Disability Inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Photo: © Kevin Berry | Dreamstime.com The Situation in OPPORTUNITIES Saint Vincent and ● Support the National Disabilities Act and draft national policy on the Grenadines ● persons with disabilities developed by the NSPD. Support a national disability register to deliver relief services and March 20231 supplies to persons with disabilities. ● The next census (2023) might provide an opportunity to collect disaggregated data, target awareness campaigns, train 1 This profile provides an overview of the legal and social context affecting persons with disabilities with the enumerators, and develop focused analytics. objective to support the Government and the World ● Include children with disabilities in Safe Schools Policy (2015) Bank’s commitments on Disability Inclusion adopted at the Global Disability Summit in 2018 and the programs, particularly those that focus on hazard risk awareness, institution’s Environmental and Social Framework. The disaster preparedness, and response planning. profile is based on a literature review of publicly official ● Establish platforms and mechanisms to include persons with available documents but especially based on the World Bank Regional Report ‘Disability Inclusion in Latin disabilities at all levels of consultation and planning. America and the Caribbean: A Path to Sustainable ● Assist DRM and CR practitioners to improve approaches toward Development. This is a World Bank product co- persons with disabilities; use readily available awareness raising financed by the Canada Caribbean Resilience Facility. The brief was prepared by a team led by María Elena and training materials from national organizations of persons with García Mora and Naraya Carrasco that included disabilities. Camilo Vargas Sosa, Melissa Zumaeta, Cristina Leria, ● Support the government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to Miguel Garza and Linda Anderson-Berry. It includes significant inputs from Sanjay Agarwal, Yaprak Servi, participate in International and Regional platforms for disability- Melike Egilmezler, María Inés Garcia Calderón (edit) inclusive disaster risk management to respond to climate change. and Iván García Estébanez (design). For additional inquiries on disability inclusion in LAC, task teams, and/or country teams, through the project/country Social Development Specialists, should reach out to the regional focal point on disability inclusion in LCR, Maria Elena Garcia Mora (mgarciamora@worldbank.org). For inquiries on disability inclusion globally, please contact the WB Disability Advisor Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo (cmcclainnhlapo@worldbank.org). Disability Inclusion in Latin America and the The situation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Caribbean I.  Objective  Planning Information Unit in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment. This study identified 2,332 persons The objective of this note is to identify national entry points with disabilities (or approx. 2.2 percent of the estimated to strengthen the inclusion of persons with disabilities in total population in 2010), of whom 2,195 had been assessed.5 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This note was prepared Questions on disability, based on functionality, were included to accompany the operationalization of the regional report in the 2011 census questionnaire. However, no disaggregated ‘Disability Inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean: A data or analysis appears in the official reports. The next Path to Sustainable Development.’2 It is meant to help guide national census is planned for 2023. the Government and the World Bank to strengthen disability- inclusion at the country level, and is not meant as an exhaustive analysis of disability-inclusion in the country. TABLE 1. Indicators for Persons with Disabilities While the regional report establishes that the inclusion of vs. Persons without Disabilities persons with disabilities in Latin America and the Caribbean Persons has progressed in the last two decades, much remains to be Persons with without done to achieve their social and economic inclusion. In general, disabilities (%) disabilities (%) persons with disabilities in Latin America and the Caribbean Percentage of children 68 82 are more likely to be poor and vulnerable, have fewer years of attending school (3–8 years education, have poor labor market indicators, and are more old) (ECLAC 2018) frequent victims of discrimination, among many other gaps. Percentage of persons aged 21 41 18–59 who have completed secondary education (ECLAC 2018) II.  Persons with Disabilities at a Glance  Percentage of persons aged 30 53 It is estimated that around 15 percent of the global population— 15–59 who are economically one billion people—are persons with disabilities.3 Approximately active (ECLAC 2018) 750,000 of them live in the Anglophone Caribbean, (which Employment rate n/a n/a includes Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), and make up 15 Access to internet n/a n/a percent of the population of the region.4 Household access to n/a n/a It is likely that the prevalence of disability in Saint Vincent and cellphones (UN Flagship the Grenadines is similar to that of its Caribbean neighbours. Report on Disability and Development 2018) Data relating to disability are not readily available from the usual sources – notably the National Census of Population and Housing. A census was conducted in 2011, but reportedly The population of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is aging much of its data were destroyed in a fire later that year, and slowly decreasing. This is largely due to a decreasing although the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines fertility rate and increasing outward migration. Disability (GoSVG) is trying to recover what they can. Some population increases with age, both in total number and as a proportion of and housing demographics are now published but the only the population. Currently 9.8 percent of the population is over mention of disability appears in employment data. The PAHO 65 years old and it is estimated that by 2050, 18.9 percent will refers to a study on disability conducted in 2010 by the Health be over that age.6 2 García Mora, María Elena, Steven Schwartz Orellana and Germán Freire. 