Disabled told: Get equal by education

Persons with disabilities should seek equality by accessing education, advised Minister for Social Services Delivery, Christine Kangaloo, through her Permanent Secretary, Arlene McComie. The encouragement came at the launch of a “Think Tank on disabilty, integration and development - the way forward in education” last week at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine. Representing Kangaloo, McComie said Government wanted  persons with disabilities to have an equal chance in education. “An adequate educational foundation could significantly assist in levelling the playing field as persons with disabilities seek to enter and compete in the labour market.” New technology, she said, had almost single-handedly forced the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

“Despite this however, the monumental barriers of discrimination and prejudice are still prevalent.” She urged those present to make recommendations to remove such barriers: “I urge you to seize the moment and be a vital part of the future of education in Trinidad and Tobago.” The feature speaker, Jamaican national Mary Mitchell, chairperson of the North American and Caribbean Region of Disabled Persons International, said Caricom Ministers had last week held their first ever talks on the rights of persons with disabilities. “But in the Caribbean we still see discrimination, in access to public buildings and stereotyping.” She said the disabled primarily sought access to education, health, housing, employment, transport and recreation. Through the support of a strong family, some disabled persons had done well in mainstream schools, she said.

“Education is a right, not an act of charity, under the United Nations Charter.” She concluded that integration was the best way to educate persons with disabilities and to sensitise the broader public. The vote of thanks came from Disabled Persons International local president, George Daniel, who thanked the media. “I’ve learnt to respect the media over the years. We wish to thank you for the great job you have been doing.” Those attending the event included former government ministers Lincoln Myers and Dr Daphne Phillips. Dr Innette Cambridge of UWI chaired the talks.