People with disabilities knock transport system

“If you walk down to City Gate now, even if you are using two crutches, it borders on ridiculousness,” Persad said. Toco/ Sangre Grande MP Glenda Jennings- Smith, a member of the Parliament committee, said PTSC buses were often delayed because the corporation requires people with disabilities to travel with a companion. If no marshal is on the bus, the bus stays behind or leaves the disabled people behind, she said.

“Systems should be designed to accommodate persons to let them live an independent life,” said CODO trustee Sharda Ramlakhan.

She said people with disabilities should be treated as subjects rather than objects. Of the Water Taxi Service, Ramlakhan said, “the Water- Taxi Service has taken the same approach whereby they are saying persons with disabilities who use motorised wheelchairs need to bring someone with them.” Representative for mental health Nicole Cowie said there are issues with the supply of drugs by CDAP.

Persad said because drugs are costly, people with disabilities suffer.