Youth Parliamentarian with Different Abilities Acknowledged by Minister of Government
Less than a month ago, youth parliamentarians took their seats in the National Assembly to hold parliament. It was a debate on the topic: Vocational Education Development and saw students from high schools and tertiary-level institutions across the country make presentations either for or against the placement of vocational facilities in every district. One such student was Maria Cal, a fourth-form student at Pallotti High School in Belize City. While all the students were impressive with their arguments, Maria, who is visually impaired, stood out for her flawless presentation and on Monday in the House of Representatives, Minister of Human Development, Dolores Balderamos Garcia acknowledged Maria. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.
Maria Cal
(File: November 25th, 2022) Maria Cal, Student, Pallotti High
“All our youths with diverse abilities would not be able to be as active and engaged in these courses, not because they don’t want to, but because the necessary infrastructure, the appropriate accommodations, resources for students and staff, as well as the necessary policies are not in place for them to participate. What about having properly-built ramps, wheelchair-accessible space, readable signs in Braille, and e-books, just to name a few examples. Also, would the certified trade instructors be able to teach these youths with diverse abilities? Today I stand representing all our youths with diverse abilities in hopes of seeing a change for the betterment of our lives, and for us to be included in every aspect of society.”
No doubt, everyone who tuned in to the Youth Parliament on November twenty-fifth was floored by the impeccable presentation that Maria Cal made for and on behalf of her peers who are challenged by a diverse ability. While she was fluent in her delivery, speaking solely from her mind, Maria’s points on inclusion of people with disabilities were so rationally persuasive that it compelled the Minister of Human Development to acknowledge the secondary school student at the Sitting of the House on Monday.
Dolores Balderamos-Garcia
Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of Human Development
“We were so extremely proud of Ms. Maria Cal of Pallotti High School, who is visually impaired herself, how she did us so proud at the Youth Parliament in standing up and speaking about this very issue of disability access and the importance that our country must give to it.”
When we visited with her at school today, Maria was humbled by the minister’s recognition.
Maria Cal
Maria Cal
“Thank you to Minister Balderamos for her kind words and her compliments towards not only the Youth Parliament but also my presentation that was made. When it comes to my presentation, being able to advocate for all our youths with diverse abilities was rewarding in itself and then to have her recognize it and just to say that she appreciates it and that she’s thankful that I made that presentation, it really melts my heart.”
Now Maria’s hopes that her appeal for inclusivity will yield meaningful results for everyone with a physical challenge, having proven herself, ranking among the top ten in her class, that people who are visually impaired can excel if given the chance.
Maria Cal
“I hope that everyone is able to have a fair and equal opportunity to education, to employment and I also do hope that someday we are able to deal with the infrastructure of society so that the people with diverse abilities can have more accessible spaces for them to move around independently.”
This is something that Minister Balderamos Garcia knows only too well. She was also temporarily incapacitated and found that Maria’s appeal for consideration and inclusion of people who have physical challenges is very relevant.
Dolores Balderamos-Garcia
“My recent surgery reminded me that even this honourable National Assembly does not have an elevator nor is there any sort of disability or wheelchair access. It is something, Madam Speaker, not only because of myself, but I became keenly aware due to that occurrence, keenly aware that as a country we must in our buildings and public spaces and private spaces as well, have disability access.”
How relatable this must have been for the late Philip Goldson, who served twice in the House of Representatives as the only visually impaired parliamentarian. The campaign to have these considerations honoured is something that Maria pushes for as she urges her peers with disabilities, who also have dreams to strive for.
Maria Cal
“You shouldn’t let your – what you can’t do or your diverse abilities stop you from what you can do and what you want to accomplish. It can happen.”
Marion Ali for News Five.
