Legislative help for residents with disability and hearing loss
The Government will expand legislation and support for residents with disabilities and hearing loss, MPs heard on Friday.
Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said a new disability unit would start with a mandate on “the appropriate legal framework that would provide a clear, enforceable statutory mandate to co-ordinate, monitor and proactively drive disability inclusion”.
Ms Furbert added that a programme manager will develop guidance to address barriers faced by people with disabilities and an education and inclusion officer will lead campaigns to increase awareness.
She said that a comprehensive Disability Act was in the works.
Ms Furbert also discussed hearing loss, stating how 814 people in Bermuda reported hearing difficulties or deafness in 2010.
She explained: “The impact of hearing loss extends well beyond physical health — it can significantly affect quality of life.
“Among older adults, untreated hearing loss is strongly associated with social isolation and loneliness.
“When individuals struggle to hear and participate in conversations, they may begin to withdraw from social situations.”
Ms Furbert announced a pilot programme that would help fund hearing tests and devices for uninsured and underinsured patients.
The programme, possible through a grant administered by Age Concern, launched this month and applications are available at the charity and hearing service providers.
Age Concern will assess every applicant older than 50 while Ageing and Disability Services will review all other applications.
• To see Ms Furbert’s statements on hearing loss and disability inclusion, seeRelated Media
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