People with disabilities having it hard

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Persons with disabilities face many challenges. They are subject to abuse from family members and even those who claim to be ‘friends’. Women are expected to fend for themselves and literally carry their own weight. They are cursed for poor hygiene and limitations in housekeeping.

Yet their income is syphoned by unscrupulous people. They are victimised, their clothing and food stolen, leaving disable women with the burden of starting all over again.

People with disabilities are often denied access to facilities and supportive technology, which results in them missing out on training and employment opportunities. Many pretend to not see the obvious, or to realise those who are blind cannot see. Many building are not disabled-friendly, so people have a hard time accessing these facilities.

It seems that the lawmakers are turning a blind eye to the challenges faced by people with disabilities. There is no punishment or accountability for the daily challenges that the disabled face in Jamaica.

Regardless of the fact that signs are posted in public transportation advising of special sitting, both passengers and transportation operators mock that they cannot see the ‘disability’ of an individual, even when the special bus card is placed before their eyes. Clearly a lack of vision, as the Transportation Centre in Half-Way Tree does not have an operating elevator to enable those on wheelchairs to take buses either from upstairs or downstairs. The media can highlight these challenges and realities.

When people with disabilities file claims for assistance, none is provided. It is already difficult for them to move around without incurring great expense or pain, and the system is making a mockery of them. Documents are repeatedly submitted and yet cannot be found for funds to be expedited. One is not talking of a day’s or week’s delay but years, close to a decade.

Where do these invoices for payment disappear to, and where do the funds go? Perhaps not in the hand of the needy or duly registered individuals.

Giving up seems to be the best way forward. Your hunger knows no pain and you have survived long enough without government aid.

It seems that the ‘Out of Many, One People’ land is not for people with disabilities; so many continue to live and die in abject poverty.

I FEEL IT, AND KNOW ABOUT IT