LocationsSteps towards stronger support systems for persons with disabilities
March 21, 2025
Senator Andwele Boyce highlighting key sections of Barbados' Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill (2025) at a Disability Awareness Workshop hosted by the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs.
Disability inclusion is in the spotlight in Barbados in March, which is observed as the Month of the Disabled. This year’s theme, “One Community: United in Action for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future”, encourages communities to ensure that PWDs are fully integrated and considered in all aspects of building a sustainable society.
Kickstarting the month of activities was a Disability Awareness Workshop hosted by the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, which was attended by participants from across the public, private and third sectors.
It was a space to foster sharing, learning and understanding as people with disabilities and family members recounted their experiences in navigating the workforce, business places, public spaces and services, and institutions in sectors such as healthcare and education. In addition to highlighting the obstacles faced, they also emphasized the opportunities and accommodations that were provided which facilitated their full participation in society.
Attendees at a Disability Awareness Workshop, kickstarting the observance of Barbados' Month of the Disabled.
Some of the resounding messages included:
- Disabilities can happen to anyone and at any stage of their life – whether it be the result of an accident, illness (congenital or acquired), or medical intervention.
- With reportedly 90% of Barbadians with disabilities being unemployed, it is crucial to create opportunities for participation. People with disabilities do not lack ability; they lack access - access to jobs, workspaces, public spaces, transportation and recreation.
- Reasonable accommodation is important in business places and public institutions. Businesses were urged to make their spaces more accessible to those with mobility challenges and more soothing for those with sensory triggers. This could include special shopping hours or a sensory or quiet waiting room in offices and customer service environments.
- Families are also affected by the lack of access afforded to their loved ones with disabilities. Very often, they are forced to withdraw from the workforce or reduce their interaction in places of business or recreation due to a lack of flexibility or accommodation for their needs.
In addition to interactive sessions with life scenarios and simulations, the workshop also included a presentation by Senator Andwele Boyce on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2025, which has been passed by the Parliament and is awaiting proclamation.
National Disability Advocate, Janeil Odle (right), with Stevenson Evelyn of the National Disabilities Unit.
From awareness to action
In his message to mark the month, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Hon. Kirk Humphrey, noted the significance of the theme, saying: “It takes into consideration the view that everyone should have equal access to opportunities, resources and environmental protection, with no one being left behind.”
This is no easy target. It calls for awareness, for empathy, for action.
According to 2010 census data, persons with disabilities represent just over 4% of Barbados' population, a figure that is seen to be underestimated. Therefore, the need for support starts at the very basic level of data collection to support policies and the attendant decisions and interventions.
This is just one of the issues in focus for the Government of Barbados, which recently completed its inaugural report to the United Nations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), assessing the country’s progress on implementing the Convention.
Building on the important progress made by the government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been helping to map the gaps in inclusion, accessibility and legal frameworks. This analysis is happening as part of the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) initiative, and aims to inform future UN programs and interventions to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities across all sectors of Barbadian society.
See also: Disability Inclusion at UNDP
Bridgetown Declaration
UNDP also partnered with Barbados’ Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs to host the XVI Ministerial Forum for Development in Latin America and the Caribbean in October 2024, focusing on the theme, "Resilience in Action: Social Policies to Navigate Uncertainties in Latin America and the Caribbean". The resulting Bridgetown Declaration highlighted disability inclusion and accessibility as essential to the design of sustainable social protection systems.
Improving Support Systems
Strong policies, systems and facilities are integral to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for persons with disabilities. Indeed, this is the focus of World Down Syndrome Day this year, which is recognized internationally on March 21. This year’s theme is “Improve Our Support Systems”.
What is needed?
Inclusive governance with policies based on human rights
Social protection that provides accessible services and resources
Human support made possible by empowering networks and care
Assistive technology that promotes tools for independence
These improvements are not only relevant for people with Down syndrome, but to all people with disabilities. Stronger support systems foster inclusion, dignity, and independence.
