Dominica’s Persons with Disabilities

In the overview of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) reference is made to a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) finding that persons with disabilities are the world’s largest minority and that eighty per cent of persons with disabilities live in developing countries. Dominica, like other developing countries around the world, has its share of persons living with disabilities. These include persons who were born with disabilities as well as those who acquired them through ageing, misfortune, illness and accidents, among other things.
In the past, persons with disabilities were stigmatized; the perception being that such persons were incapable of being productive or independent and as such, were a burden on their families and society. Happily, present society appears to be manifesting greater responsiveness towards persons with disabilities. Recent years, have seen a positive change in perception which has made way for an improved mentality on the part of society towards persons with disabilities. In fact, this enhanced perception has been the key to improved circumstances for persons with disabilities and this augurs well for the future of such persons in Dominica and the wider world. Indeed, present day attitudes are steadily evolving into increased recognition, acceptance and respect for persons with disabilities.

This global change in behavior towards persons with disabilities is due largely, to the CRPD which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2006 in response to the marginalization, discrimination and exclusion that persons with disabilities faced on a daily basis all over the world. The CRPD is a human rights treaty which encompasses social, economic, political as well as civil and cultural rights. It seeks to break down the social barriers that have denied persons with disabilities from full enjoyment of life without discrimination. It has served to broaden social perspective worldwide resulting in a greater consciousness of the diversity of persons with disabilities and their potential contribution to the overall well-being of their communities.

Today, persons with disabilities are no longer overlooked and relegated to the borders of society, forced to suffer in multiple ways for misfortunes which life had brought upon them. Instead, they are now engaged in diverse activities which contribute not only to their personal development, but to the civil, economic and social development of their countries. In particular, they are involved in policy decisions which affect their well-being. Certainly, there has been tremendous growth in awareness of the varied capabilities of persons with disabilities as well as their immense potential to contribute to national development.

Much credit for the inroads made in achieving greater respect and recognition for persons with disabilities in Dominica must be given to the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities (DAPD). The DAPD is recognized as a very vibrant and valuable organization within the Dominican society; it has been serving the interest of its members for over thirty years. It is the umbrella organization for persons with disabilities on the island and represents the interests of such persons and affiliate organizations. Among its objectives are achieving empowerment, independence and access to opportunities for persons with disabilities in Dominica. It has been unrelenting in its efforts to bring together persons with disabilities to collectively find ways to address their needs and conce
s and plan activities to enhance their well-being. As part of this endeavor, it has established important alliances with regional and international organizations which have opened up countless opportunities for its members; empowering them to assume their rightful place in society.

The DAPD has also been persistent in its pursuit of an all-inclusive society and is, in fact, instrumental in obtaining Government’s ratification in 2012, of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Article 9, which makes provision for the protection of the human rights and fundamental freedom of persons with disabilities.

The DAPD has sought to enable its members and to prepare them for the new thrust towards inclusion through implementation of various initiatives such as braille literacy, sign language, education and training workshops, sports, entertainment, public education sessions and fund raising among others. This means that Dominica’s persons with disabilities are being empowered to access opportunities to participate in educational, social, cultural, entrepreneurial and sporting activities in Dominica and beyond. In fact, Dominica participated in the Regional Special Olympics in Puerto Rico in 2010 and the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles, Califo
ia in 2015. Under the leadership of its visionary Executive Director, Mrs Nathalie Murphy, the DAPD has enabled persons with disabilities in Dominica to enjoy recognition, respect and great representation nationally, regionally and internationally.

Persons with disabilities in Dominica are today well integrated and very visible in society as there exists a more compassionate, respectful and receptive attitude towards them by society on the whole.