Five-year plan aims to remove barriers, expand services for PWDs

Participants at the launch yesterday

The National Commission on Disability (NCD) on Tuesday launched the 2025–2029 National Strategic Plan for Disability Inclusion, signalling a strengthened national commitment to protecting the rights and full participation of persons living with disabilities.

The launch, held at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, brought together government officials, civil society partners, international organisations, and persons with disabilities, underscoring a unified effort to advance equality.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, delivering the keynote address, said the strategic plan is more than a policy document, describing it as an actionable framework aimed at removing barriers, expanding essential services, and supporting children and adults with disabilities throughout their lives. He said every child has the right to be “seen, supported, and given every opportunity to reach their full potential,” and noted that the plan aligns with Guyana’s obligations under the CRPD, CRC, and SDGs.

Anthony also highlighted the importance of data-driven decision-making and praised UNICEF’s partnership in conducting a comprehensive situation analysis on children with disabilities, saying the collaboration has strengthened the evidence base needed for progress.

UNICEF Guyana & Suriname Representative a.i. Gabriel Vockel reaffirmed the agency’s partnership with the Government and the NCD, calling the plan a major step in national development. He said every child has the right to be “seen and supported,” adding that inclusion is “not optional but essential.” Vockel underscored the need for improved data systems, inclusive education, early intervention, and stronger social protection, and pledged UNICEF’s continued support.

NCD Vice Chairperson Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon described the launch as a defining moment for disability inclusion, noting that the plan rejects barriers as normal and was designed with ambition and energy. She said it is “a plan with legs, and wheels and ramps and interpreters and accessible communication tools,” underscoring its readiness for implementation.

The plan outlines priorities including equitable access to education, improved early identification and intervention, expanded social protection, strengthened accessibility in communication and public services, and deeper cross-sector collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and international partners.

Formally presenting the plan to Anthony, Persaud-McKinnon said its success will depend on partnerships and collective responsibility, calling it a national commitment grounded in accountability, dignity, and action.

The NCD reaffirmed its readiness to work with government, private-sector, civil society, and international partners to ensure full implementation over the next five years, saying it remains committed to promoting equitable access to services and advancing full inclusion in all sectors of society.