An action group was launched to make life easier for disabled people.

The National Accessibility Advisory Council (NAAC), a council to improve life of the disabled, was formally announced by Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs, Wayne Perinchief, yesterday outside the Cabinet office.

In his speech, Mr. Perinchief explained the National Disability Policy was tabled in the House of Assembly and formally launched in June.

He said when he was appointed the Minister in November 2006, he was given a report called 'Recommendations for a National Policy on Disabilities'.

"In short order of receiving the report, we as a Ministry, recognised its significance and potential impact for Bermuda with regard to promoting awareness of disability issues, making Bermuda accessible and becoming an inclusive, barrier-free society."

The Minister explained the policy is aimed at developing a consistent and comprehensive approach to providing access for people with disabilities in Bermuda.

"One of the policy's recommendations is that a National Accessibility Advisory Council be established to implement policy and strategy on disabilities, advise Government on emerging disability related issues and best practice protocols and conduct research to support decision making on providing every member of the community with barrier-free access to all aspects of everyday life."

Some of the work the council will be doing include reviewing and proposing amendments to Bermuda's Public Acts and Statutory instruments, making recommendations for legislation for persons with disabilities and ensuring that people with disabilities and their advocates are routinely included on boards.

The membership has been finalised with 50 representatives from the disabled community, advocates, service providers and memberships selected from organisations serving people with disabilities.

The coordinating body of the NAAC are Lisa Lister Currin, Kirsten Badenduck and Amanda Marshall. Ms Currin spoke on behalf of the coordinating body and said: "We are enthused to have this opportunity to assist the Government and the community with the implementation of a series of recommendations outlined in the National Policy on Disabilities.

"The National Police on Disabilities and now the establishment of the National Accessibility Advisory Council together represent a major milestone in the history of the disabled rights movement in Bermuda."