2021. Disability Inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Path to Sustainable Development. Washington, DC: World Bank. 3 World Bank and WHO, “World Report on Disability,” 2011, https://www.who.int/disabilities/world_report/2011/report.pdf?ua=1. This prevalence is similar to that reported for the Latin America and Caribbean region (14.7%) in the 2021 World Bank report “Disability Inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Path to Sustainable Development”, see https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/36628 4 Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Human Rights and Persons with Disabilities in the Anglophone Caribbean (2018). 5 Disabilities identified were: physical/motor, 745 cases (34%); intellectual, 497 (22.6%); mental, 372 (16.9); visual, 259 (11.8); multiple, 208 (9.5%); and hearing, 114 (5.2%). The study revealed that 0.4% of children in the 0–4 age group, 1.8% of children and adolescents in the 5–14 age group, and 1.5% of adolescents in the 15–19 age group showed physical and motor disabilities. With respect to intellectual disability, the study found 16 persons in the 0–4 age group, 154 in the 5–14 age group, and 74 in the 15–19 age group. Available at: https://www3.paho.org/salud-en-las-americas-2012/index. php?option=com_content&view=article&id=70:saint-vincent-and-the-grenadines&Itemid=176&lang=en#ref4 6 Demographic pyramids for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 2020 and projections to 2050. Source: https://www.populationpyramid.net/saint- vincent-and-the-grenadines/2050/ based on Census data 2 Disability Inclusion in The situation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Latin America and the Caribbean III.  Poverty and Vulnerability  seek employment they tend to obtain work in low-skilled positions, especially in urban areas. The economic impact of Based on the most recent Poverty Assessment Report, over having a household member with disabilities is also evident in 30 percent of the population in St Vincent and the Grenadines higher unemployment rates of heads of households.10 is poor, and this number is slowly increasing.7 Although no official figures on the poverty and vulnerability of persons with The ECLAC (2017) report estimates that the inactivity rate of disabilities appear in the report, it is known that persons with persons (15–59 years) is 70 percent among those with disability disabilities in Latin America and the Caribbean are more likely compared to 47 percent among those without disability. to live in households that are poor, and are overrepresented among the vulnerable. In LAC, about 1 in 5 people living in extreme poverty has a disability, and approximately 70 percent VI.  Voice and Agency of households with persons with disabilities are vulnerable to Excluded groups lack voice and agency because they are denied falling into poverty.8 platforms to speak, and participate in making decisions. In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the legal framework contains restrictions or excludes persons with psychosocial or IV.  Education intellectual disabilities from voting or standing for office. The Government policies support special education and there is a legal framework permits exclusion in respect of candidacy school for children with “special needs.” However, the emphasis is for public office in cases of persons who are deemed to be “of still on special education rather than inclusive education. Saint unsound mind.” Additionally, the country doesn’t guarantee Vincent and the Grenadines face capacity concerns and gaps in equal and effective access to voting procedures, facilities and teachers’ expertise when it comes to persons with disabilities. materials in order for persons with disabilities to exercise their There is no tertiary-level vocational training – particularly right to vote, including reasonable accommodations and other for children and youth with intellectual disabilities. While 82 measures for accessibility. percent of abled persons (3–18) attend school, this figure falls to 68 percent for persons with disabilities; likewise, while 42 percent of abled persons (18–59) graduate from secondary VII.  Disaster Risk Management school, only 22 percent of persons with disabilities do so.9  The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), The 2015 School Safety Policy was developed to improve design established in 2002, is the primary agency for the coordination and construction for new and retrofitted school infrastructure of DRR activities. It sits within the Ministry of National for safe and accessible use in emergencies and to provide Security, Air and Sea Port Development, and is affiliated equitable and inclusive access to safe learning environments. to CDEMA,11 CCCCC,12 CPHA and the Caribbean Institute of School safety and DRM plans are to be standardized and Meteorology and Hydrology. There is no direct reference to updated, and hazard awareness and Disaster Risk Reduction planning for persons with disabilities in current emergency (DRR) and Resilience training activities will be incorporated management plans. