Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697742654907.pdf (Guyana)
Nat10nal Polic)' ; I : ion .

The Rights I I Of People.

With Disabilities Guyana .. NATIONAL GUYANA POLICY ON THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, I INTRODUCTION 1.1 PREFACE The Government of Guyana .

is committed to the promotion of the Guyana.

rights of children, yout:h and adults with disabilities in been developed with · the full people with disabilities.

of people with disabilities and ally, it held between November 1994 and devised by the.
Caribbean and organised imination Specific by a of the organisations This policy has the:r:efore participation institutions which serve was drafted in a serie� of workshops July 1996, utilising'.
a methodology Initiative Steering Trades Union Congress, Industry, Guyana Human Rights Association, Committee, agencies each participated contributing the Guyana Cqalition to the fo�u�ation on EqualitY1 and Non-discr Committee made up of representatives from the Guyana the Consultative :Association of Guyanese and the Government of Guyana.
The following groµps and in at least one workshop, thereby of Citizens with Disabilities, the National Rehabilitation the of the policy: 1.1.1 * * * * Organisations Guyana Coalition Association Georgetown Georgetown Association Guyana Society for the Blind of People with Disabilities of Citizens with Disabilities for the Mentally for the Hearing Impaired Handicapped 1.1.

2 * * * Other NGOs Voluntary Services Overseas Canadian Guyana Human Rights Association Executive Service Organisation 1.1.
3 * * * with Disabilities for People School for the Handicapped Institutions David Rose St Rose's High School Unit for the Visually East Coast Demerara Programme {CBR) Haslington National Rehabilitation Community- Committee /Buxton CBR * * Impaired Based Rehabilitation lo 1 : * * * * * * Home Rehabilit�tion Cent.Ee.

Mahaica Chesflite Ptolemy Reii:l.; Linden Centre for Handicapped Lions Specipl Needs School-New Amsterdam Berbice CBR ; Special Need$ �chool -East Bank Demerara Cbilbren .

I 1.1.
I 1.1.

4 :1 , j , of Government of Health; Education; and Day Care Centre Ministries/Agencies Ministries Services an�;sdcial Municipal Central Hou�ing and Planning .

1 Georgetown Probation and W�lfare Service National InsJr�nce Scheme Mayqr and City Council Security * * * * * , Labour, Human 1.1.5 Private Sect�r; * Consultative'Association of Guyanese Industry DEFINITION 1 .

2 .
2 .

Classification of Imp�i,..r:ments, Health Organisation) : OF TERMS (Taken from the International Disability and Handicaps, World IMPAIRMENT: Any loss or abnormality anatomical of psycholog or function.

; structure ical or DISABILITY: from an or lack (resulting Any restriction impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human be.ing.
HANDICAP: from an impairment or disability, A disadvantage for a given individual, resultin,g that: limits or prevents the role that is normal, depending on age, sex, sdcial and cultural individual.

a person with a disability en:Vironment.


the encounter factors, for that It describes fulfillment of a and the between PREVENTION: aimed at preventing the onset of intellectual, psychiatric and Measures physical, sensory impairments preventing impairment, (primary or at when it has occurred, prevention) · !from causing permanent functional prevention).
pr: disability {secondary limitation REHABILITATION: ed and time-limited process aimed persons with disabilities A goal-orient at enabling and maintain an optimum physical, sensory, intellectual; psychiatric and/or social them with the functional tools to change their lives towards a higher level of indep��dence.
level, thus providing to reach EQUALISATION OPPORTUNITIES: OF such as the physical and cultural •The process through which the general system :of !society, •�nvironment, .social and health services, cultural work opportunities, including sports and recreational to all .

are made accessible and educational life, and,social facilities, hou·sing and transportation, 1.3.
A SITUATION OF DISABILITY IN GUYANA ' ANALYSIS ·' and by health planners be'en given low priority which showed that In Guyana, the status and situation of people with di�abilities have historically policy-makers, and even less by development planners makers.

At the end of 1996, the most recent hard date back to a limited survey consultant, six areas surveyed was 3.

87%, and was higher, 4.

9% in one consid,ered socio-economically depressed such urban area and 4.8% in one rural area.
The survey also were visual and indicated that the most prevalent physical with rates of 15.1 and 14.5 per 1000 respectively.

