Disability Inclusion
in Latin America
and the Caribbean
Photo: Ahmani Vidal
The Situation in OPPORTUNITIES
Dominica ● To engage on disability inclusion with the Government, building on
March 20231 initial discussions on inclusive agriculture.
● To strengthen collection of disaggregated data and target
awareness campaigns to promote participation of persons with
disabilities.
● To support the Government of Dominica to establish platforms
and mechanisms to include persons with disabilities at all levels of
This profile provides an overview of the legal and social
1
consultation and planning.
context affecting persons with disabilities with the
objective to support the Government and the World
● Support the government of Dominica to participate in International
Bank’s commitments on Disability Inclusion adopted and Regional platforms for disability-inclusive disaster risk
at the Global Disability Summit in 2018 and the management to respond to climate change.
institution’s Environmental and Social Framework. The
profile is based on a literature review of publicly official
available documents but especially based on the World
Bank Regional Report ‘Disability Inclusion in Latin
America and the Caribbean: A Path to Sustainable
Development. This is a World Bank product co- I. Objective
financed by the Canada Caribbean Resilience Facility.
The brief was prepared by a team led by María Elena
The objective of this note is to identify national entry points to include persons
García Mora and Naraya Carrasco that included with disabilities in Dominica. This note was prepared to accompany the
Camilo Vargas Sosa, Melissa Zumaeta, Cristina Leria, operationalization of the regional report ‘Disability Inclusion in Latin America
Miguel Garza and Linda Anderson-Berry. It includes
significant inputs from Sanjay Agarwal, Yaprak Servi, and the Caribbean : A Path to Sustainable Development.’ 2 It is meant to help
Melike Egilmezler, María Inés Garcia Calderón (edit) and guide the Government and the World Bank to strengthen disability-inclusion
Iván García Estébanez (design). For additional inquiries at the country level. It is not an exhaustive analysis on disability-inclusion in
on disability inclusion in LAC, task teams, and/or
country teams, through the project/country Social the country.
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 García Mora, María Elena, Steven Schwartz Orellana and Germán Freire. 2021. Disability
2
the WB Disability Advisor Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo Inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Path to Sustainable Development.
(cmcclainnhlapo@worldbank.org). Washington, DC: World Bank.
Disability Inclusion in
Latin America and the The situation in Dominica
Caribbean
Although the regional report establishes that the inclusion of 2). The Central Statistics Office of the Ministry of Finance has
persons with disabilities in Latin America and the Caribbean published some (limited) analysis of disability prevalence in both
has progressed over the last two decades, much remains to be the 2001 and 2011 National Census of Population and Housing.6
done to achieve their social and economic inclusion. In general,
persons with disabilities in Latin America and the Caribbean TABLE 1. Comparative indicators for Persons with
are more likely to be poor and vulnerable, have fewer years of Disabilities vs. Persons without Disabilities
education, have poor labor market indicators, and are more
frequent victims of discrimination, among many other gaps. Persons Persons
with without
disabilities disabilities
(%) (%)
II. Persons with Disabilities at a Glance Percentage of children attending n/a n/a
school (3–18 years old)
It is estimated that around 15 percent of the global population—
one billion people—are persons with disabilities.3 Approximately Percentage of persons aged 18–59 n/a n/a
who have completed secondary
750,000 of them live in the Anglophone Caribbean, (which education
includes Dominica), i.e., 15 percent of the population.4
Percentage of persons aged 15–59 n/a n/a
According to the 2011 census, about 5.2 percent of persons in that are economically active
Dominica had a disability.5 However, due to inconsistent data Employment rate (UNICEF, 2018) n/a n/a
collection and understanding of what constitutes disability
Access to internet n/a n/a
this is an underestimate. The most common type of disabili-
ty in Dominica is associated with physical mobility (see Table Household access to cellphones n/a n/a
TABLE 2. Dominica Population by Type of Disability 2001 and 2011- expressed as
