Calls for Protection of those with Invisible Disabilities

The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society of Barbados is calling for measures to be put in place to protect people with disabilities that are not visible.

Speaking during the Down to Brasstacks Sunday programme Vice President of the MS Society of Barbados Nickaela Cumberbatch said that people with multiple sclerosis have challenges functioning in society.

“We have persons who can’t stand very long, persons who can’t even sit very long, but again, it’s invisible. So in order to explain to a person that I need to sit down in this line, or I actually do qualify for this disabled parking, which is close to the entrance, or you go to a bank and to stand up to see the teller it is an issue but you can afford to miss your particular day to do it. So you have to bear with it and ask for understanding a lot. ”

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Voice of: Vice President of the MS Society of Barbados Nickaela Cumberbatch

President of the National Disabilities Unit, John Hollingsworth, says there is a need for advocacy to address the concerns of people who have disabilities that may not be visible.

Speaking during the Brasstacks Sunday programme he stated that the trident Identification card seeks to address these issues and the government is working along with the disabled community to meet some of their needs.

“There is space for, if persons with disabilities want it, to have the have disability displayed on their card. It wouldn’t necessarily say what type of disability and this would assist in alleviating some of the challenges that they experience. Let’s say, for instance, she mentioned the parking spaces there is actually legislation for person parking in spaces designated for persons with disabilities, and the fine for doing so is $50,000. So all that needs to happen there basically is for the police to be involved in a situation like that and that person can be charged for that offense. ”