International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Today (Dec 3) Minister of Health Zane De Silva marked the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities by attending a recognition event at Par-la-Ville Park.
At the event, which was organized by the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged (NOSPC), the Minister welcomed the large crowd by encouraging residents to recognize the benefits that come from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of the community – something which was highlighted in this year’s Throne Speech.
The Minister said: “What we need is inclusion, not integration. Integration places a person within a box where their differences standout. Inclusion recognizes that we all have differences and these must be accommodated.”
Minister De Silva added: “What we in the Ministry of Health have been addressing for the past year is the impact of the built environment on persons with disabilities. We believe that it is not always the person that has the disability but the environment in which they must exist which creates barriers that limit that person’s ability to fully participate as a productive citizen.”
The theme of the event was ‘Celebrate – The Face of Inclusion’ and was aimed at highlighting the numerous successes and achievements of those with disabilities.
The Minister also said: “What we want to focus on is ABILITY. Given Bermuda’s scarce resources – especially human resources – it is essential that we ensure that all of our people can make a contribution to society. We must not limit ourselves by putting barriers and restrictions in front of people. What we must do is to strive towards inclusion for all.”
The musical selection for the event included of beautiful vocal and dance rendition of the Michael Jackson hit “Man in the Mirror” performed by NOSPC Accessibility Support Officer Kristina Bean, who is legally blind.
This followed a reflective activity called, ‘A Challenge for the Man in the Mirror’, led by Nick Fagundo, which asked the crowd to take a moment to look into the mirror and reflect on what they could do to assist those with disabilities.
Mr. Fagundo concluded the activity by saying “As Michael Jackson says in his song Man in the Mirror, ‘if you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself then make that change’.”
Click to enlarge images:
Leah Beganie, from the Bermuda Islands Association for the Deaf (BIAD), was on-hand to sign the entire event for those in attendance with hearing impairments – several of whom were employees from the Department of Parks who were also recognized at the occasion by Department of Parks Director Lisa-Dawn Johnston for their hard work and dedication on the job.
The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd was established by the International Year for Disabled Persons (1981). The Day aims to promote a better understanding of disability issues with a focus on the rights of persons with disabilities and gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities. The goal of full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society and development was established by the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982.
Bermuda’s NOSPC has observed this day annually for the past four years.
Minister DeSilva’s full statement follows below:
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, we are here to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The Day aims to promote a better understanding of disability issues with a focus on the rights of persons with disabilities. In addition, we put the spotlight on the benefits to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of the community.
There are perceptions in our community regarding a person with a “disability” and these people are labeled in a manner that does not do justice to their abilities.
Unlike many countries, Bermuda does not have any legislation that specifically addresses persons with disabilities. The Human Rights Act does define “disability’, but that is a medical definition. It defines the person based on a medical or clinical condition.
What we in the Ministry of Health have been addressing for the past year is the impact of the built environment on persons with disabilities. We believe that it is not always the person that has the disability but the environment in which they must exist which creates barriers that limit that person’s ability to fully participate as a productive citizen.
Thus we are supporting a definition of disability that recognizes the social and environmental barriers which may act as impairments.. We are modeling our programmes on the definition contained in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Convention defines disability as:
Persons with disabilities include those who have a long term- term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
The Ministry of Education has been promoting Mainstreaming within the schools. This initiative allows children with challenges to participate in a regular school with special provision being made to account for their challenges. We must extend mainstreaming to the wider community. We must look at our community and determine what physical and social barriers we have in place that are preventing people from participating.
What we need is inclusion not integration. Integration places a person within a box where their differences standout. Inclusion recognizes that we all have differences and these must be accommodated.
Today as we bring awareness of persons with disabilities we have chosen the theme “Celebrate: the Face of Inclusion”.
There are many of us who have a disability, but that disability has not limited our ability to achieve things in life. In fact, there are many here who would never be recognised as having a disability unless it was mentioned.
What we want to focus on is ABILITY.
Given Bermuda’s scarce resources – especially human resources – it is essential that we ensure that all of our people can make a contribution to society. We must not limit ourselves by putting barriers and restrictions in front of people. What we must do is to strive towards inclusion for all.
The mirrors that are being given out today are intended to reflect on the face of inclusion.
We all must look within when addressing, or serving a person with a disability. If we look at the face in the mirror we then see who must take the lead in bringing awareness and who must be included.
I will conclude my remarks with a poem by Peter “Dale” Wimbrow Sr. entitled ‘The Man in the Mirror”:
When you get all you want and you struggle for self,
and the world makes you king for a day,
then go to the mirror and look at yourself
and see what that man has to say.
For it isn’t your mother, your father or wife
whose judgment upon you must pass,
but the man, whose verdict counts most in your life
is the one staring back from the glass.
He’s the fellow to please,
never mind all the rest.
For he’s with you right to the end,
and you’ve passed your most difficult test
if the man in the glass is your friend.
You may be like Jack Horner and “chisel” a plum,
And think you’re a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum
If you can’t look him straight in the eye.
You can fool the whole world,
down the highway of years,
and take pats on the back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
if you’ve cheated the man in the glass.
Thank you
