Social development minister Isaac Rankine met with members of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) to discuss opportunities for greater collaboration.
NCPD members shared their experiences on issues such as health insurance costs, access to reliable transportation, and social and recreational opportunities for children and adults.
They also emphasised the importance of ensuring that public spaces, buildings and services continue to become more accessible so that everyone can fully participate in society.
In a government press release on 7 October, Rankine applauded the dedication of the council and their efforts to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
“Now that the council is aligned with our ministry, it allows us to work more closely together to put accessibility and inclusion at the heart of our policies,” he said.
“The government is committed to making continued efforts, including enhancements to legislation, so that inclusion becomes more of a daily reality across the Cayman Islands.”
Chief officer Nellie Pouchie, who also joined the meeting, said hearing personal experiences reinforces why policies must prioritise accessibility, fairness and opportunity.
“With the council now working directly with our ministry, we are better positioned to listen, respond, and make meaningful efforts that support persons with disabilities in practical ways,” she said.
As well as local matters, the NCPD confirmed plans to participate in the upcoming regional Caribbean Disability Conference from 17 to 22 October.
The second annual regional gathering will be hosted by the Caribbean Disability Network in collaboration with the Government of Barbados and local disability stakeholders.
Under the theme, ‘Breaking barriers: Advancing inclusive education for all abilities’, it will bring together government officials, educators, disability advocates, civil society leaders and people with disabilities.
They will share best practices, highlight lived experiences, and develop a ‘Regional Declaration on Inclusive Education’ to guide future policy across the Caribbean.
The NCPD also reaffirmed its participation in the annual Cayman Islands Healthcare Conference taking place from 23 to 25 October at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.
The meeting on 1 September included plans to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities in December this year.
The day will celebrate achievements, build community, and highlight the talents and contributions of persons with disabilities across the islands, the press release said.
NCPD chair Dr Annette Stephenson said that every story shared during the meeting reflected the reality of life for people with disabilities in the Cayman Islands.
“We value the ministry’s support as we work together to ensure that all persons with disabilities are seen, heard and empowered,” she said.
The National Council for Persons with Disabilities was established within the Disabilities (Solomon Webster) Act, 2016.
Its functions include promoting the recognition and acceptance of people with disabilities as having the same fundamental rights as a person who does not have a disability.
The NCPD also advises the government on policies, programmes and public awareness initiatives in line with the Cayman Islands Disability Policy (2014-2033).
More information about the National Council for Persons with Disabilities and its initiatives, is available at disabilitycouncil.gov.ky