In that with the increasing 1993, a PAHO situation number of .road traffic accidents there was a consequential adult age group.
in Guyana, it was probable disabilities and policy­ Qata available that in the young carriea out in 1981 by a PAHO in the in areas that its incidence analysis suggested disabilities of disability increase in the incidence It is generally accepted by rehabilitation larger percentage related issues than is the frequent only is poverty one can cause a family already living with even deeper into pov�rty.

income earner in a household This is especially becomes disabled.
interaction of any populat::hon is affected by disability­ itself.

One main reason for this by disability between poverty and ofi the leading causes of disability; disability disability.

Not limited resources to sink planners that a much true when the main 1 ayailable, it is reasohable to suggest that to deeperi;poverty.
of poverty, with other also interacts In the cas� of Guyart�, this would are poorer when they people, for examp�e, as a variable While no data are disability, variables suggest that indigehous are disabled.

particularly are probably Women • with disabilities · who head households, where t�e±e are no other income-earners, among the poorest sectors o� the Guyanese population.

$ervices c;iisr.bility".

services.

The 1993 PJWO situation tation facilities in · the country.
by the in Guyana is further aggravated because of.

the.

insufficfency of da,ta i.t was not served, and by type of: disability were therefote · all classed under the by the The problem of disc;itfi�ity paucity of rehabi,lii.tation analysis listed six .tehabili Unfortunately, to classify possible people with disabi]ities category "multiple facilities were rehabilitation, special.

education, assessment majority 25% of the country's the services.
The main services provided through the Community-based programme, which relies mainly the needs of people with disabilities, available the other 'facilities contrast, vertically-organised and centers.

and somEp medical services.

were located in the capital: :rt was t;ound that: the with just on community volunteers total population, in the rural areas were (CBR) Rehabilitation e.g.

those services of the facflities The main services in the country are by institutions Georgetown especially children.
available had over 75% of to address provided provided By specialized providing services the David Rose School provides There are a number of agencies disabilities: the.

hearing-and intellectually-impaired; Rehabilitation needs of children the St. Rose's Resource are visually-impaired indirectly for children with special education for the Ptolemy Reid Hom� cater to the disabilities; and Unit provides education for who children or blind.
These are all directly or Centre and the Mahaica Cheshire and developmental with physical by the State.

supported �here are also a few smaller units, the Linden Centre for · Handicapped J t_he Llon� and the Special Needs School, East Bank Demerara/· ·Spei:·ial Needs School, Ne!"

Amst�rdam Children, wchich, -.serve hearing-and in�ellectually-impai redchildren in those regions.
for.adults are provided Services of the Ministry organisations Disabilities, and the Parents' Associations Retar�ed and the Hearing-Impaired are i�volved, though way, in advocacy of Health and the Guyana Society for the Blind, and of Citizens with such as the Guyana of the ·Mentally on behalf of people with disabilities through the Physiothe rapy Services in a limited Coalition .
4 rehabilitation services their availability report a is providing While the organisations growing demand for these services, decreasing.

Two exainpies are a depletion programmes offered bY, the Physiotherapy the enrolment of trained teachers.
caused by low salari�s the .curtailment rehabilitation whidh used to be provided of stupents for special education Services and a reduction in due to a shortage of professionals The problem of scarcity .and high rates of migration is compounded by o'.f · many of the training programmes in in the rehabilitation by Government.

unded CBR programme, "Hopeful in its goal of assisting in the by facilitating and of the family and the wider externally-f been successful The .
non-governmental, Steps",has development of children with disabilities promoting the effective community in the rehabilitation four coastal communities Corentyne Demerara, location, Rupununi programme would be social problems participation are more complex.

process.
process.

and the Essequibo Coast, and in one hinterland � However it is not certain whether such a in the marginal as successful urban areas where in the East Coast Demerara, East Bank The programme functions in The experience of the CBR programme highlights four facts: service can much of the rehabilitation at the q)Inmunity level.

at this level do not require professiona�s 1.That with basic t�aining be provided 2.Services delivery , even though they will contribute organisation.
3.With the use of available local ·participatory 4.For a developing provide wider access to basic but essential to a greater number of persons with disabilities, as opposed to the minority who are typically mainly on professionals for actual to its design and this approach makes it reached by an approach and sophisticated at community level and with involvement, such a programme is sustainable.

country, possible rehabilitation to services technology.
resources which relies However, while rehabilitation Primary Health still be necessary the CBR approach can deliver esse·ntial at the community level as a component services Care, specialised of will and institutional services levels.

and tertiary at the secondary especially A further benefit would be effective levels where their services use of scarce professionals the ability to make more efficient at the secondary and tertiary and are really essential.
While the material Guyana are critical,,tt;te attitudes with disabilities that the society has to people People with disabilitie s problems facing people with disabilities in are no less crippling.