population numbers and % change between 2001 and 2011 national censuses
Type of Disability 2001 number 2011 number % Change 2001–2011
Sight 786 1,150 46.3
Hearing 325 398 22.3
Speech 483 491 1.7
Mobility 1,150 1,360 18.3
Body Movements 442 600 35.7
Gripping 138 170 23.0
Learning 253 238 -6.0
Behavioural 565 325 -42.5
Other 194 358 84.4
Not Stated 35 139 n/a
Source: 2001 and 2011 Population and Housing Census
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
Central Statistics Office of the Ministry of Finance, Roseau, Dominica (2018). Disability Statistics N° 1. Available at: https://stats.gov.dm/wp-
content/uploads/2019/10/Disability-Report.pdf
6
The Central Statistics Office of the Ministry of Finance, Roseau, Dominica - Population and Housing Statics. Available at: https://stats.gov.dm/wp-
content/uploads/2020/04/2011-Population-and-Housing-Census.pdf
2
Disability Inclusion in
The situation in Dominica Latin America and the
Caribbean
TABLE 3. Population by Disability disaggregated by sex: 2011
Seeing Hearing Speaking Learning Behavior Mobility Body movements
Both sexes 1,150 398 491 238 325 1,360 600
Male 525 199 288 134 210 605 261
Female 625 199 203 104 115 755 339
Source: Central Statistics Office of Dominica: Population with Disability 2011
Prevalence is greatest in mobility and vision for both censuses. difficulties have not yet been developed. Children with special
With the exception of speech disability which is higher among needs are catered for by a very limited number of specialist
males, prevalence is generally higher among females. In schools rather than mainstreamed in the public school system.
hearing impairments, numbers were generally equal across all Inclusive education has had many challenges, including lack of
age groups. There is an increase in the prevalence of disability human resources, limited access to materials and equipment,
from 2001 to 2010. The only exceptions are in learning and and a silent culture of exclusion among schools.8
behavioral disabilities, which appear to have decreased in
A Special Education Policy to equip and motivate education
prevalence. This may have been the outcome of a targeted
professionals and develop a framework to address the individual
social policy.
educational needs of children with a range of physical, sensory
and intellectual disabilities is in draft form.9
III. Poverty and Vulnerability Although no more detailed information on persons with
disabilities is available for Dominica, a 2021 World Bank
While poverty rates have slowly decreased since the early
report states that children and youths with disabilities in Latin
2000s it is estimated that currently 29 percent of the
America and the Caribbean have experienced chronic barriers
population live below the poverty line. There are very few
to accessing education.10
wealthy Dominicans and income disparity is not great. Poverty
is greatest in the remote rural districts, particularly in the north.
While no official numbers on the poverty and vulnerability
of persons with disabilities are available in Dominica, it is V. Skills, work, and labor outcomes
known that persons with disabilities in Latin America and the Unemployment in Dominica is difficult to determine as the
Caribbean are more likely to live in households that are poor, collection of employment data has been inconsistent. It is clear,
and are overrepresented among the vulnerable. In LAC, about however, that both un- and under-employment are relatively
1 in 5 people living in extreme poverty has a disability, and high, with the highest levels among youth and in rural areas.
70 percent of households with persons with disabilities are The government supports the development of small businesses
vulnerable to falling into poverty.7 to improve employment, and under the obligations of the UN
CRPD, persons with disabilities should be included, but no
evidence for such inclusion has been found. Inactivity, rather
IV. Education than employment rates, explains the exclusion of persons
with disabilities from the labor market in Latin America and
The Education Act 1997 entrenches 12 years of free education
the Caribbean. When persons with disabilities seek work,
starting at the age of 5. It also provides for individual education
they tend to acquire low-skilled positions, especially in urban
plans for children with special needs. However, structured
areas. The economic impact of having a household member
‘Special Education Programs’ for children with severe learning
7
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.