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines into existing formal and non-formal educational programs. National Emergency Management Plan, Annex N° 4 and St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Volcano Emergency Plan specify that members of the Royal St. Vincent and the V.  Skills, work, and labor outcomes  Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), and in particular, the Fire Department will assist minors, persons with disabilities, and Inactivity rather than employment rates explains the exclusion the elderly to evacuate. The Social Development Department of persons with disabilities from the labor market in Latin is responsible to provide and coordinate emergency welfare America and the Caribbean. When persons with disabilities 7 St. Vicent and the Grenadines Country Poverty 2007/2008 Final Report. Available at: https://stats.gov.vc/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/SVG-CPA- REPORT-_Vol-1.pdf 8 García Mora, María Elena, Steven Schwartz Orellana and Germán Freire. 2021. Disability Inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Path to Sustainable Development. Washington, DC: World Bank. 9 Source: ECLAC 2018 based on census 2001 10 García Mora, María Elena, Steven Schwartz Orellana and Germán Freire. 2021. Disability Inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Path to Sustainable Development. Washington, DC: World Bank. 11 Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency 12 Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre 3 Disability Inclusion in Latin America and the The situation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Caribbean Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Photo: vale_t responses, including care for vulnerable groups and persons one will be left behind” and to “endeavor to reach the furthest with disabilities where appropriate and possible. behind first”, who are the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Disability is referenced in the SDGs and specifically in parts Warnings and related communications are disseminated via a related to education, growth and employment, inequality, range of communication channels and networks. NEMO uses accessibility of human settlements, and data collection and a CAP enabled APP for emergency warnings, which increases monitoring of the SDGs. Commitments and goals are being availability and accessibility for persons with disabilities. operationalized and delivered through the country’s National Further research is needed to understand the available Economic and Social Development Plan (2013–2025). 3) communication networks, the uptake of social media, and the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines signed the Paris Agreement strength of formal and informal traditional communication (2015) in 2016, which was ratified and entered into force later networks. Research to date has not revealed specific policy or the same year. This builds on the United Nations Framework communication strategies to support accessibility for persons Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) and acknowledges with disabilities. that all countries, in their efforts to mitigate the risks of climate change, should respect their obligations on human rights, including “the rights of indigenous peoples, local VIII.  Legal and Policy Framework communities, migrants, children, persons with disabilities The country guarantees the inclusion and full exercise of and people in vulnerable situations.” 4) Saint Vincent and the the rights of persons with disabilities through the following Grenadines has committed to The Sendai Framework for DRR international legal instruments: 1) the United Nations 2015–2030, which recognizes persons with disabilities and Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) their representatives as essential stakeholders in disaster risk and the Optional Protocol, which established an individual reduction (DRR), and acknowledges the importance of disability complaint mechanism for persons with disabilities in 2010. 2) inclusive disaster preparedness, response and recovery, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is committed to the 2030 the need for accessible technology and communications. The Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Development Goals (SDGs) of 2015, which pledge that “no 2017 Data Readiness Review which reviews and reports 4 Disability Inclusion in The situation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Latin America and the Caribbean on data for the indicators for global targets of the Sendai for “children with special needs.” However, there are capacity Framework, and identify current gaps, notes that a range of concerns and gaps in teachers’ competence. There is no data are disaggregated by disability. This includes the number tertiary-level vocational training – particularly for persons with of people, injuries, deaths, missing persons, and dwellings that intellectual disability. The OECS Building Code (2015) which were affected by disasters. requires that new public buildings must provide wheelchair access has improved accessibility for persons with disabilities. At the regional level, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has not However, the law does not mandate access to existing yet signed the Inter-American Convention on the Elimination buildings for persons with disabilities, and access generally of All Forms of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities is difficult. NSPD indicates a lack of access for persons with (CIADDIS),13 which is the first regional legal framework to protect visual and hearing disabilities. Finally, the Saint Vincent and the rights of persons with disabilities.14 Saint Vincent and the the Grenadines National Emergency and Disaster Management Grenadines has been a member of the Caribbean Community Act of 2006 supported the Comprehensive Disaster Risk (CARICOM) since 1974. In 1997, Heads of Government of Management Strategy (2014–2024), which works to manage CARICOM signed the Charter of Civil Society which addresses hazard risks and contains specific provisions for the needs of the rights of persons with disabilities in its Article N° 14: persons with disabilities. “Every disabled person has, in particular, the right a) not to be discriminated against on the basis of his or her disability; b) to equal opportunities in all fields of endeavor and to be allowed to develop his or her full potential; and c) to respect for his or IX.  