St Kitts and Nevis drafting National Disability Policy
THE TERRANCE DREW ADMINISTRATION IS CURRENTLY DRAFTING A NATIONAL POLICY to help protect and improve the lives of persons living with disabilities (PLWs) Minister Isalean Phillip said.
“The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is committed to improving the lives of persons with disabilities including visitors to the Federation. We have embarked on a mission to honour and fulfill its obligations of the United Nations (UN) Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities with expectations to create equitable life a reality,” said Phillip whose ministerial portfolio includes Aging and Disability.
In the absence of a national policy for PLWs, the fundamental rights of persons with disabilities are protected under the 1983 Constitution and other strategies that take into consideration the rights of persons who are differently-abled.
In 2006, the United Nations (UN) adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) to promote, protect and ensure their rights are acknowledged and fully enjoyed without discrimination. As such, St. Kitts and Nevis supports these rights and in October 2019 the Federation signed and ratified the UN Convention on the rights of PLWDs.
Minister Phillip said during a recent national address, that the country’s health professionals are now equipped to identify disabilities at an early stage to provide the necessary early intervention.
“Children under the age of 18 and adults over the age of 62 receive free medical care, special attention and at times accommodation,” the government minister said.
She added that learning disorders, behavioural/developmental disorders, diabetes-related amputations and physical injuries are the major causes of disability in Basseterre.
“Persons with disabilities are no different from any of us when it comes to their dreams or desires for growth and advancement; they are equally entitled to participate in all aspects of life and society,” Phillips reminded.
Health facilities geared towards providing services to differently-abled persons include the St. Kitts and Nevis Association of Persons with Disabilities; Ade’s Place; the Nevis Blind Light and Visually Impaired Society; the Cardin Home; the Flamboyant Nursing Home; the Cotton Thomas Comprehensive School; the Cecele Browne Integrated School, and the St. Kitts Spectrum Services Center.
