A global observance for people with disabilities was celebrated in Parliament this morning.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said in a ministerial statement that while strides have been made in Bermuda, there is still work to be done.

The United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities was on December 3.

Its international theme this year was “Building a Sustainable and Resilient Future for All: Advancing Disability Rights Through Inclusive Development”.

Ms Furbert said the theme aligned closely with the Government’s work to “strengthen accessibility, equality and meaningful participation for all residents”.

Download PDF File

Disabilities.pdf

Ms Furbert said the Government has work to do in data collection, supporting policy and legislative development, encouraging cross-ministry collaboration and increasing public awareness.

“These steps are essential to creating a Bermuda where every person, regardless of ability, can live independently, participate fully and reach their highest potential,” she said.

Ms Furbert said that in the new year, the Human Rights Commission will host a lunch session focused on the subject of reasonable accommodation.

Ageing and Disability Services, under the Ministry of Health, has been invited to contribute to the presentation, to share insights into the types of reasonable accommodations available in Bermuda.

It and the HRC are also exploring the development of quarterly joint events aimed at raising awareness, promoting inclusion and supporting greater understanding of disability rights and responsibilities in the community.

“These activities reinforce the Government’s commitment to fostering accessibility, challenging stigma and building a Bermuda that is inclusive and equitable for all persons with disabilities,” Ms Furbert said.

She reminded the public that Human Rights Day is celebrated annually worldwide on December 10.

The theme this year will be “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials”, which aims to highlight how human rights are fundamental, positive and attainable through daily choices and actions.

Ms Furbert added: “The government alone cannot ensure human rights are attainable, unless we work collectively by committing to making better daily choices and actions towards each other.”