8
UNESCO (2007). International Bureau of Education. Available at: http://www.ibe.unesco.org/en/resources?search_api_views_
fulltext=%22Inclusive%20Education%20Reports%20kingston%2007%20dominica%20inclusion%2007http://www.ibe.unesco.org/fileadmin/user_
upload/Inclusive_Education/Reports/kingston_07/dominica_inclusion_07.pdf
9
Government Information Center. Ministry of Education to Implement Special Education Programmes. Available at: https://news.gov.dm/news/244-
special-education-programmes-in-schools-to-make-students-with-learning-difficulties-more-independent
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.
3
Disability Inclusion in
Latin America and the The situation in Dominica
Caribbean
with disabilities is also evident in high unemployment rates for from sectors within the Public Service and the Private Sector.
heads of households.11 The National Emergency Executive Committee manages the
National Disaster Plan and prepares legislation for disaster
management. The Office of Disaster Management under
VI. Voice and Agency NEPO includes sub-committees and task forces to manage
specific clauses within the national DRM plan pertaining to
Excluded groups lack voice and agency because they are denied
health, transport, communications, etc. Local and community
platforms to speak, and participate in making decisions.
level planning and management is carried out by District
In Dominica, the legal framework contains restrictions, or
disaster committees and community disaster management
excludes persons with psychosocial or intellectual disabilities
committees led by local village councils. While there is no
from voting or standing for office.
reference to disability inclusion in policy documents, there is
Legal capacity is restricted on declaration of an individual collaboration with the Dominica Association of Persons with
as having “unsound mind” and this also restricts a person Disabilities (DAPD) at a DRR planning level.
from holding office. More specifically, restrictions based
Legislation and policies for disaster management and climate
on unsoundness of mind limit the ability of persons with
adaptation are listed below:
psychosocial disabilities to stand for office. Further, a person
may not be elected as a representative if he/she cannot speak ● Emergency Powers (Disaster) Bill 1991
and read the English language, which could limit the right of ● Emergency Planning and Disaster Management Bill 2006
Deaf persons who use sign language to run for office, and also ● National Climate Change Adaptation Policy, adopted by
individuals with disabilities who are not proficient readers. the Cabinet in 2002
Persons considered to be of unsound mind may be prevented ● Comprehensive Disaster Management Bill 2014 - includes:
from holding office. (Section N° 35, Constitution.) ¢ Comprehensive Disaster Management Act 2014
¢ Comprehensive Disaster Management Regulations of
2014
VII. Disaster Risk Management ¢ Disaster Relief and Assistance Regulations of 2014
¢ Comprehensive Disaster Management (Volunteers)
There have been two major reviews and assessments of
Disaster Risk Reduction and Early Warning Systems in Regulations 2014, Comprehensive Disaster
Dominica. The 2014 Disaster Risk Reduction Country Profile Management (Evacuation) Regulations 2014
¢ Early Warning Systems Regulations 2014 (CDEMA
Dominica – supported by ECHO and UNISDR,12 and the 2018
Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems Gaps Report for the Articles 2009)
Commonwealth of Dominica led by Dominica Emergency ● National Policy on Disaster Management
Management Office (DEMO) with support from UNDP, CDEMA, ● National Strategy on Disaster Management
IFRC and ECHO. Both reports mention social inclusion and that ● Damage Assessment Policy
disability is generally poorly acknowledged or represented. ● Emergency Housing Policy
Dominica appears to have a well-structured Disaster Risk ● Emergency Shelter Policy
Management framework with multiple national, sectoral and ● Relief Supplies Policy
community emergency preparedness and response plans. In terms of warning communications, there is a range of
These plans are for the most part developed in a participatory public and private networks with designated responsibilities
manner and underpinned by draft legislation, which has yet to to communicate warnings and emergency management
be enacted. information. These include landlines, cell services, internet,
While the ultimate authority for DRM lies with the Prime cable, broadcast radio stations, amateur radio, satellite phones
Minister, coordination is managed by the National Emergency and the Government Information Service (GIS). This promotes
Planning Organization (NEPO) through overarching accessibility of information for persons with disabilities.
committees, teams and task forces with interconnected A key finding of the 2018 Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems
responsibilities and activities related to disasters and Gaps Report for the Commonwealth of Dominica is that early
emergencies. These structures are made up of representatives warnings do not account for different risks to sub populations,
Ibid.
