By Bahamas Information Services

NASSAU - Minister of Social Services and Community Development the Hon. Melanie Griffin Wednesday (June 7) pledged to continue to lead the fight to ensure that persons living with disabilities have equal opportunity to "make everyday independent living choices" as the non-disabled population.

"Independent living for persons with disabilities means having the same right to make choices as well as having the same control in their everyday lives as the non-disabled population; the right to grow up in their own families, to attend schools located within their neighbourhoods, the right to utilize the same form of public transportation, to be employed in any area for which they are qualified, as well as to marry and start families of their own if they so choose," Minister Griffin said.

Addressing a one-day forum for persons living with disabilities hosted by the Disability Affairs Division, Department of Social Services, Minister Griffin said while there can be no denying that there have been some improvements in areas such as infrastructural planning, education, rehabilitation, vocational training, information, employment and living conditions for persons living with disabilities, more will have to be done "for independent living to truly be successful."

Minister Griffin said her ministry will ensure that specific and affordable services are provided for individuals with significant disabilities to live independently within their existing communities.

She said these services include, but are not limited to, attendant care, which would enable persons unable to perform tasks of daily living by themselves, to be assisted in their homes which would allow them to remain in familiar surroundings instead of having to be placed in an institution.

Other areas, she said, would include wheelchair repair and lift repair, in addition to ensuring that accessible sidewalks and buildings are all essential elements for independent living.

"Independent living does not mean that persons living with disabilities must do everything by themselves or that they have the ability to do everything by themselves, nor does it mean that they prefer or ought to live in isolation," Minister Griffin said.

"Independent living, in the context of the disability movement, is defined as a philosophy as well as a movement of people with disabilities striving for self-determination, equal opportunities and self respect," she added.

Minister Griffin said the "simple desire" of persons living with disabilities is to exist in a world that is free of marginalization and exclusion, having access to the same kinds of opportunities as well as the same degree of control and self-direction over the affairs of their daily lives as any other citizen.

"For individuals living with disabilities, it is a basic right that provides dignity and empowerment regardless of the nature and/or extent of their impairment," Minister Griffin said.

Minister Griffin encouraged persons living with disabilities to "think outside of the box" when it comes to living independently and commended those "who not only live independently, but also have a mindset that everything will not be provided for you on a platter."

"Thinking outside of the box must become a reality and not simply a popular saying if we are to develop the kind of inclusive society where persons with disabilities are not only encouraged to live independently, but are also provided with the necessary tools to compete equally in the 21st century," Minister Griffin said.

"There are many of you who have made great inroads into all walks of life. You are lawyers, pastors, junkanoo leaders, businesspersons, receptionists, secretaries, teachers, straw vendors, bankers, accountants, administrators and on and on.

"I submit to you today that some of your challenges and fears lie within you and sometimes your limitations are within you. Do not let that continue to be the case," Minister Griffin added.