A National Disability Policy is in the works for Bermuda after Health Minister Patrice Minors attended the Caribbean Ministers Conference on Disability in Jamaica last week. ?It was with interest to learn that while Bermuda was one of five named islands that did not yet have a national policy on the disabled, it was the only island out of ten that had legislation that spoke directly to the protection of the rights of disabled persons,? Mrs. Minors told MPs in the House of Assembly on Friday.

?I am pleased to say that I have spoken to the Chief Medical Officer and we will soon be forming a committee, inclusive of disabled persons, whose sole purpose will be to formulate a National Disability Policy for Bermuda long with a strategy.

?I am hoping to confirm the establishment of this committee to this House as soon as possible.?

The primary purpose of the committee is to establish a policy on the disabled, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Cann told yesterday.

But what that policy will cover is broad, he said ? including everything from wheelchair access to human rights and increased public awareness.

The committee?s job will be first to identify problems, and second to specify what is needed to improve the situation, he said.

?The intentions are for it to be fairly broad and comprehensive ... we are making sure we understand that we have people with talents, and we want to maximise their contribution to society.

?Especially in a community this small, it would be a shame for anyone to be unable to contribute.?

The focus this year will be on improving access, he said. Noting that the terms of reference and the list of those suggested for the committee are not finalised yet, he added: ?Within a week I can hopefully give you a more detailed report.?