The Special Needs Unit within the Ministry of Health & Human Services joins the rest of the world on Friday, December 3, 2021, in observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities under the theme: “Not All D’s are Visible … Every Individual Matters’”. The D’s inclusive of Disabilities- (Cerebal Palsy, hearing, visually impaired) Disorders (ADHA, bipolarism, autism, anxiety) Deficiencies (AIDS, anemia and HIV), Diseases (kidney, diabetes, all forms of Cancer) and Differences-(down syndrome, physically challenged) all contributing to disabilities. The annual observance was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. This day is annually observed to promote full and equal participation of persons with disabilities and take action for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and development.
In keeping with my Government mandate focusing on the Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals of which five zero in on disability the department will be focusing. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Guarantee equal and accessible education by building an inclusive learning environment and providing the needed assistance for persons with disabilities.
Emphasizing the social economic and political inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Creating accessible and green public spaces.
Promoting inclusive economic growth, full and productive employment allows persons with disabilities to fully access the job market.
Underlying the importance of data collection and monitoring of data collection and monitoring of the SDG’s emphasis on disability disaggregated data.
My government is committed to the strengthening of services and programs for persons with special needs in the Turks & Caicos Islands. I encourage parents to join the Parent Advocacy and Support Groups commencing January in Grand Turk, 2022 and other such programs.
According to WHO more than one billion people will experience disability and it is predicted to rise due to the ageing population and the prevalence of non -communicable diseases. There are 322 persons registered with the Special Needs Unit, Turks & Caicos Islands.
The World Health Organization recognizes that a world where all people attain the highest possible standard of health and well-being is only possible if health systems are inclusive of people with disabilities and states that, Countries need to shift towards a service delivery system rooted in the communities, reaching out and empowering people with disabilities. Leaving no behind. WHO and my government is committed to this course through the establishment of the Community Base Rehabilitation Program in the upcoming financial year.
The World Health Organization states that people with disabilities have been amongst the most vulnerable populations during the current COVID-19 outbreak due to many health, social and environmental barriers, discriminatory attitudes and inaccessible infrastructure. Let us help protect our vulnerable population including persons with special needs and the elderly by wearing a face covering, practicing social distancing and frequent hand washing.
Persons are encouraged to contact the Special Needs Office at 338-2171 in Grand Turk or 941-3187 on Providenciales for inquiries or for the registration of persons with the Special Needs Unit and other programs.
In observance of World AIDS Day and International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021 theme “ Not all D’s are Visible….Every Individual Matters “ let us all pledge to make the Turks and Caicos Islands an inclusive and enabling country where those with special needs can flourish freely.
