More than 1,500 Guyanese living with disabilities have benefited from an independent living programme since its launch in 2022, organisers said Wednesday, as the initiative entered its fifth phase with a target of reaching 450 more persons.
The Independent Living Skills Programme, implemented by the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities and funded by ExxonMobil Guyana, was officially launched on Wednesday.
Programme Manager Ganesh Singh said the initiative has already transformed lives.
“Many of these individuals that benefited over the years, over 1,500 persons who have been directly impacted, are now living much more independent lives. Quite a number are employed, we have persons that have established businesses,” he added.
Originally focused on orientation and mobility training for persons who are blind or visually impaired, the programme has expanded to include persons with physical, intellectual and psychosocial disabilities.
Under phase five, organisers aim to directly reach approximately 450 persons with disabilities while also supporting families and caregivers. Training covers assistive technology, rehabilitation counselling, career guidance, job preparedness, small business management and independent living skills.
The programme will also work with approximately 100 blind and visually impaired children in Regions One and Nine in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Singh said.
“We are seeing persons with disabilities at the various universities, completing tertiary-level education, and it all started with this programme,” he noted.
Beneficiary Neville Douglas, who lost his sight six years ago, said the programme helped him regain independence.
“Today I can walk, I can go many places. Normally I go all over town by myself using the cane. I can use my phone to make and receive calls, use WhatsApp, and I’m computer literate,” he said.
Lorna Carlson said the programme’s expansion reflects a deeper understanding of the needs within the disability community.
“It’s a forward-looking step that aims to equip all persons with disabilities with the practical skills needed for daily living, employment and entrepreneurship,” she said.
Representatives of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security described the initiative as an important step toward empowering persons with disabilities and strengthening inclusion across Guyana.