11
“Commonwealth of Dominica Disaster Risk Reduction Country Profile”, September 2014, Office for Disaster Management (ODM) Dominica. http://
12
dipecholac.net/docs/files/786-cd-dominica-web.pdf
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Disability Inclusion in
The situation in Dominica Latin America and the
Caribbean
including groups with vulnerabilities and those with language, 2015–2030, which recognizes persons with disabilities and
literacy and other physical and psychological impairments. their representatives as essential stakeholders in Disaster Risk
Hence linear/regular strategies for a diverse population may not Reduction (DRR) and acknowledges the importance of disability
be effective, and target those most at risk. It is recommended inclusive disaster preparedness, response and recovery, and
to develop guides for communities that are specific to special the availability of accessible technology and communications.
and vulnerable persons/groups (e.g., children, women, persons The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
with disabilities/illnesses, and the elderly). 2017 Data Readiness Review, which reviews data for indicators
to measure the global targets of the Sendai Framework, and
The Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) has been implemented as
identify gaps, notes that a range of data is disaggregated
a standard and is available to the Meteorological Service and
by disability. This includes the number of injuries, deaths and
Government ICT. This enables automated warnings via multiple
missing persons, the number of dwellings that were damaged
media simultaneously but relies on internet connectivity.
or destroyed, and the number of people whose livelihoods were
Despite the availability of multi-channel and multi-
disrupted or destroyed, that are attributed to disasters.
platform dissemination networks, physical communications
infrastructure is often unreliable. In 1999, at the regional level, Dominica signed but didn’t
ratify the Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of
The DAPD is assisting persons with disabilities to prepare
All Forms of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities
for hazards and emergencies and to receive and respond to
(CIADDIS),13 which is the first regional legal framework to
warnings messages. Additionally, the network of local village
protect the rights of persons with disabilities.14 Dominica has
councils, disaster committees and community emergency
been a member of CARICOM since 1974. In 1997, Heads of
response teams extend warnings to persons with disabilities
Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) signed
and other vulnerable groups.
and agreed to the terms of the Charter of Civil Society which
addresses the rights of persons with disabilities in its Article
N° 14: “Every disabled person has, in particular, the right a) not
VIII. Legal and Policy Framework to be discriminated against on the basis of his or her disability;
Dominica guarantees the inclusion and full exercise of the b) to equal opportunities in all fields of endeavor and to be
rights of persons with disabilities through the following allowed to develop his or her full potential; and c) to respect
international legal instruments: 1) Dominica ratified the UN for his or her human dignity so as to enjoy a life as normal and
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) full as possible.” Furthermore, as part of CARICOM, Dominica
and acceded to the Optional Protocol in October 2012. 2) participated in the First Caribbean Ministerial Meeting on
Dominica is committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Disability at which the Kingston Accord (2004) was developed.
Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) The Accord promotes CARICOM’s model on disability policy and
of 2015, which pledge to ensure “no one will be left behind” and legislation, encourages best practices for services for persons
to “endeavor to reach the furthest behind first”, which are the with disabilities in the Caribbean, and affirms that every
most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Disability is referenced Caribbean citizen has the same human, civil, social, political,
in the SDGs and specifically in parts related to education, economic, and cultural rights. In addition, Dominica signed the
growth and employment, inequality, accessibility of human Declaration of Pétion Ville (2015) with CARICOM’s 15 states to
settlements, and data collection and monitoring of the SDGs. reiterate their commitments to implement the CRPD.
