Government must do more for disabled

THE EDITOR: Kindly permit me space to give my perspective on the present situation regarding persons with disabilities. It has been some weeks since Disabled Peoples International (DPI) members, led by abled George Daniel, have made an impact on our country. By their bold actions at TTEC and Flour Mills, they have won some support, while others have only continued to view them as less than worthy.

Hence the added controversy and alleged abuse by the security personnel. Should this matter be properly investigated and proven true, then the guilty should be accountable, fined and made to perform community service. Simultaneously, I would like to encourage the government and the “Disabilities Minister” not simply to provide cosmetic dress to persons affected by any form of disability. It doesn’t matter whether they be wheel chair bound, or blind, or deaf (hearing-impaired). The latter group came in for mention in the last budget with the promise of hearing aids and that seemed to be a full stop for them. I hope not.

The provision of hearing aids has value in so far as it goes with other support systems. The recent provision of wheel chairs is a very laudable move as well. But the Government must, I repeat, must be pushed to do more. But what of us? Are we as citizens doing our part in our communities and as families of persons so affected? Are we initiating positive action to make their lives valuable rather than leaving them as dependents? I am convinced there is much that we all can and should do to make a positive difference. It is easy for anyone to criticise the government for its failures. But I can be just as guilty, if the person down the street or even in my home has not received the special touch I failed to give.

JOHN HENRY
Arima