.. 5 away from the rest of society.

are still seen as objects of charity, better cared for in institutions the Visually-Impaired institution for both the they need.
is the single example in the country of an to equalise opportunities and the integr9ted education which functions The St. Rose's Unit for separate by providing as of students, as preventable that might happen to anyone.

Thus, no link is Nor.is disability.viewed same coin, something made between the use of harmful chemicals enough the roads, and preventable disability.
emphasis is not placed on the important· relationship that �:�:��:-��o�� �a�a;��it��n_t:r:Qlof _chronic_ diseases _]iave_to __ the ... or the dangerous use of Additicmally, or, as another side of th� to education, in the language to health and to parenthood, is used to speak of and to them; it is the and it is osed even in the names of serve their interests.
The right ·of people The pervasiveness of the old view of people with disabilities reflected language of "handicap", designed to institutions with disabilities to sexual relations assumed, still less provided yet reached the stage when people with disabilities, and to in the language the country of people with disabilities, it still has no movement of people with disabilities, articulating a demand for rights.
It is not that their situation is given prominence in any other movements; particular vulnerability assault and abuse, especially sexual .assault by women's organiEations.

been addressed services, for example, is far from not for.

A major reason why Guyana has the example, to and abuse, has not are spoken of is that while has many organisations and empowering, to cite one majo.r of enabling- of girls and women with disabilities to employment, 2.POLICY AND PRINCIPLES 2.1.

POLICY OBJECTIVES 2.1.1.


The development disabiliti citizens.

es which will enable them to demand their rights as equal of a sense of self-worth among people with 2.1.2.

Among other citizens, people with disabilities eliminating including sexual exploitation.

marginalisation, the inculcation of attitudes towards based on respect as a foundation for discrimination, and exploitatio n, 2.1.3.
The achieveme nt of an environment which enables people 6 with disabilities to take a full part in the economic, social, .

cultural life of their communities and recreational and country 2.1.4.

The strengthening of the self-organisation disabilities, effective necessary, functioning for their establishment of new organisations.

of people with and building where through support for the institutional of their existing organisations and • 1 2 .1.

5.
5.

The creation of the conditions· for improved le disabilities .

preventab necessary infrastructure, public education, safety legislation, health and education and agricultural health and agencies,eg, the legal and traffic departments, dealing with the use of dangerous agencies, departments and collaboration among relevant through the building occupational of of the or enhancement prevention -== •• -· �-- ... ctie:m_iqtls _and.

p�sticides.

---.

:..24J.--..ti,,__ Th.�.


_;1_trengthening services to people with disabili-ties feasible, the establishment strengthening governmental, to equalise conditions e.g.

( in education, employment, transportation housing, between governmental, private and household sectors in the provision disabiliti to buildings, ·a.oo .Rhere n-eces-ga:ry--- .

Relatedly, the non­ of es .

of .

the .. institutioiis··wnrcn- of new facilities physical access of collaboration for people with opportunities etc).
-provi:de--·-------- --�---·--··· -a-nd------ 2 .1.

7.

The maintenance of continuous causes and types of disability location class, race\ethnicity, research of persons with disabilities.

and data c;ollection age, gender and region.

on such issues-- as the in Guyana a�d-th.e number and Data will be desegregated by an up-to-date data base through 2 .1.

8.

Ensuring the effective ·through· use ... 0£ .. evalua.ticm of this policy c111<:i _mprii toring mechanisms t-he---systemati-e- implementation .

2.2.
2.2.

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES The Government principles of Guyana -is committed to the following fundamental as regards people with disabilities: · 2.2.1.

The enshrinement disabilities, opportunities, rights including to the in law and Constitution.

their right of the of people with equalisation of 2.2.2.