3) Dominica signed the Paris Agreement (2015) in 2016, which
With respect to national regulation, Dominica does not have
was ratified and entered into force later the same year, and
a general law on disabilities. Dominica’s Constitution refers
builds on the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate
to discrimination in article 13, indicating that no law shall
Change (UNFCCC) and acknowledges that all countries, in
make any provision that is discriminatory either of itself or
their efforts to mitigate the risks of climate change, should
its effect but does not expressly refer to discrimination for
respect their obligations on human rights, including “the rights
reasons of disability. In addition, the country’s Education Act
of indigenous peoples, local communities, migrants, children,
(no. 11 of 1997) refers to Special Education (sections 81–84)
persons with disabilities and people in vulnerable situations.”
but does not mention inclusive education. Special education
4) Dominica has committed to The Sendai Framework for DRR
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.
14
While both the CRPD and the CIADDIS are international instruments designed to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, they differ in their
respective understandings of disability. The CIADDIS merges the medical model of disability with some elements of the social model of disability.
5
Disability Inclusion in
Latin America and the The situation in Dominica
Caribbean
programs are provided to students of compulsory school age Resilience Project (P166328), which identifies beneficiaries
who for intellectual, communicative, behavioral, physical or with disabilities and includes disability aspects in design and
multiple difficulties need special education. A special education implementation. The Project Implementing Unit (PIU) held
program may take the form of an individual education discussions with Agriculture Team Leaders and the Chief
plan (section 81.3). The Act foresees the establishment of a Fisheries Officer on the Bank`s Good Practice Note on Non
Council on Special Education (section 84). Furthermore, the Discrimination and Disability, and identified farmers and
Physical Planning Act of 2002 includes a building code that fishers with disability (physical) and discussed how to assist
provides for accessibility for persons with disabilities: Section them. Presently, the farmer disability list is being developed
5 – Public Health and Safety Sub section 502: Provisions for with two farmers (one male and one female), and two fishers
physically handicapped persons must be made in accordance have been identified with mobility issues. Disability has been
with Appendix F of this Code. These provisions are extensive, included in all Environmental and Social Management Plans
prescriptive and in line with US and international standards. (ESMPs). The Project also provides transport for farmers who
Also, the Guide to Dominica’s Housing Standards was released can’t attend consultation meetings.
in May 2018 following Hurricane Maria which damaged or
The World Bank Regional Partnership Strategy for the
destroyed 90 percent of the national housing stock. The
Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)15 for the
Building Code and Building Guidelines were reviewed to improve
period FY15–19 only mentions disability from a medical point
standards for structural integrity and safe refuge. The Code
of view. The report mentions that OECS16 countries are facing
was updated and amendments to the Planning Act proposed.
a health crisis, with rising rates of heart disease, diabetes,
The Guide to Dominica’s Housing Standards is a first response
obesity, and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs
to the need for climate resilient residential housing. Finally,
disproportionately affect poor families, and raise the risk of
there is no central registry of persons with disabilities.
disability, premature death and poverty as people pay for
medical treatment out of their own pockets.
IX. World Bank Engagements on
disability inclusion in Dominica
An important World Bank project on disability inclusion
is the Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate
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 that covers FY22–25. This covers all the OECS countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica,
Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
6
Disability Inclusion in
The situation in Dominica Latin America and the
Caribbean
X. ANNEXES
Annex 1. Relevant Figures the legal and institutional framework influences the social
inclusion of persons with disabilities and their meaningful
The regional report does not contain relevant figures for
participation in society. In analyzing current national legal
Dominica.
frameworks on disability inclusion, the principal benchmarks
utilized in the study are (a) the universally ratified Convention
Annex 2. Legal framework analysis on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; (b) the World Bank’s
Ten Commitments to Disability-Inclusive Development; and
A legal and institutional analysis of 30 countries across Latin
(c) the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework, and
America and the Caribbean region17 examined the strengths
the accompanying Good Practice Note on Disability. There is
and weaknesses of existing national frameworks with respect
insufficient information for an in-depth analysis of the legal
to the World Bank’s commitments on disability inclusion. The
and institutional framework, but existing protections are
principal purpose of the data is to support research on how
described in section VIII above and in the Table below.
