Assembly agrees on committee to plan for differently abled

A stakeholders’ committee is to be set up to prepare a position paper on including differently abled persons in the workplace in Tobago. This committee is also to formulate a framework for the establishment of a register of differently abled persons on the island.

A motion to set up this committee was passed, and supported by the Minority Council, at last Thursday’s Tobago House of Assembly (THA) plenary at the Assembly Chamber, Jerningham street, Scarborough.

In bringing the motion, Health Secretary Dr Agatha Carrington said this seeks to address the vexing issue of the limited inclusion of differently abled persons in the workplace.

“Today, we in Tobago call for inputs by a range of stakeholders, all arms of Government, civil societies and all organisations with responsibilities for persons with disabilities. “When I look at Trinidad and Tobago’s data, I note that over 23,000 are living with disabilities, though in terms of Tobago, there are gaps…the Social Welfare Department noted that over 300,000 disabled persons are being serviced by them but yet there are others who are not yet accounted for,” she said.

Electoral Representative for Bethel/Mt Irvine, and assistant Secretary in the Division of Community Development, Shomari Hector, in supporting the motion, said the committee would advocate for persons with different experiences, abilities, talents and contributions.

“This committee will seek to engender labour-related and social models for integration that removes barriers and empower participants and improves the quality of their lives despite their differences. This committee will also engender a sense of equality of opportunity and treatment for all peoples, especially the differently abled as it pertains to their ability to access employment that is becoming of their true potential,” he said.

Electoral representative for Plymouth/Golden Lane and Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Chief Secretary, Marisha Osmond, also supported the motion, noting that the sustainable development goals as adopted by the United Nations General Assembly of 2015 and embraced by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, sets out as one of its targets “quality education for all…

“This is all of our business and all of us have to play a role in the business of education and inclusiveness of the differently abled. Therefore, the Division of Education, Innovation and Energy registers it supports to the motion presented and registers it support for a register of differently abled persons on the island of Tobago,” she said.