The full participation their organisations in all areas and levels of decision-making affecting of people with disabilities their lives and well-bein and g. 7 2.2.3.
A non-partisan people with for the equalisation fundamental disabilities approach to the promotion of the rights of as an essential of opportunities, work basis for sustaining which will include and costly changes (eg, to ensure physical access).

2.2.4.
2.2.4.

In implementing this National Policy, the need to recognise that particular discriminated to women with disabilities, the implications workload in productive - vulnerabi this means recognising of the fact that women's double and triple work and women's -· lity to violence are increased against in two or more interacting groups of people w�th disabilities are and reproductive in the context of ways.

In relation and addressing i I 3.INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS 3.1.
LEGISLATION will be reviewed, Existing legislation enacted to remove areas of discrimination disabilities and promote the equalisation of opportunities of Opportunities in the Draft Rules fo.r--Equalization outlined .. the--fil-sabled -formulated-by-the United Nations·; amended or against people with and legislation as for 3.2.
ADMINISTRATION -- fune-t-i-Ons - will be established A National Commission on Disability, funded by the Central to promote the rights of people Government, ---wi--1'-l---#nclude develop_ing an(i....._ ____ -- - - ·.
with-d-i-sab-i-1--i�ie-s-: implementing within the framework of advising government disabilities; continuous·ly their continued on all issues relating to people with of the policy; and the policy on people with disabilities; and evaluating the programmes to ensure programmes to ·ensure the equalisation the implementation of opportunit relevance.
monitoring reviewing ies., will liase which will be the lead with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry and the Ministry of Labour, Human Services The Commission of Education Security, the for promoting rights of persons with disabilities.

The existing Secretariat of and re­ n Committee will be strengthened the National organised to provide the functions of ( i) a Secretariat.
for the Commission I for ensuring are addressed and (ii) a disability unit with responsibility that all issues and concerns of persons with disabilities at the central level.

Rehabilitatio Ministries and Social 8 The Commission lead Ministries, both local and externai1ctonor ; I I will b� j fJnanced but wi!l� �e able to access ; agencies. '

via direc� subventions·.


�dditional from the fpnding from 1 • i categories : · I Governmental servi$g;people no tn6rJ than fifteen members drawn from the of p$ople with disabilities.

with disab�liti agencies (incluq�ng It will comprise following * Organisations * Ins�itutions * Relevant * Non-governmental people with disab�litjies), private sector anoltqe media.

.

People with disab}ii�ies/care-givers disabilities.

; : Other individuals1�i�h a demonstrated of people with dis�bilities.
The Guyana Human of the trade union movement, organisations { Rtg�ts Association.

of people wi\h es.

Ministries).

the * * * · 1 concern for·the rights other: than organisations RECOMMENDED POLICY ACTI9N1 to serve as g1.1td�lines In conformity with thJ UN Standard Opportunities for Per�onis developed of national within two broad areas -;Preconditions Target Areas for Equal Pc;3,rticip taken from the Standard;Rules.
policies, with Disabilities which ·have been ,tpi� policy addresses for countri�s in their preparation the range, of issues and for Equal Participation, ation.

The rules outlined below are Rule� of Equalisation of It will be the responsiBility implementation of the :actions and otherirelevant private sector an active role.

of the State io lead the way in the the to play outlined institutions below, encouraging and agencies 4.1.

PRECONDITIONS FO� EQUAL PARTICIPATION 4.1.1.

AWARENESS-RAIS�NG Rule 1.


"States should take action to raise awareness about persons with disatii�ities, and their con�ripution".

potential their rights, I ' their needs, their in society I • Policy: The state-owne� promotion disabilities encouraged to the media.

to train pers6nriel of equalisa�ioln · I · µtedia will act of opportunities as a model for media for people with and all media, both private and public, will in techniques for equality be of access 9 � 1.
Promote the portrayal of people with disabilities in a positive ··Actions: .

way.

·2.

Design and introduce disability and textbooks at all levels.

issues, which can be used to re-shape modules on "difference" which address teaching curricula • 3.

Use .... ,.

the National Policy on the Rights.. Disabilities as a basis for sustained situati'On-of people with disabilities equalls.e .
opportunities·· public,,., of People wi.th education to .. actions required on the,, and the ·' 4-.--·Ensurer·-ther-meas-u-rement -aRd--v-al-ua�ion-of -...unwaged-work_of _ people_�-- __ •with disabilities, a na-peo-p1.e-carlng----f"ur-fami-J.y· memberrs--wi-th----... ,, _ _______ ·· ·: ··ct1·s-abil it ie�------ ----·---- 4.1.2.

