Are we failing?

Hi Everyone

Today i tried to think about at least one prominent deaf person in Trinidad and Tobago and came up blank. Are members of the deaf community given the opportunities that allow them to reach their highest potential or do we set barriers that limit them because we see them as a liability. Our country has taken a stance in the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities that states "Persons with disabilities are agents of their own destiny and equal citizens of this nation. They have the same rights and responsibilities and should enjoy equal access to the services available to each and every citizen." it seems to me that this only occurs on paper though it further states "The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is committed to the full inclusion and holistic development of persons with disabilities. In the pursuit of developed country status by 2020, Government is steadfast in its resolve to address disability issues from a human rights perspective, which in essence is to view persons with disabilities as holders of rights which are to be protected and enforced". I feel that we are failing in this aspect miserable.

In a Newsday interview of Jamal Legen  a member of the group We Care Deaf Support Network (DSN) talks about the daily challenges that face members of the deaf community which includes discrimination and lack of inclusion. He spoke about the lack of interpreters in schools, police stations, hospitals, clinics and Government Ministries, which makes it challenging for deaf persons to conduct business and gain a proper education. He also talks about the barriers faced when trying to gain insurance; they are seen as liabilities by insurance companies who think deaf people are accident prone. It is also challenging to get get jobs even though they are qualified. Companies are skeptical when they learn that a potential employee is deaf, they most times refuse to give them a chance at jobs that they are more than capable of doing because employers see deaf people as walking hazards and think that there will be communication barriers. Members of the deaf community face the proverbial Glass ceiling daily.

It seems to me that other countries have made great strides forward in creating equal opportunities for members of the deaf community, we as a society copy a lot of negatives from these countries why can't we take some of the positives as well.