International Day of Persons With Disabilities

We stand with persons with disabilities in The Bahamas, calling for the full implementation of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Act— passed in 2014—and full compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (#CRPD). We recognize that the passing of laws does not automatically result in the intended outcomes. Investment and enforcement are required for legislation and policy to be successfully implemented and impactful. Persons with disabilities must be centered by all systems and in all activities to ensure that they have equitable access to resources and services.

We call on the Government of The Bahamas, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to meaningfully engage with persons with disabilities for the purpose of learning, adapting, and meeting their needs. We emphasize the importance of compensating persons with disabilities for their expertise. We must all invest in diversity, equity, and inclusion, understanding that these are not mere buzzwords, but obligations that will lead to the feminist futures we need.