Friday, December 11 – The Ministry of Health and Social Development recently observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by hosting a commemorative luncheon honouring persons with disabilities, their parents and caregivers at Maria’s By the Sea.
The event was held under the theme Making the Millennium Development Goals Inclusive: Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and Their Communities Around the World. Minister of Health and Social Development, Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC used the occasion to provide an update on Government’s Disability Policy Project stating, “It has embarked on a review aimed at revolutionising the services aimed towards the disabled.”
Honourable Penn further stated that, “The review was being facilitated through various governmental departments and agencies such as the Social Development Department, the Mental Health Division and the BVI Health Services Authority among others.”
The Health Minister affirmed government’s quest to ensure the highest quality standards of living and opportunities for persons with disabilities and commended the various governmental and non-governmental agencies that provided support services to persons with disabilities, their parents and caregivers. “We are committed to increasing awareness within the community about persons with disabilities and their value as assets to the Territory,” Honourable Penn said.
She added, “The Ministry of Health and Social Development has commissioned a 21st Century National Disability Policy which seeks to bring about legislative and other changes to ensure that the Territory has the proper legal framework and adequate provisions to properly care for persons with disabilities in our society.”
Honourable Penn outlined a number of initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Health and Social Development which included advances in health care, a community health programme, an early intervention programme targeting children with disabilities from birth to the age of eight, establishment of a rehabilitation centre and the employment of persons with disabilities through vocational programmes managed by the Social Development Department, the Sandy Lane Centre and the Mental Health Division, in conjunction with a number of private sector partners.
Disability Project Advisor, Ms. Lenette Mactavious stated that she is again pleased this year with “the response to the commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities”.
She said, “The annual celebration aims to promote awareness as a display of solidarity and an event for socialisation. We pledge to continue this event and to foster additional initiatives in 2010 that will bring greater awareness to the disabled."
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed by the United Nations annually on December 3, and aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development endeavours to provide leadership which promotes health, social well-being and a safe environment.
British Virgin Islands News