A humane act

THE EDITOR: The new accessible pedestrian signal on traffic lights for persons with disabilities is such a humane act! It definitely gets us one step closer to attaining first world status and moving away from the stigmatisation of people with disabilities locally.

On multiple occasions, I have been approached or mistakenly hit by walking sticks used by people who are partially blind in downtown Port of Spain, and of course I render my assistance or give directions and I will continue to do so.

However, I often wonder what provisions are being made by the Government, with this regard. So I was extremely pleased to see on TV6, the story of the 15 traffic lights that were implemented across Trinidad and Tobago and I support this much needed initiative! The most compassionate act is seeing video footage and images of the Minister of Works and Transport escorting the president of the Consortium of Disability Organisations (CODO) in wheelchair safely across Wrightson Road, Port of Spain after using the new accessible pedestrian signals.

I also wish that consideration is given to some of the recommendations made by Mr Kenneth Surrat, CEO of the Blind Welfare Association.

To conclude my letter, I would like to share a social media post I read online.

It summarises my thoughts and feelings.

The post goes like this, “Great job! Progress is not measured in handouts or what the government is doing for me…it’s about bringing about positive changes that enhance one’s everyday life. Some people are not honest or mature enough to acknowledge the positive changes that this Ministry of Works and Transport has made. But I see it and acknowledge it. Continue the success.”

AMY THOMAS via email

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"A humane act"

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