From: Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP

Premier of the Cayman Islands

“My administration is committed to championing this Policy and the forthcoming associated legislation.”

The Cayman Islands Disability Policy aims to advance the rights and obligations of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through policies, supporting legislation and practices.   Started under my previous PPM Government, further work was done on the Disability Policy by other administrations. This is evidence that addressing disability challenges transcends politics. “Ensuring persons with disabilities live with dignity, are respected, and have the opportunity to participate fully in society” is a vision that all can and should subscribe to.

Many stakeholders contributed toward developing the Policy. Key participants included persons with disabilities and their families who provided valuable insights, otherwise unobtainable. Other contributors comprised Sunrise Adult Training Centre, Special Olympics Cayman Islands, Sunrise Caring Association, and Lighthouse School, to name a few. Completion of the Policy was coordinated by the Cabinet Office’s Policy Coordination Unit, supported by the Ministry of Health, Sports, Youth and Culture, the Ministry of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs, and Ministry of Home and Community Affairs. On behalf of the Government I thank all involved with this highly worthwhile initiative.

My administration is committed to championing this Policy and the forthcoming associated legislation. That being said, for policy implementation to be sustainable in the medium to long- term, the legislation will make provision for a National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), which will act as a “watchdog” on disability and related matters.

It is hoped that the comprehensive approach taken to develop this National Policy will lead to highly valuable results. A better, more just Cayman, is a Cayman that fully enshrines protection for the most vulnerable in our community, such as persons with disabilities. Nothing can be more edifying and Christian-like.

From: Keith Parker Tibbetts Jr. CMH

Patron, Cayman Islands Disability Policy

“The involvement of persons and organisations that would be impacted by the Policy makes the document highly relevant to persons with disabilities and other stakeholders.”

It is both a distinct honour and humbling to serve as the Patron for the Cayman Islands Disability Policy. As a person with limited mobility, I can attest on many different levels to the value I see in this Policy.

Firstly, from a content perspective the Policy’s vision of ensuring persons with disabilities live with dignity, are respected, and have the opportunity to participate fully in society is supported by goals covering all aspects of life for persons with disabilities. These goals seek to address challenges persons with disabilities encounter, such as in education, lifelong learning, employment, fair wage, health, independence and inclusion.

Secondly, beyond policies, this document is structured to enable sustainable implementation in the short, medium and long-term. Its implementation will be championed by a National Council for Persons with Disabilities. Further, by providing for policy monitoring, review/evaluation and change, these are expected to enhance implementation efficiency, accountability and keeping the Policy live and relevant.

Thirdly, as a participant on committees developing this Policy, I experienced first-hand the effort and steadfast commitment over many hours of those involved. These were persons from diverse perspectives, including persons with disabilities and their parents and other family members, special needs professionals from the public, civil society and private sectors, and some very dedicated civil servants (among others).   The involvement of persons and organisations that would be impacted by the Policy makes the document highly relevant to persons with disabilities and other stakeholders.

The comprehensive Policy content, approach, stakeholders and their steadfast commitment, increase the chance of this Policy being implemented effectively and in a timely manner. Much thanks to all who have contributed and will continue to contribute to this most worthy cause.

END

GOALS

GOAL 1 – Ensure persons with disabilities have a quality education in the most appropriate inclusive setting, and access to lifelong learning

GOAL 2 – Ensure persons with disabilities have equal access to employment opportunities, fair wage and benefits GOAL 3 – Ensure persons with disabilities have access to the highest standard of health care

GOAL 4 – Ensure persons with disabilities enjoy their highest level of independence and full inclusion in society

GOAL 5 – Collect, analyse and disseminate information on persons with disabilities to inform policy, legislation and services

Broad Benefits of the Policy

The following are expected broad benefits for persons with disabilities, key stakeholders and society through the implementation of the CIDP goals:

Quality education in the most appropriate inclusive setting, as well as access to lifelong learning;

Equal access to employment opportunities, fair wage and benefits;

Access to the highest standard of health care;

Independence and full inclusion in society; and

Informed policy, legislation and services through the collection, analysis and dissemination of appropriate information regarding persons with disabilities.

Specific Benefits of the Policy

It is anticipated that the CIDP will benefit society on a wide scale. With updated laws and regulations, educational improvements, structural changes in buildings and services which will cater to those amongst us who are differently abled, we look forward to a change in the society being more inclusive and open minded.

Families who currently have to care for persons with disabilities during adulthood will now be able to witness such persons enjoying a higher level of independence, where they can be more financially secure because they have the opportunity to be trained for a job; they are valued as equally contributing members of a company and are paid equal wages. Persons with disabilities should be able to access medical care and specialist services locally where feasible, instead of having to travel overseas. Children with disabilities should be guaranteed education in the least restrictive environment, thus ensuring that they are amalgamated into society from childhood.

Persons who do not have disabilities should be able to better understand the challenges and rewards those persons with disabilities live with every day. Mindsets should change as a result of the public education campaigns and the quest for true integration into society, resulting in the next generation of Caymanians growing up to be more accepting of persons with disabilities.

Further elaboration on the specific benefits of the Policy are described after the ‘Definitions’ in the subsequent five sections on the goals with their supporting strategies and aims.

The complete draft of The Cayman Islands Disability Policy 2014-2033 can be downloaded at: http://www.gov.ky/portal/page?_pageid=3921,7935684&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL