Earlier in December, The International Day ofPersons with Disabilities was observed. I was able to speak with the three individuals below about their views and aspirations.
I constantly remind myself that people with disabilities are equally people too, no more and no less.
Questions for Brenda Charles who has a physical disability
As a person with a disability, what is the significance of “the international day for persons with disabilities”?
To promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
As far as you are aware, what are some of the major obstacles people with physical disability face?
Living with a disability is not easy and it’s made more difficult when the public at large is not aware or conscious that we need to have equal access and opportunity. Not having access to affordable transportation with a wheelchair lift is a necessity for those of us in the disabled community. The other issue for us is affordable health care. Not having insurance coverage to be able to afford surgeries and medical equipment it’s a huge hinderance.
Have these obstacles worsen since the COVID–19 pandemic started?
Please explain. During the pandemic many businesses were not able to be open and financially it became a strain for the average person and even more for persons with disabilities; what’s more prices increased tremendously.
As we plan to come out of this COVID-19 pandemic, what are your hopes and dreams for your community and The Bahamas?
My hope and dreams for my community and the Bahamas are: To provide hot meals for persons with disabilities who may not be able to afford it, employment opportunities, improvements to our healthcare system, and to improve the school system for persons with disabilities.
Questions for Patrick Pierre who has a hearing disability
What should other people know about young people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
Hard to explain for other people know about young people who are deaf or hard of hearing. For me I’m as a hard of hearing it would be impossible for people to know if I’m hard of hearing or not. People will look at me they will think I seem like a normal person like other hearing people.
Please share how the COVID-19 pandemic affected their daily lives?
My experience during pandemic is difficult for me to understand people by reading lips, because of people wearing mask.
Questions for Juliece Mackey from Crooked Island who has is visually impaired
Article 9 of The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability “… seeks to enable persons with disabilities … to participate fully in all aspects of life and development. Are you able to participate fully in all aspects of life? If not then please explain some areas that you are not able to participate.
Because I am visually impaired I am unable to participate in some sports such as soccer and track & field. Sitting down listening to my fellow schoolmates participate in these sports made me feel left out. Some day I would hope that Crooked Island and The Bahamas will implement sport centres for disable children to become more active in their community.