Disabled community still has contribution to make

ACKNOWLEDGING that the COVID 19 pandemic continues to hit the Barbados working population hard, a call is being made for the private and public sector not to count out members of the disabled community from job opportunities that may arise.

The call was made by the Public Relations Officer of the Barbados Council for the Disabled, Christopher Gilkes, who was speaking briefly to the media on International Day of People With Disabilities, which was celebrated across the globe yesterday.

According to Gilkes, “Unemployment is one of the areas that right now we are facing in COVID-19 and also before COVID-19. This is something that we have to look at and try to get persons to understand that because you have a disability it does not mean we are not capable of doing a task or completing a job. I want to encourage persons in the business sector – private and public – they can reach out to persons in the disabled community because we too can contribute to Barbados.

“Some of us acquire job opportunities, but those opportunities are not long-lasting. We too have something to contribute to our economy and to Barbados. I think once you give us that chance, we will show you we are capable of making things happen and we can also add to your company as well,” he assured.

Gilkes noted that while Barbados has made significant strides over the years there is still some inroads to be made to make Barbados more inclusive. “The Council is the umbrella body for persons with disabilities in Barbados and we have been championing for all of these causes and issues that persons with disabilities face on a daily basis.”

The PRO gave thumbs up to the government for the new buses which have recently been brought into the island, which are accessible for persons with disabilities. “That is another big step they have taken. We can now move around and feel independent,” he smiled.

He said the country must go further as it relates to accessibility particularly as it relates to constructing more ramps and slopes in Bridgetown or in business establishments.

Gilkes used the opportunity to call for more children with disabilities to be included in mainstream schools. “I myself had the opportunity to be involved in the mainstream schools, from primary to secondary. I first attended special needs school, which was a bit of a challenge – but then it worked out for me. I would have been able to sit the exam like everyone else and then move onto secondary level.

“There is a perception that if you have a disability, automatically your brain is not working, but that is not the case for some. There are persons out there who are very intelligent and they go on to become lawyers, they can be a doctor, they can do so much to contribute to the economy. So this is something that really needs to be pushed further,” he opined.

He also observed that the COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for many persons in the disabled community, and drew attention to the fact that the hearing impaired have been challenged with the wearing of masks which has impacted on their ability to communicate with others. (JH)