World Bank Engagements on her human dignity so as to enjoy a life as normal and full as disability inclusion possible.” In terms of the Kingston Accord (2004), and as part The Strengthening Health System Resilience Project (P176559) of CARICOM, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines participated in is working towards a Technical Note on Universal Accessibility the First Caribbean Ministerial Meeting on Disability where this for the Design of a Referrals Hospital in Saint Vincent and the Accord was developed. The Accord promotes CARICOM’s model Grenadines. on disability policy and legislation, encourages best practices For the FY15–19, the Regional Partnership Strategy for the for services for persons with disabilities in the Caribbean, and Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)15 only affirms that every Caribbean citizen has the same human, civil, mentions disability from a medical point of view. The report social, political, economic, and cultural rights. Saint Vincent mentions that OECS16 countries are facing a health crisis, with and the Grenadines signed the Declaration of Pétion Ville rising rates of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other (2015), along with the 15 CARICOM States to reiterate their noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs disproportionately commitments to the CRPD. affect poor families, and raise the possibility of disability, With respect to national regulation, there are government premature death, and worsening poverty as people pay for policies to support special education and there is a school medical treatment out of their own pockets. 13 “Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities,” Pub. L. No. A-65 (1999), http://www.oas.org/juridico/english/sigs/a-65.html. While both the CRPD and the CIADDIS are international instruments to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, they differ in 14 their respective understandings of disability. The CIADDIS merges the medical model of disability with some elements of the social model of disability. 15 It is a strategic document that outlines the World Bank Group’s engagement with OECS. It also determines how these countries can end poverty and boost shared prosperity, and the challenges that stand in the way (diagnosis). 16 The latest OECS has a Regional Partnership Framework covering the FY22-25 period. This covers all the OECS countries: Antigua 5 Disability Inclusion in Latin America and the The situation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Caribbean X.  ANNEXES and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Annex 1. Relevant Figures  influence the social inclusion of persons with disabilities and their meaningful participation in society. In analyzing The regional report does not have relevant figures for Saint existing national legal frameworks on disability inclusion, Vincent and the Grenadines. the principal benchmarks of the study are (a) the universally ratified Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Annex 2. Legal framework analysis  (b) the World Bank’s Ten Commitments to Disability-Inclusive Development; and (c) the World Bank Environmental and A legal and institutional analysis of 30 countries across Social Framework, and the accompanying Good Practice Note the Latin America and the Caribbean region17 examined the on Disability. There is insufficient information for an in-depth strengths and weaknesses of existing national frameworks analysis of the legal and institutional framework, but existing with respect to the World Bank’s commitments on disability protections are described in section VIII above and in the Table inclusion. The principal purpose of the data is to support below. research and policy on how legal and institutional frameworks St. Vincent and the   Grenadines (SVG) 1. Principle of non-discrimination. Does the legal framework…? 1.1 Recognize the principle of non-discrimination on the basis of disability? No 1.2 Recognize the duty to provide reasonable accommodation as an element of non-discrimination? No 1.3 Apply to private enterprises/companies? No 1.4 Include physical, mental, intellectual and sensory impairments? No 1.5 Devote specific protection to women/girls with disabilities? No 1.6 Devote specific protection to children with disabilities? No 1.7 Devote specific protection to older persons with disabilities? No 1.8 Devote specific protection to indigenous persons with disabilities? No 1.9 Cover direct and indirect discrimination? No 1.10 Provide for measures to prevent, eliminate or compensate any form of discrimination on the basis of No disability? Does the Constitution…? 1.11 Expressly prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability? No 1.12 Include protections for persons with disabilities among provisions on fundamental rights? No 1.13 Reflect a social model orientation of disability? No 2. Full and effective participation and inclusion in society. Does the legal framework…? 