Ensure Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Fight Against COVID-19 - CARICOM Special Rapporteur on Disability

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Special Rapporteur
on Disability, Senator Dr. Floyd Morris, is calling on regional governments to
ensure that special measures are put in place to protect persons with
disabilities against the Corona Virus. According to Senator Morris –

“It is incumbent for governments within the region to
ensure that persons with disabilities who are among the most vulnerable group
in Caribbean societies, be included and given special protection and support in
the fight against the Corona Virus.”

“Persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable
because a large segment of this population is poor and therefore less able to
make adjustments to their circumstances and daily routine to help prevent
contracting this highly contagious and deadly virus”, he added.

Dr. Morris pointed out that persons with disabilities
often suffer from chronic medical conditions, which  make the virus especially dangerous, since
they are less able to afford medical care should they need it.  Based on this existential situation, Senator
Dr. Morris reminded Governments in the region “to ensure that in offering
support to their citizens, due consideration and support be given to the most
vulnerable, inclusive of persons with disabilities.”

 “We are living
in abnormal times and this is where our true character as a region will be
revealed”, he said; adding “this will be best demonstrated in our actions to
protect and care for persons with disabilities in these moments.”

The CARICOM Special Rapporteur on Disability is also
imploring governments to ensure that persons with disabilities be included in
national and Regional communications strategies, in order to ensure that that
the response to the pandemic properly and strategically caters to unique
circumstances.

“Special attention must be given to the inclusion of
persons with disabilities in the communication strategies for COVID-19. In
particular, Sign Language must be provided at all press conferences so that
persons who are deaf can access vital information on this global pandemic.”

The CARICOM Rapporteur also called for “special
attention to be given to persons with intellectual disabilities,” recommending
“easy-to-read materials be provided for these individuals.”

“One of the most significant arsenal in the fight against
this disease is credible information and we must ensure that all persons with
disabilities, including the deaf and persons with intellectual disabilities,
have access to consistent and reliable information”, Senator Dr. Floyd Morris
implored.

The CARICOM Special Rapporteur on Disability was
appointed in October 2018 and has the responsibility for promoting a more
inclusive and participatory society for persons with disabilities across the
region.

Contact:

Senator Dr. Floyd Morris

CARICOM Special Rapporteur on Disability

876 567 6400 or 876 322 0301

morrisfloyd@gmail.com