MEDICAL CARE Rule 2: "States should ensure the provision care to persons with disabilities".
of effective medical Policy: Conditions disabilities have ready access to existing community health against in the use of these services servi .. c�s;_ a:t: thf:iLSame time, special health facilities will be created to ensure that people with t and are not discriminated for people wherever necess-ary and • with disabilities will be established possible, needs of people with disabilities.
and community services will be upgraded to address the 1.Establish early risk of disability intervention at both pre-natal programmes to detect children at and post-natal stages.

2.Train health personnel in the early detection and knowledge of available referral services.· of disabilities 3.

Educate men and women nationally use of contraceptive methods.
on the advantages of proper 4.Provide clinics with multi-disciplinary screening and counselling, Transmitted emphasising Diseases (STDs) as a cause of disability.

the seriousness personnel for genetic of Sexually 5.Provide sustained public education, including targeted farmers) on the dangers of poor nutrition, at special groups (e.g., parents/guardians/c cigarette smoking, public education hildcarers; 10 substance and how they may cause!

f,iisability.
f,iisability.

abuse, househ�l<;i, industrial • • I and ·agricultural chemicals I i 6.

Provide adequate paramedical personnel i�.

to people with disabili�i�s.

�raining and equipment to medical and u/rban and rural are'as to give medical care ' 1 !

7.

Train health person*e� communicating with men;, women and adolescen ltd their sexual and reproductive especially I i and other couns�llors in relatiorl r r in the .skills of needs.

ts with disabilities, 4.1.3.


REHABILITATIO� Rule 3: "States shoulljj services and sustain their optiriiuni level of independence to persons wi�hi disabilitie /ensure the provision s in order fo.r them to reach and functioning" .

of rehabilitation I I / .

I I Policy: People with· di$abilities involved rehabilitation services, provided opganisation, monitoring i but more especially in the design,!

will be of and evaluation in those services and their families at the cornmupity level.

I I l !

Actions: 1.


Train nurses, hea;lt.hl Identification workers, and As:srs�ment I I I doctors and social workers in of Disability and Referral.

2.

Ensure trained re�JbJlitation levels of rehabilitatidn physiot!Jerapy, 1care and in all related therapy and social work.

occupat:ional workers ;tor .intervention at all e.g., disciplines, I 3.
Create a community-based and all other organisations educational, vocational servicEks, referral system to facilitate collaboration 1 secondary, and tertiary (a) between care institutions {b) between those services and social, :and employment services.

4.

Recognise rehabilitation, as part of drug an� mental health rehabilitation and ensure trained counsellors in these areas.

i I 5.

Train persons witn disabilities counsellors. '

and family members to act as 4.1.4.


SUPPORT SERVIC¢S Rule 4: " States should ensure the development support services, in¢luding disabilities, independence in their!

daily living and to exercise their rights".

and supply of devices for pers0ns with to assist them to increase their level of assistive Policy: The governrllent will treat access by people with 11 I !

1 disabilities to suppor� J�rvices as a commitment rig�t, in .

to promote ,�he�� maximwn self-reliance .

i !


: I I , keeping with its Actions; 1.Establish equipment technicians/p of basic needed by I eople with disfbili ties, and train a facili�� � rofessionrfs 'in the production I 'r the production; :of rehabilitation aids.

and servicing / !

l ���ch: ��h���1�� i a �;� t.i assist people with disabilities .

I I , : �o�cessions duty-free i 1q1ipment and appliances where for the importation, to acquire for people with 3.Provide necessary, of aids, disabilities. '
I !

j 4.2.

TARGET AREAS FORrJodAL PARTICIPATION 4.2.1.

Accessibility:!

Rule 5: " States shqulp.

recognise ation of opportunities accessibility .

in all spheres of so�i ot action to make the kind, states should (a) i�troduce physical to environment provide access to and (b} undertake and communication".

r accessible; ty.