2.1 Recognize the participation of persons with disabilities in society on an equal basis? No 2.2 Provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in the civil, political, economic, social No and cultural spheres? 2.3 Recognize the rights of persons with disabilities to be actively involved in decision-making concerning issues No relating to them? 2.4 Recognize the equal capacity before the law of persons with disabilities? No 2.5 Promote training of public servants on the rights of persons with disabilities? No García Mora, María Elena, Steven Schwartz Orellana and Germán Freire. 2021. Disability Inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Path to 17 Sustainable Development. Washington, DC: World Bank. 6 Disability Inclusion in The situation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Latin America and the Caribbean St. Vincent and the   Grenadines (SVG) 3. Accessibility. Does the legal framework…? 3.1 Recognize the principle of universal access? No 3.2 Recognize access to communication? No 3.3 Is sign language recognized as an official national language or otherwise given official recognition? No 3.4 Access to physical environment and transport 3.4.1 Mandate universal access for public buildings and other public facilities (private/government offices) No including schools, housing, medical facilities and workplaces, and including accessibility standards for public buildings? 3.4.2 Mandate universal access to transport infrastructure and services? No 3.4.3 Provide subsidized access to transport? No 3.4.4 Mandate reasonable accommodation to access services provided to the public? No 3.5 Access to Information 3.5.1 Mandate public information for persons with disabilities in accessible formats and technologies without No additional cost? (including Braille, tactile communication, audio, plain-language, human-reader, augmented modes, etc.) 3.5.2 Allow for alternative modes of communication and other accessible means for official interactions (i.e. No use of sign languages, Braille, etc.)? 3.5.3 Mandate accessibility of information and technology including electronic services? No 3.5.4 Provide accessibility standards for audio-visual media? No 1. Education. Does the legal framework…? 1.1 Expressly recognize the principle of an inclusive education system and articulate the aims of inclusive No education? 1.2 Prohibit the exclusion of persons with disabilities from the general education system? No 1.3 Cover all levels of education for persons with disabilities? No 1.4 Promote access of persons with disabilities to the general education system? No 1.5 Include reasonable accommodation based on individual student’s requirements? No 1.6 Provide persons with disabilities with support, including individualized support within the general education No system? 2. Health. Does the legal framework…? 2.1 Provide persons with disabilities with health services of the same quality and standard of free or affordable No health care as provided to other persons? 2.2 Provide persons with disabilities with reproductive health services? No 2.3 Provide persons with disabilities with services which specifically minimize and prevent secondary disabilities? No 2.4 Mandate funds/public programs for rehabilitation services? No 2.5 Recognize free and informed consent of persons with disabilities and establish ethical standards for the No provision of public and private health care? 3. Work and Employment. Does the legal framework…? 3.1 Prohibit discrimination in the workplace, including conditions of recruitment, hiring and employment, and safe No and healthy working conditions? 3.2 Mandate the employment of persons with disabilities in the public sector? No 7 Disability Inclusion in Latin America and the The situation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Caribbean St. Vincent and the   Grenadines (SVG) 3.3 Establish a quota system for the employment of persons with disabilities in the public sector? No 3.4 Promote the employment of persons with disabilities in the private sector through appropriate policies which No may include affirmative action programs, incentives and other measures? 3.5 Mandate reasonable accommodation in the workplace? No 4. Participation in political and public life. Does the legal framework…? 4.1 Contain restrictions or exclusions on the right to vote for persons with disabilities, such as exclusions based on Yes legal capacity? 4.2 Persons with disabilities might be denied the right to stand for office on account of discriminatory criteria Yes that exclude them. 4.3 Provide equal and effective access to voting procedures, facilities and materials in order for persons with No disabilities to vote, including reasonable accommodations and other measures for accessibility? 4.4 Include representation of persons with disabilities in the legislature by way of quotas or other positive No measures? 4.5 Expressly mandate assisted voting for persons with disabilities, including selection of an assistant of their No own choosing? 4.6 Provide for voting for persons who are in long-term institutions or home-bound? No 4.7 Include accessibility standards for the internet? No 4.8 Accessibility standards for polling stations? No 5. Social Protection. Does the legal framework…? 5.1 Recognize disability-related expenses in social protection programs? Yes 5.2 Recognize the right of persons with disabilities to access public housing programs? No 5.3 Prohibit discrimination in access to and supply of goods and services? No 6. Protection in situations of risk. Does the legal framework…? 6.1 Ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk/emergency including armed No conflict, public health emergencies, humanitarian emergencies and natural disaster? 