New disability support agenda targets 8 priority areas over next 5 years
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali today unveiled a major expansion of national support systems for persons living with disabilities, outlining eight priority areas that will shape government action over the next five years. Speaking at the International Day of Persons with Disabilities observance, the Head of State said the new agenda is designed to ensure every citizen “must be treated equally with dignity,” adding that the country has “a duty to ensure that this occurs.” He emphasised that inclusion is a shared national obligation, stating, “Regardless of where you sit in private or public life, we must take community responsibility to uplift those persons living with disabilities.”
President Ali announced that his government, working with advocates and stakeholders, has identified eight priority areas to be strengthened. These include care support, with caregivers honoured as the “definition of faith, love, and faith and love that is selfless and forever.” He pointed to education support, noting an ongoing shift from purely brick-and-mortar schooling to technology-driven inclusive learning. Community support, empowerment support, transportation support, health support, housing support, and government services accessibility also form key pillars of the agenda. “These were the primary priorities as outlined,” the President stated, while praising advocates like Ganesh Singh for their decades of effort that helped guide the agenda.
The President also highlighted actions already taken since 2020 to enhance dignity and independence, including putting persons with disabilities on a permanent register, ending six-month reapplications and improving predictability of assistance. Permanent disability benefits have been increased, thousands have received free assistive aids, and a comprehensive database of children living with disabilities is now in place. He also noted tax removal on disability-related services, the establishment of the first learning lab to improve skills and digital literacy, and the creation of the Empower Guyana Centre, which currently employs more than 120 persons living with disabilities. He added that Guyana has already laid a strong legislative foundation through the Prevention of Discrimination Act, the Persons with Disabilities Act, and the National Policy on the Rights of People with Disabilities. “We are building a framework where inclusion is not an afterthought but a fundamental principle,” he affirmed.
Looking ahead, the President pledged deeper reforms over the next five years. These include strengthening early intervention systems, implementing an updated special needs education policy, ensuring greater access to durable mobility and electronic aids, and establishing new private-sector job centres for persons with disabilities. He announced the launch of a personal assistant training and certification scheme, remote monitoring support through wearable technology, expanded partnerships with national service providers, and assistance with home ownership and grants for caregivers to upgrade their living spaces. Additionally, a special financing window will be created through the Development Bank to provide interest-free, collateral-free loans to persons living with disabilities for income-generating ventures. “These and other measures… will continue to create and generate tangible advantages and benefits for PWDs,” he told the gathering.
President Ali said Guyana’s mission is clear: “Our mission is to create an environment where the disabled can fully participate in all aspects of national life. Pursue your dreams and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s growth.” As he closed his remarks, the President called on all Guyanese to embrace the responsibility to support the community: “Let us lift each other up… as we all advance towards fulfilling our duties in this grand family of humanity.”