For persons with disabilities to the p{oqess of the equalis the overall importance of information programmes measures of any !
I Policy: Given the high cost of providing with acs:ess to the php'"sical .

communication, possible collaboration monitor a ten-year programme environment and to information and I , 1arhong all sectors to design, implement and for establishing the government .

will actively such access.


foster the closest people with disabilities Actions: 1.Develop standards for accessibility buildings, in existing facilities� and guidelines to: be required and enact legislation such as in new facilities providing parks, pavefi1ents, buses; and to be gradually introduced 2.Provide incentives them on ensuring early attention centres, medical servipes physical!

to promoting and schools.


,tQ the private sector to promote action by accessibility to their buildings, action on accessibility paying to ·daycare organisations/in 3.Target the following: close collaboration with central and local government, specific stitutions for the private : 12 i ' natiori�l and instjitµtions sector, the trade unjiop sector, organisations disabilities, in a sustained for people with disab�liJties: the Guyana Associatian services, agencies; community and group se�vices.

the Nationa.l!
the Nationa.l!

1Insurance :ol'.lganisations; I o!

Professional Religious' Engineers; servicing Fampaign 1 of people with ies people with disabilit Scheme and otha insurance and NGO' s wh:iich provide to create physical accessibility the Guyanq Society of Architects; priMate medical 4.Enact legislation; transportation by people,with I , disabilities.
1 t:o prevent discrimination iii access to an Infoc+a�ion and Resource.Centre 5.Establish !, in all necessary providing disabilities II information recorded ; :ijn !cassette general information.

·.

forms (e.g., braille, form) on services available .

t � ... p�ople with and and 6.Provide informatib in exist,i disabilities g • public facilities.

.

e to all persons with hat is accessibl for !

"States shouiltl and tertialr Rule 6: 4.2.

2.

EDUCATION: I secondary youth and adults with!


i$abilities, f should ensure that the •. '

integral part of the e ucation system". '

!educational dµ.

cation of persons: tecognise ; the principle of eqrwa:l primary, opportunities in integrated for children, .

with disabi�ities They settings.


is an youth and adults with children, laws relatin9 within the existing special facilities Policy: As far as possible, disabilities will be ·�ducated adequate them; and be made to apply to children approach and sectors will be ad6pted: Labour, Human Services!

private sector; the NGO sector; and CBR programmes.

Actions; will be established education to special edu;cation to compulsory with disabilities.
.inter-agency involving the following :iinstitutions the Ministries and Social Security; of Education; Health; and Information; the for those who need for dlildren will sc:nool system; An 1.Adopt the appropriate Education disabilities and speci�l needs.

sections which rela!te to the education of the Government's Policy on of persons with adequate 2.Provide the pre-school disabilities level, to' in the extsting and!

appropriate facilitate system.


support services, beg.inning at of people with the inclusion 3.Carefully with disabilities monitor the methods and results of streaming people into integrated learning situations.

13 4.Enhance special e�u�ation programmes appropriate in Guyana �nq the rest of the Caribbean and taking lines: action alotjg \one or more of the following by evaluating training existing I I * developing a wide range of abilities curricula * , i < for teache� t�a�ning.

•· ' and inco�po.
•· ' and inco�po.

!rating modules on, te�ching with children into pre-school, primary and sei:;ondary training teachers and multiple special disabilities, problems, * introducing .Jamaica, College, .

teacher training trainibg progra¢mes �n.

the skills required \�·9-, severe hearing impairment, speech oisabilities.

with by children '.

similar to that'.


offered by the Mico into lttie University of �uyana or Cyril Potter a range of_ja1iternative * providing age children, temporary resource classrdoms,· service, specialised to inclu9e \accommodation un�ts\ and special scho<:>ls.

special cla.sses, modes of education in inclusive l \ for school programmes, itinerant teacher with CBR Jrdgrammes 5.Collaborate based approaches to pro youth and adults with di a?ilities, urban, and hinterland ar as.
1 in implem.Jnting more community­ i�ing educational services to children, especia�ly in rural, marginal $upport mate.r::ial .

and slow lea n�rs, using ideas from alternative models of special 6.

Develop additional disabilities of delivery successfully in other s:i.milar situation�, Education children Package which P,rovides teachers with special ne ds in the classroom that have been tried e.g.

the UNESCO : with strategies .

for children with services dµcation for I I .


