Groundbreaking Disability Bill introduced, promoting inclusivity in Education

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Last Thursday, the Ministry of Human Development unveiled its inaugural Disability Bill in the House of Representatives.

Presented by the Minister of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous People’s Affairs, Dolores Balderamos Garcia, this landmark legislation aims to fortify the legal framework for individuals with disabilities, safeguarding their fundamental rights and entitlements as enshrined in the Belizean Constitution.

Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, Rossana Briceno explained that the bill sets out to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy parity in society, with equal access to opportunities and benefits.

Under its provisions, a “person with a disability” encompasses individuals with enduring physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that may impede their full participation in various spheres of life.

Central to the legislation is Part VI, which underscores the significance of “Access to Education and Training.” This section delineates several crucial mandates:

 Auxiliary Aids and Services (Section 23): The bill outlines the inclusion of qualified interpreters, readers, taped texts, and modified equipment to facilitate individuals with hearing and visual impairments.

 Right to Education (Section 24): Ensuring non-discriminatory access to quality education, educational and training institutions are obliged to provide reasonable accommodations and universal access for all, preventing the marginalization of students with disabilities.

 Ministerial Support (Section 26): The Ministry responsible for education is mandated to extend support to individuals with disabilities, including recruiting additional teachers, providing specialized training in the realm of special education, and implementing differentiated instructional strategies.

The Ministry of Education, in partnership with educational institutions, bear the responsibility for supporting students with disabilities at all educational levels.

Briceno underscored the collective obligation to champion the rights of parents and students with disabilities.

“Let us all commit to supporting parents and students with disabilities to ensure equal access to education for all our children. In doing so, we will ensure that our communities are more inclusive, accessible, and accommodating for all persons, especially those with a disability,” the Special Envoy urged.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.

© 2024, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.