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The Barbados Government is preparing to launch an accessibility initiative at Parliament Buildings before expanding the programme across government departments around the country.
Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Adrian Forde said the “Access for All” project is being undertaken in partnership with members of the Council for the Disabled and is expected to be officially launched at Parliament within the coming weeks.
Forde said an accessibility audit of Parliament Buildings had already been completed and that the project would eventually move through government departments one at a time.
He said Parliament was selected as an important starting point because legislation affecting people with disabilities is developed there, and people affected by those laws should also be able to access the institution and participate in the process.
The initiative forms part of a wider government programme aimed at improving accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Forde announced the project while attending the launch of a life-skills programme for people living with autism. He also referenced other disability-related initiatives, including government support towards obtaining transportation for people with disabilities.
The minister said the Government had also followed through on an earlier commitment to provide recreational space designed to allow people living with autism to use facilities such as swings, monkey bars and benches.
Forde urged Barbadians to approach disability and autism with greater understanding, arguing that people living with disabilities should have equal consideration and opportunities to participate in society.
The Parliament accessibility project is expected to provide an initial model as the assessment and improvement programme is extended to other government facilities.
