President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Daniel Best has underscored the organisation’s support for an inclusive society.
Speaking recently during the Caribbean Disabilities Conference ceremony at Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort in St Philip, he said the CDB Model Send Policy contained the vision for an inclusive educational system that is accountable, transparent, inclusive and accessible to ensure optimal benefits for all learners.
“This policy outlines that advancing inclusivity means transforming education systems from traditional general education to inclusive practices that account for differences and diversity in the classroom.
“It is widely recognised that there are groups of learners within our region who, due to their situational characteristics and circumstances, are likely to be excluded from quality educational provisions and are therefore at risk. The Caribbean Development Bank, as the sole indigenous multilateral development bank in this region, is committed to inclusive education,” he stated.
Pledging the organisation’s ongoing commitment to the cause of inclusivity, Best added that the CDB will provide development finances for early identification and intervention, adaptation of curriculum and appropriate infrastructure for people with special needs.
The president stressed that these policies are part of their aim to dismantle the many barriers affecting the inclusion of people with disabilities.
He said the disabled community was represented within every population, cohort, settlement, community and socio-economic status, adding the possibility of living with a disability was a reality for many.
“Nonetheless, people with disabilities are faced with societal attitudes of discrimination, abuse, stereotypes and barriers to achieve their dreams. Along with this are the harsh realities of voicelessness, invisibility, neglect, isolation, prejudice and abuse.
“Moreover, families and caregivers are confronted with elevated levels of emotional strain and mental health challenges as they seek access to basic services and opportunities for their friends and loved ones,” he said.
Best said these barriers to inclusion were multifaceted and often deeply entrenched in societal, institutional and cultural structures.
“We stand as a bank to declare that the Caribbean Development Bank is in the business of breaking barriers that contribute to the unfulfilled development needs of all vulnerable persons, including persons with disabilities. We affirm that persons with disabilities must enjoy the rights, dignity, respect and access to opportunities.
“The task then of breaking barriers begins with the commitment to create a more equitable society where persons with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect, and with increased voice and agency. There is need for greater levels of inclusion in all spheres of life, and the recognition that these individuals can make a positive and meaningful contribution to society,” he said.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Mark Franklyn noted the Government’s drive for improving disabled transportation, while highlighting the need for societal changes to address discrimination.
“One area of constant demand is transportation for disabled persons. This includes schoolchildren, and through our National Disabilities Unit, Government provides a call-ride service and has articulated its commitment to addressing the shortage in disabled friendly vehicles.
“Though it may sometimes appear that demand is outstripping supply, meeting the demand is a challenge we intend to meet head on, and we are in the process of applying additional suitable transportation to meet safe demand,” he said.
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