1. National Monitoring 1.1 Does the State have focal points within Government to implement the Convention? No 1.2 Does the State coordinate within Government to facilitate related actions in different sectors and at different No levels? 2. Establish an independent monitoring body 2.1 Does the State have a framework, with independent mechanisms, to promote, protect and monitor No implementation of the Convention? 2.2 Does the designated framework meet the requirements of independence? No 3. Participation in monitoring 3.1 Has the State taken measures to involve civil society? No 3.2 Has the State taken measures to involve persons with disabilities? No 3.3 Has the State taken measures to include gender perspectives? No 3.4 Does the State allow persons with disabilities to participate in public maters that affect them? No 3.5 Does the State allow for participation in the monitoring process and the preparation of the State report? No 8 Disability Inclusion in The situation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Latin America and the Caribbean Annex 3. Stakeholder mapping 18 Annex 4. Glossary - Empower with words There are a range of government bodies and disability support ● Language used on disability varies across countries and organisations in the country that aim to provide practical cultures. In a country context, it is useful to ask persons support. with disabilities which words and phrases they prefer. It is also important to find out whether an individual is willing ● Ministry of National Mobilization, Social Development, to disclose their disability. When describing an individual, Family, Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities and Youth: do not reference his or her disability unless it is clearly through the Family Services Division provide programs pertinent to the issue or story. and services advocating equal treatment of persons with ● It is recommended to use ‘person-first language’, which disabilities and the elderly, and enhancing the socio- puts the person before his or her impairment (a person who economic development of all family members. uses a wheelchair, a person with visual impairment) which ● Ministry of Education, National Reconciliation and is in line with the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights Information: in charge of the education of children with of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). disabilities. ● The use of terms such as “handicapped”, “a person suffering ● National Society of Persons with Disabilities: works to from…”, “mentally retarded”, “able-bodied/normal”, “the prevent needless disability, and to educate, train, rehabilitate, disabled”, “the blind”, “paraplegic”, “wheelchair-bound” are employ and assist those with disabilities to integrate into not recommended. Disability is not an illness and hence it Vincentian society. According to local media, persons is important to refrain from using terms such as healthy with disabilities are assisted to prepare for and respond to versus sick. emergencies, but the nature of this assistance is not clear. ● National Society of and for the Blind (NSOFB) - established The following brief glossary provides guidelines to portray in 1986. The main goal of the organization is to influence individuals with disabilities in a respectful and balanced way policies and programs to improve the well-being, safety with language that is neutral: and general enabling environment for persons with visual ● Person(s) with disabilities disabilities in especially vulnerable homes/communities. ● Person who is blind/ or person with visual disabilities This includes programs and activities to promote social ● Person who is deaf/ person who is deaf or hard of hearing/ integration and inter-generational relationships. person with hearing disabilities: Many people in the Deaf ● The Caribbean Development Bank: the Bank’s Disability community prefer the use of a lowercase “d” to refer to Assessment Project (2018) aims to develop evidence- audiological status and the use of a capital “D” when based projects and services for disability mainstreaming referring to the culture and community of Deaf people. in the region. The project seeks to provide robust disability ● Person who is deaf/blind data in social, economic, and political domains; examine ● Person with mobility/physical disabilities the differential impacts of disability and their intersection ● Person using a wheelchair/a wheelchair user with other vulnerabilities associated with sex, age cohort ● Person with intellectual/developmental disabilities (children, youth, elderly and working age), ethnicity, and ● Person with albinism race (as relevant); identify constraints and enablers to ● Person with short stature or little person equal participation of persons with disabilities compared ● Person with psychosocial disabilities with persons without disabilities in growth sectors in the ● Person with Down syndrome formal and informal economy; and examine vulnerabilities ● Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to natural disasters, economic shocks and climate change. ● Assistive devices (white cane, hearing aid, wheelchair, ● Since 2014 the Smart Hospitals Program, PAHO/WHO, and tricycle). a number of donors, has assisted hospitals in SVG to be more resilient to disasters, environmentally sustainable, and accessible to persons with disabilities. Adaptations include ramps, lifts, guardrails and accessible toilets. The program has been extended to a dozen hospitals in Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This is a living document that is constantly being updated. Therefore, the list of OPDs may change from time to time. Following appropriate 18 accessibility features (sign interpretation, closed caption) is key to ensure that persons with disabilities can efficiently and openly participate of meetings and consultations. 9