By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
Guyana has taken a significant step toward strengthening disability rights and advancing national inclusion with the official launch of the 2025–2029 National Strategic Plan for Disability Inclusion. The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday by the National Commission on Disability (NCD) in partnership with the Ministry of Health, aims to transform access to, protections for, and opportunities for thousands of Guyanese living with disabilities.
Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, delivering the feature address, described the launch as more than a policy milestone — calling it a decisive, actionable framework designed to remove barriers and expand essential services nationwide.
He highlighted key gains already achieved, including expanded mobility support.
“Those who have mobility challenges… over the last two years, we would have assisted people with wheelchairs,”
Dr. Anthony noted, emphasizing the ministry’s efforts to meet longstanding needs.
70,000 Children Screened Nationally
The minister also revealed that Guyana has made significant progress in early childhood and school-based screening for developmental and learning challenges. Nearly 70,000 children have already been screened as part of a nationwide effort targeting nursery, primary, and secondary levels.
“We intend to screen every child that is at school,” he said, underscoring the plan’s focus on early detection and timely intervention.
New Neurological Centre and Autism Support
Dr. Anthony further disclosed that the ministry is designing and constructing a new neurological centre to expand access to specialized treatment. Increased focus is also being placed on autism diagnosis and support — an area, he acknowledged, where late detection has historically been common.
“For the first time in the country, we now have two child psychiatrists,” he said, adding that additional personnel are being trained to identify children on the autism spectrum.
Strategic Plan to Strengthen Rights and Reduce Discrimination
Program Manager at the Guyana Council for Organizations for Persons with Disabilities, Gani Singh, said the strategic plan will serve as a guiding blueprint for promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
He noted that the commission will monitor the implementation of disability-related legislation while also addressing persistent discrimination.
Key Pillars of the Strategic Plan
The 2025–2029 framework focuses on several core priorities:
- Equitable access to education and increased classroom support
- Strengthened early identification and intervention systems
- Enhanced social protection to reduce vulnerability
- Improved accessibility in public services, communication, and infrastructure
- Deeper collaboration across government, civil society, communities, and international partners
The plan reflects a long-term national vision of inclusion, dignity, and meaningful participation for every Guyanese living with a disability.
