Council for Persons with Disabilities points to need for monthly grant, employment opportunities

The Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) has outlined a list of needs, including a monthly grant and more employment opportunities, which it hopes the new government can address.

The Council in a statement on Monday congratulated President Irfaan Ali on his party’s victory in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. It further commended the President on his vision and development agenda for the country as outlined in his inauguration speech but said the Council looks forward to equal opportunities for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

Along this line, the GCOPD called for the establishment of a monthly Disability Grant, in place of the Public Assistance, employment of qualified PWDs in the public sector and improvements in the delivery of education to children with disabilities.

The civil society body said it anticipates a productive partnership with the new government as it works to create a more inclusive and accessible Guyana.

The GCOPD is also asking the Government to ensure they provide low-income housing for PWDs, assistive and mobility aids and promote small business development in the disability community.

To promote small business development, the council said more contracts must be awarded to companies owned and operated by PWDs.

Additionally, it called for the allocation of yearly subventions to Disabled People Organisations (DPOs) and Modification and enforcement of building codes to promote accessibility to public buildings.

The Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) is the umbrella body that represents the majority of Disable People Organisations (DPOs) from across Guyana, working in the areas of advocacy and capacity building.  The DPOs represents all types of disabilities.