The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE number of disabled persons residing in The Bahamas is grossly under-reported according to global population averages.

Less that one per cent of the estimated population is registered with the Department of Social Services, according to Leonard Cargill, Chief Disability Affairs in the Department of Social Services, who underscored the widespread need for greater resources, and increased public and governmental conviction.

Mr Cargill also called for greater autonomy within the department to lessen bureaucratic service delays.

"In any given population, usually 10-15 per cent of the population is considered disabled," Mr Cargill said.

"Looking at our population, we're looking at 30,000 people. We try to capture every person in our registry, but we need some help in that regard to upkeep the registry."

"We are planning to do this legislation coming about soon," he said.

"There's a challenge in bringing about a feeling of the spirit of the legislation. If we're going to pass this legislation we ought to be serious about what we're doing now for persons with disabilities."

This week, disabled persons lashed out at the government's slow pace to enact legislation they hope will address long-standing inequalities.

The government has started consultation with various groups, according to Minister of Social Services Melanie Griffin, who said the government hopes to table a revised document before the year's end.

"There are talks to say that this is a priority area, but we want this to be seen as a priority area," Mr Cargill said.

"I do believe that this current minister is committed, the commitment is there but as it trickles down. In this area we are committed, but we want everyone on board."

Disability services offered by the department are currently limited due to staffing levels and inadequate transportation.

Mr Cargill said officers hope to resume support groups for disabled persons and their families; and routine checks on shut-ins as soon as possible. He noted that there are plans for a new care facility to accommodate additional services, such as respite care.

"We have a national registry for persons with disability, but because of staff movement we were having some difficulty (maintaining the registry)," Mr Cargill said.

"At last count we had about 2,600 persons registered.

"We want everyone in the country to be registered. We work closely with the census to try to capture all of the persons with disability, but daily persons are becoming disabled."

In 2010, year end reports indicated that 1,090 persons received some form of disability assistance, according to Mr Cargill, who noted that repeat clients may have been duplicated.

In an effort to monitor the traffic of disabled persons at the Princess Margaret Hospital, the department plans to form a closer relationship with Health Social Services.

"We have problems with what we eat and the way we live and it can be a direct result of illnesses." Mr Cargill said. "There's also the impact brought about by trauma, car accidents, violence, victims of crime. You never see the statistics in terms of how many of them end up becoming disabled - that is an issue as well."