7.Include modules in ltJe pre-school, pr;imary and secondary curricula school children.

t?

instill resp+c� for and acceptanc;;e of "difference" in \ \ 8.Introduce remedial a*q Community High schools, \ Schools to facilitate stuqients system at this stage.

in Secondary Depc;trtments the and Mathematics of Primary with disabi:lities prbg+ammes in Language entering 9.Provide skills-based leavers with disabilitie independent.
\ j tkaining j �o assist them tcp be productive and progra:mmef for early.

school I 14 that persons with their human rights, �n both rural and urban and gainful I to exerci!3e rly in the fi 1� of employment.

4.2.3.

EMPLOYMENT Rule 7: "States should rerognise the principle disabilities must be mijowered particula areas they must employment Policy: in the public sector.

'!
'!

sectors will be reflec,t�di.in national government The right to g�inku1 employment have eq a� opportunities will lead the �ay by actively promoting in the labor market".

ddition to organisations disabilities, Governme t sector organisations, ' .. associations in impleme t ng this policy.
t will actively he trade union movement, policies for productive on employment, and their employment of people with collaborate with private and professional in the public and private Actions: 1.Enact legislation and epcourage regard to discriminatjJon: employment I policies andlp�actices.

implementation in the Laws with against people with disabilities in 2.

Provide to employers who have to make adaptations and provi�k ; special equipment for employees with disabilities.
I ' tax conceJs±ons rveys to identify l (a) the types nd numbers of and (bl!

the specific 3.Carry out periodic s recording with disabilities disabilities possess, designing a system of affirmative people with disabilities\, identifying advertisements.

themselves ' and'use this as a basis for advocating skills that people with and I .
action in the employment of rtith employers who engage in the system as equal opportunity employers in their and establish jobs now available a register to people 4.As part of awareness sensitise them to focusing'on rather than focusing practical demonstrations capable of doing.

:cai;npaigns, employers to as people, on !their disability; there must be regular people with disabilities target prospective of what people with disabilities are 5.
Encourage self employment industries through the; training provision of small loans by'government and the development skills and the in technical and other funding �gencies.

of small !

6.Provide special training Labour in the skills of workers with All persons with disabilities who are able to work must be ptaced on the recruitment and placement register.

and\a�titudes needed for effective placement disabilities.

for placement staff at the Ministry . '


of 15 7.Institute a programra.e • of 'follow-up visits to work areas to • evaluate placements of wtjrk:ers with disabilities; 1 should be used both to intervene, where w� th disabilities of individual planning.

; workers necessary, 'and as these evaluations in the situation a basis for 8.
Ensure re-training become disabled or professio occupations 4n4 alternative and !a�e unable ps� vocations for persons who to return to their former 9.Design classes for botb formal and non-formal training with disabilities, employment affordable or self-emplo cost, and on rc�olarship, wnent; this training where necessary.

to Jequip them with skills for meaningful should be provided at of people ig�idance and assessment, apprenticeship errrloyment for people with disabilities who l O.
Provide vocational training are unable and sheltered tc compete fof 1 thr 11.For enhanced preve�tipn Safety regulations take place regularly.

obs on the open market .

in .

i I of disabilities, enforce Health and �ork place and ensure that inspections I !

duty-fr 12.

Institute e;I concessions and; other concessionary I measures d persons with disabilities.

t 1E!.AND SOCIAL SECURITY 4.2.4.


INCOME MAINTENAN for self-employ Rule 8; "States are r�spbnsible security and income main�e.qance for persons with for the provision disabiliti es".

of social Policy: Social policy wi�l!be formulated for the human of the nation to ensure sodial equity for all its citizens.

Social as a with disabilities programmes will therefore ,target people distinct on'the basis of respect and on the responsibility rights of �l] persons, group of citizerls.

t l Actions: 1.
t l Actions: 1.

Increase earn as a result of havi�g to disabilities.

Insurance entitled amend the provisions Scheme to prd,vide for such parents, as se1f-employed Social Assislance for those parents who are unable to with take care of a Child/Children of the National who should be to receive bene�its Relatedly, persons.

l ' l j 2.

Provide tax rebates lfo'r the medical expenses disabilities l i where neces�ary.
I of people with 3.Extend .financial I under five, to include thdse with children support to primary care-givers with children with disabilities of all 16 • .

ages in need of total care .

4.2.5.

FAMILY LIFE AND PERSONAL Rule 9: "States should promote the full participation INTEGRITY .

with disabilities in family life.