Dominica (DM)
1. Principle of non-discrimination. Does the legal framework…?
1.1 Recognize the principle of non-discrimination on the basis of disability? Insufficient information
1.2 Recognize the duty to provide reasonable accommodation as an element of non-discrimination? Insufficient information
1.3 Apply to private enterprises/companies? Insufficient information
1.4 Include physical, mental, intellectual and sensory impairments? Insufficient information
1.5 Devote specific protection to women/girls with disabilities? Insufficient information
1.6 Devote specific protection to children with disabilities? Insufficient information
1.7 Devote specific protection to older persons with disabilities? Insufficient information
1.8 Devote specific protection to indigenous persons with disabilities? Insufficient information
1.9 Cover direct and indirect discrimination? Insufficient information
1.10 Provide for measures to prevent, eliminate or compensate any form of discrimination on the basis Insufficient information
of disability?
Does the Constitution…?
1.11 Expressly prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability? Insufficient information
1.12 Include protections for persons with disabilities among provisions on fundamental rights? Insufficient information
1.13 Reflect a social model orientation of disability? Insufficient information
2. Full and effective participation and inclusion in society. Does the legal framework…?
2.1 Recognize the effective participation of persons with disabilities in society on an equal basis? Insufficient information
2.2 Provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in the civil, political, Insufficient information
economic, social and cultural spheres?
2.3 Recognize the right of persons with disabilities to be actively involved in decision-making processes Insufficient information
concerning issues relating to persons with disabilities?
2.4 Recognize the equal capacity before the law of persons with disabilities? Insufficient information
2.5 Promote training of public servants on the rights of persons with disabilities? Insufficient information
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.
7
Disability Inclusion in
Latin America and the The situation in Dominica
Caribbean
Dominica (DM)
3. Accessibility. Does the legal framework…?
3.1 Recognize the principle of universal access? Insufficient information
3.2 Recognize access to communication? Insufficient information
3.3 Is sign language recognized as an official national language or otherwise given official recognition? Insufficient information
3.4 Access to physical environment and transport
3.4.1 Mandate universal access for public buildings (private/government offices) including schools, Insufficient information
housing, medical facilities and workplaces; and accessibility standards for public buildings?
3.4.2 Mandate universal access to transport infrastructure and services? Insufficient information
Provide for subsidized transport?
3.4.3 Insufficient information
3.4.4 Mandate reasonable accommodation to access public services? Insufficient information
3.5 Access to Information
3.5.1 Mandate public information for persons with disabilities in accessible formats and Insufficient information
technologies without additional cost? (including Braille, tactile communication, audio,
plain-language, human-reader, augmentative modes, etc.)
3.5.2 Allow for alternative modes of communication and other accessible means for official Insufficient information
interactions (i.e. sign languages, Braille, etc.)?
3.5.3 Mandate accessibility of information and technology including electronic services? Insufficient information
Provide accessibility standards for audio-visual media?
3.5.4 Insufficient information
1. Education. Does the legal framework…?
1.1 Expressly recognize the principle of an inclusive education system and articulate the aims of Insufficient information
inclusive education?
1.2 Prohibit the exclusion of persons with disabilities from the general education system? Insufficient information
1.3 Cover all levels of education for persons with disabilities? Insufficient information
1.4 Ensure access of persons with disabilities to the general education system? Insufficient information
1.5 Include reasonable accommodation based on individual student’s requirements? Insufficient information
1.6 Plan for persons with disabilities to receive support including individualized support within the Insufficient information
general education system?
2. Health. Does the legal framework…?
2.1 Provide persons with disabilities with access to health services of the same quality and standard of Insufficient information
free or affordable health care as provided to other persons?
