Disabled but not unable; group says it’s time for change
It is estimated that ten percent of the population is disabled; that’s not a small percentage. Most of them feel they have been marginalized and discriminated and they all want to change that. Earlier today, they went public and announced their desire for community inclusion. News Five’s Delahnie Bain reports.
Delahnie Bain, Reporting
The Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities was formed in September, 2009 and have been holding monthly meetings among members. But today the organization held a press conference to introduce itself to the public and announce that its membership is taking a stand for the rights of disabled persons.
Jerome Flores, President, BAPDA
jerome flores
“We are here to introduce our organization to the public so both the disabled and the general public are aware that we are up and running as a resourceful organization for persons with disabilities. We hope the press conference will stimulate dialogue between those in positions to improve the lives of the disabled and persons with disabilities and improve the lives of the disabled and the persons with disabilities and move those organizations and persons to action.”
According to Flores, there are numerous issues that they intend to address, including discrimination, which they face each day.
Jerome Flores
“Our mission is to seek community inclusion through advocacy, outreach, participation and public awareness. And our vision is to engage the community to champion the rights of persons with disabilities in Belize. Imagine wanting a walk or rather a ride at the park and not being able to access the park facilities because there is no ramp. We now appeal to corporate Belize because we are paying customers in need of adequate accessibility accommodations. Additionally, few public or private spaces have parking spaces designated for the disabled.”
carolyn franklin
Carolyn Franklin, Member, BAPDA
“We want to be included in society, we want to be able to work at jobs, we want to be able to pay our bills. But it’s just that we are not given the chance to. Most people are ostracized once they get into an accident or once they have a stroke, they are put on the back burner. We no longer want to be put on the backburner. We want to be up front because we are able, we’re just differently able.”
BAPDA has a membership of twenty-one—both able and disabled persons—and are hoping to attract more. Today some members shared stories about what caused the drastic changes in their lives to encourage others to step out into the light.
Sharon Craig, Vice President, BAPDA
sharon craig
“Following a traffic accident on October fifth 2002, I was left as a quadriplegic and as Jerome said in his speech I have kept on keeping on despite the many challenges that we face.”
Jerome Flores
“In 2003 I had an accident, I fell from a high tension pole and was paralyzed from the waist down.”
kathleen skeen
Kathleen Skeen, Member, BAPDA
“On the fifteenth of April 1984 I was in a bus accident in Mexico and through this I lost my leg below knee on my right leg. I thank God I have been able to accept it and move on but most people don’t know that I am disabled.”
Carolyn Franklin
“Five years ago I was in a traffic accident that left me a paraplegic. I am a mother of three, I’m a single mom and in life things happen but it’s what you do with those things when they happen that makes the difference.”
BAPDA also serves as a support group for its members. Delahnie Bain for News Five.
If you are interested in joining or supporting BAPDA, you can call Flores at 6024172.
Good luck, this is a great cause and will take a lot of time & negotiations.
!0% of the population is disabled? this is amazing.
10% of the population of belize is disabled and no one in power seemed to have noticed this is a big problem.
It is not too late, and many things can be done or installed in place for these disabled people.
That’s right…..STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS!!!!!
That’s right………. STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS. You are just like everyone else!!!
Homo Sapiens can be either physically or mentally disabled. You can see one, but you cannot see the other. Both groups should work together towards a dignified existence. Additionally, both groups are protected by International Conventions such as the United Nations Charter for the Disabled and the Interamerican Commission for Human Rights.
The greatest service that Belize can make is recognize the untapped potential in these disabled individuals and that they can become an integral part in the National Development Process.
I no understand but a lot of place in Belize do cater for Disable people but it is no eforced though but its a good thing thay doing though Proud of them. Its not too far if it no happen yet fu hear the Gay Community stand up too lol
It takes great courage and strenght to stand for Humanity, for your right to exist and participate in simple things that others takes for granted. I am so proud to see Mrs. Craig and her coleagues standing up for their rights, Belize does need to adjust rapidly to these changes and to build by all building codes not just the norm.
All the best to this organization and may god bless your hard work.
Couple months ago I was in Belize and had to go to a few businesses that were situated on the top floor, I had someone with me who uses a wheelchair, it was funny how we all stood there wondering how to get upstairs. finally one of the employee came down and we did our business on the sidewalk in front of the building. There were no wheelchair access to get inside and no way of getting the wheelchair upstair,the thing about it is that the building was newly built.
NOW…….we need forward THINKING POLITICIANS TO FOLLOW THROUGH and back them up!!!
Bravo for these people who are ready to stand for their rights….and they have a right to demand to be included…hopefully they can secure a better chance for their people to access jobs.
Although I think something should be done in order to protect the rights of the disabled in Belize, I do not agree with this estimation, one out of every ten persons is disabled in Belize is not acceptable to me.
For my own piece of mind I would like to ask the person that did the estimation of this report this question though.
how do you define disabled?
This is a good beginning and a step in the right direction, it should be encouraged and supported.
We really need to start respecting our disable Citizens .