They should ·promote or persons their right to personal against persons with disabilities relationships, and parenthood".
marriage integrity and ensure that laws do not discriminate with respect to-sexual folicy: Wherever i disabilities possible, Government will ensure that people with remain within their family unit and i111 their communities as they desire.

.

Actions: _______ i_..2r.o-v.i4e-·-eeeft0m±c e_n�QJ.e '" _ _g_eop,le_with support, disabilities counselling and care ser.

:vices to -to live within their fam]y-fiome-:---- 2.In all government�assisted certain percentage disabilities for their special needs.
a1locate a of houses built for the use of persens with houses to allow and give assistance to adapt existing housing programmes, 3.

Establish family life education with special reference disabilities.

for personnel training and other counse:llors in to perStOns with education "" 4.
Ensure that people and families of people with disabilities relations; •information experience and aids; and to info:cmation parenthood; to experience to foster a positive of persons with disabilities sexuality; have access to family �lanning attitude towards include the right have sexual and on where to 1:eceive related.counsellfng on sexual functioning and-advice.

4.2.6.
4.2.6.

CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS ..,- Rule 10 : '!States will ensure that persons with disabilities are into and can participate in cultural activities on an integrated equal basis".

·Rule 11: "States will take measures disabilities have equal opportunities to ensure that personis with for recreation and sports".
Policy: Government disabilities will facilitate the inclusion of persoos with in community activities relating to ·sports, the removal of all bairriers, and culture by ensuring and social, to their participation.

• recreation physical 17 Actions: 1.Encourage all allow accessibility to persons with disability.

public and private places of entertainment to 2.Assist organisations appropriate sporting the special needs of persons with disabilities.
equipment and facilities of persons with disabilities to acquire paying attention to 3.Develop programmes areas which facilitate disabilities .

for the training of coaches in the sporting the participation of persons with .

- _____ ___A_ ero:u:ide special -arrangements-for hearing and __ mental impa i rm�-B-l:lGh--as--1.-.iterature--·itr-o-raTne - -�nd-on · cassettes, · reading material capacity, and close-captioning .. persons witn--vlsual, adapted to the indi victual• of television programmes.
s mental 4.2.7.

RELIGION Rule 12; "States will encourage persons with disabilities communities".

measures for equal participation by in tbe religious life of their Policy: Government organisation the Constitution ·s--i:o ·e·nsure will collaborate with th� -various religious.. that ·the .religious freedoms enshrined in will apply to all persons with disabilities.

Actions: 1.Encourage religious worship for persons with disabilities.
bodies to ensure accessibility to places of 2.Target religious authorities -raising to the needs of persons with disabilities.

as a separate group for awareness 5.RESEARCH Government on such issues as : will encourage continuous research and data collection types , incidence 1.

Causes , Guyana; including accidents (traffic, immunisation workplace in the prevention and prevalence in and and home) {b) the role of between disability of disability (a) the relation.ship of disability.
2.The socio-economic Guyana; how these impact on their lives families; and the response conditions of society to these issues.

of people with disability in and the lives of their 18 3.The levels and types of available the methods of service delivery.

rehabilitation services and 4.The numbers and location An initial survey on persons with disability subsequent data will be collected via Censuses.

will be conducted but the National Fopulation of persons with disabilities in Guyana.
5.Employment training and vocational disability.

practices on the labour market and the levels of programmes offered for persons with 6.POLICY�- -----�m:f-National Policy·--�ecog�ises the need for the inclusion of issues in the formulation of national disability-related development plans.
In an effort to achieve this there will be inter-agency collaboration agencies, Employers' and Trade Union organisations and organisat�ons providing services re(J!firing inputs from all Government and consultation for people with disabilities.

Organisations national level in decision-making impact on the lives of their members.
of persons with disabilities at the on issues which are likely to will be invol¥ed 7.INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION In keeping with its commitment disabilities, participation with disabilities the Government in discussions and activities t" the rights of Guyam.ese with of Guyana will ensure its own at the regional and international relating level.

to persons Further the Government actively disabilities in these discussions support the participation of organisations and activities.
favours the collaborative approach, and will of persons with It will encourage and expertise among Non-Governmental l and national and professiona institutions, people with disabilities both regionally and offer support for the exchange with bodies concerned and internationally.

of knowledge organisations, research 19