education.
Principal of the National Centre for Disabilities, Kahaya Sooklalsingh-Puckerin, emphasised the need to eradicate stigma and stereotypes associated with disabilities.
“Some of us think it is taboo to have a disability. As a population, we have to learn how to adapt and treat everyone equally,” she added.
Underscoring the importance of public education in dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding disabilities, Puckerin said while their organisation was not directly consulted, partner NGOs have access to the draft legislation and their comments would be shared with relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, Stephen Creese, chief executive officer of NCPD, also expressed optimism that the legislation would be passed during the first parliamentary session.
“We would like to see regulatory institutions in the country like Town and Country take into consideration the needs of disabled persons in terms of how building and development approvals are granted,” Creese said.
He noted that one of the key problems affecting the community was accessibility as well as people being able to able to access work in the private and public sectors.