On Friday, one of the bills taken to the House for passage was the Disabilities Bill which legislated and mandates that adequate provisions and infrastructure must be installed for persons with disabilities.
Minister of Human Development Dolores Balderamos Garcia underscored the importance.
Hon. Minister Dolores Balderamos Garcia - Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples' Affairs
"We also want to mention at this second reading, madam speaker, that the functions of the commission will be various and please allow me once more to read it into the records. It will oversee the implementation into the policy to give special attention to those with disabilities, I will make recommendations to the government. It coordinates and monitors the implementation of the policy. It will monitor our compliance with the United Nations convention and do monitoring and evaluation of the impact of our policy. It will recommend changes to existing laws. Support the development of relevant programs, collect and record important data. Promote and foster capacity development. Promote and coordinate employment of persons living with disabilities. Produce annual reports, address grievances and maintain a register of persons living with disabilities."
"I'd also like to mention, Madam Speaker, that there will be access, through this multi sectoral approach to education and training and the focus again on the right to education and training for all persons living with disabilities. Access to examinations for persons living with disabilities and the ministry will make the necessary adjustments in terms of employment, health care and also very importantly accessibility and it reads thus Section 34 access to public buildings, public transport and premises. Persons with disabilities shall have reasonable access indoor and outdoor Where any public service or transportation is offered."
The Minister states that existing public premises will be given 12 months after the commencement of the law, to make adjustments to their premises to facilitate accessibility for persons with disabilities. Failure to comply will be an offense.