2.2 Provide access to reproductive health to persons with disabilities? Insufficient information
2.3 Provide health services for persons with disabilities specifically to minimize and prevent secondary Insufficient information
disabilities?
2.4 Mandate the creation of funds/public programs for rehabilitation services? Insufficient information
2.5 Recognize free and informed consent of persons with disabilities and establish ethical standards Insufficient information
for the 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 Insufficient information
employment, and provide safe and healthy working conditions?
3.2 Mandate the employment of persons with disabilities in the public sector? Insufficient information
3.3 Establish a quota system for the employment of persons with disabilities in the public sector? Insufficient information
8
Disability Inclusion in
The situation in Dominica Latin America and the
Caribbean
Dominica (DM)
3.4 Promote the employment of persons with disabilities in the private sector through appropriate Insufficient information
policies and measures which may include affirmative action programs, incentives and other
measures?
3.5 Mandate reasonable accommodation in the workplace? Insufficient information
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 an Yes
exclusion based on legal capacity?
4.2 Persons with disabilities might be denied the right to stand for office on account of discriminatory Yes
qualification criteria.
4.3 Guarantee equal and effective access to voting procedures, facilities and materials in order for No
persons with disabilities to exercise their right to vote, including reasonable accommodations and
other measures for accessibility?
4.4 Include representation of persons with disabilities in the legislature by way of quota or other No
positive measures?
4.5 Expressly mandate assisted voting for persons with disabilities, including selection of an assistant Yes
of their 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? Insufficient information
5.2 Recognize the right of persons with disabilities to access public housing programs? Insufficient information
5.3 Prohibit discrimination in access to and supply of goods and services? Insufficient information
6. Protection in situation of risk. Does the legal framework…?
6.1 Ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk/emergency Insufficient information
including armed conflict, public health emergencies, humanitarian emergencies and natural
disaster?
1. National Monitoring
1.1 Has the State established focal points within Government to implement the Convention? Insufficient information
1.2 Has the State coordinated within Government to facilitate related actions in different sectors and Insufficient information
at different levels?
2. Establish an independent monitoring body
2.1 Has the State established a framework with independent mechanisms to promote, protect and Insufficient information
monitor implementation of the Convention?
2.2 Does the designated framework meet the requirements of independence? Insufficient information
3. Participation in monitoring
3.1 Has the State taken measures to involve civil society? Insufficient information
3.2 Has the State taken measures to involve persons with disabilities? Insufficient information
3.3 Has the State taken measures to include gender perspectives? Insufficient information
3.4 Has the State taken measures to allow those with disabilities to participate in public matters? Insufficient information
3.5 Has the state taken measures for participation in the monitoring process and the preparation of Insufficient information
the State report?
9
Disability Inclusion in
Latin America and the The situation in Dominica
Caribbean
Annex 3. Stakeholder mapping18 ¢ Disaster preparedness guide for persons with
disabilities in Dominica – launched on August 27, 2020
Dominica has a range of government bodies and disability
¢ Disaster planning info sheet
support organisations representing persons with a variety of
¢ Earthquake preparedness for persons with disabilities
physical and psychosocial disabilities.
¢ Dominica hazard map – composite
● Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, Youth ¢ Dominica Volcanic Centres
at Risk, Gender Affairs, Seniors Security and Dominicans ● Dominica Dementia Foundation. A youth led organization
with Disability is the Ministry responsible for persons with to raise awareness on dementia, provide emotional
disabilities in the country and manages the Yes, We Care support to families and their caregivers, and facilitate
Program. dementia research in Dominica.
● Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities (DAPD). ● Dominica Council on Aging Inc. The Council coordinates
Established in 1983 to create opportunities and promote the efforts of groups, homes and individuals concerned
‘effective measures whereby persons with disabilities with the care and welfare of older persons.
can actively and equally participate in their Country’s ● The Caribbean Development Bank: The Caribbean
socio-economic development through education, Development Bank has launched the Disability
training, rehabilitation, and employment’. DAPD is now an Assessment Project (2018) to develop evidence-based
incorporated organisation committed to improving the projects and services for disability mainstreaming in the
status of persons with disabilities and working to promote region. The project seeks to provide robust disability data
and protect their fundamental rights and freedoms. in social, economic, and political domains; examine the
differential impacts of disability and their intersection
In 2020 it launched its 2020/24 Strategic, Social and with other vulnerabilities associated with sex, age cohort
Personal Development Programme to improve and enhance (children, youth, elderly and working age), ethnicity, and
the social, cultural, political, and economic lives of persons race (as relevant); identify constraints and enablers to
with disabilities through their integration in communities equal participation of persons with disabilities compared
and society. This will be achieved by improving accessibility with persons without disabilities in growth sectors of the
to communications in collaboration with the International formal and informal economy; and examine vulnerabilities
Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the National to natural disasters, economic shocks and climate change.
Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC). ● Since 2014 the Smart Hospitals Program, promoted
and supported by PAHO/WHO and a range of donors
It has now received a range of devices, including iPads, supported a number of hospitals in Saint Lucia to become
printers, laptops, and computers for its Information more resilient in disasters, environmentally sustainable,
and Communication Technology programme. With this and accessible for persons with disabilities. Adaptations
equipment, DAPD will be better able to build capacity in include ramps, lifts, guardrails and accessible toilets.
the community, to communicate and engage in the digital The program has been extended to a dozen hospitals in
economy, and to offer computer and internet training to Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
its members. DAPD has a strong working relationship
with EM and has developed emergency and disaster
Annex 4. Glossary - Empower with words
management materials accessible through its Facebook
page. It provides links to web content, video clips through ● Language used on disability varies across countries and
YouTube and PDF Information sheets. Information includes cultures. In a country context, it is useful to ask persons
current seasonal briefings from the Weather Service and with disabilities which words and terms they prefer. It is
disaster management and preparedness educational also important to find out whether an individual is willing
materials. These resources are targeted at people living to disclose their disability. When describing an individual,
with disabilities and their carers but are also useful for do not reference his or her disability unless it is clearly
disaster and emergency management planners at all pertinent to the issue or story.
levels. They include:
This is a living document that is constantly being updated. Therefore, the list of OPDs may change from time to time. Following appropriate
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accessibility features (sign interpretation, closed caption) is key to ensure that persons with disabilities can efficiently and openly participate in
meetings and consultations.
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Disability Inclusion in
The situation in Dominica Latin America and the
Caribbean
● It is recommended to use ‘person-first language’, which ● The use of terms such as “handicapped”, “a person suffering
puts the person before his or her impairment (a person from…”, “mentally retarded”, “able-bodied/normal”, “the
who uses a wheelchair, a person with visual impairment) disabled”, “the blind”, “paraplegic”, “wheelchair-bound” are
which is in line with the United Nations’ Convention on the not recommended. Disability is not an illness and hence it
Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). is important to refrain from using terms such as healthy
versus sick.
The following brief glossary provides guidelines to portray individuals with disabilities in a respectful and balanced way with
language that is neutral:
● Person(s) with disabilities
● Person who is blind/ or person with visual disabilities
● Person who is deaf/ person who is deaf or hard of hearing/ person with hearing disabilities: Many people in the Deaf community
prefer the use of a lowercase “d” to refer to audiological status and the use of a capital “D” when referring to the culture and
community of Deaf people.
● Person who is deaf/blind
● Person with mobility/physical disabilities
● Person using a wheelchair/a wheelchair user
● Person with intellectual/developmental disabilities
● Person with albinism
● Person with short stature or little person
● Person with psychosocial disabilities
● Person with Down syndrome
● Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)
● Assistive devices (white cane, hearing aid, wheelchair, tricycle).
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