Disability Policy approved by Cabinet.

Implementation planning for the Cayman Islands first national disability policy has already made considerable progress since the document was approved by Cabinet on 7 October 2014.

Recommendations for the 2015/16 budget have already been submitted to Ministries by an inter-ministerial task force responsible for finalising implementation planning.

The Policy was developed by the Cayman Islands Disability Policy Steering Committee, coordinated by the Cabinet Office and supported by Policy and Legal subcommittees.   Stakeholders represented on these groups were from Special Olympics Cayman Islands, Rotaract Blue, the Lighthouse School, Sunrise Centre, the Ministries of Education, Health, Community Affairs, the Attorney General’s Chambers, Department of Children and Family Services, Government Information Services, and parents’ groups.

Also, a Legal subcommittee produced a report recommending legislation to advance the rights of persons with disabilities. Such legislation will include the creation of a Council to act as a watchdog for policy implementation.

Implementation of the disability policy and associated legislation will set the foundation for the Cayman Islands Government to request via the United Kingdom that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities be extended to the Cayman Islands.

To celebrate the passage of the landmark policy, a reception was held on Tuesday night, 28 October 2014 at Government House.

Commending the committee for their hard work over the year, Steering Committee Chair Mr Robert Lewis remarks, “My job as coordinator was made fairly easy by dedicated and highly knowledgeable participants on the steering committee and on the policy and legal sub-committees.”

He went on to thank stakeholders from civil society, the private sector and Government for their commitment and dedication towards achieving the vision of the policy, which is “Ensuring persons with disabilities live with dignity, are respected and have the opportunity to participate fully in society.“

A copy of the approved policy is now available online at www.gov.ky and www.cabinetoffice.gov.ky

Photo captions: taken by Information Officer Yvette Cacho

Governor Helen Kilpatrick was honoured to host reception.

Mr Parker Tibbetts played an instrumental role on the Steering Committee.

Committee member Ms Finita Ebanks and guest.

Policy Sub-committee Chair Shari Smith was humbled to be a part of the process.

Excerpts from approved policy:

Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP Premier of the Cayman Islands

“My administration is committed to championing this Policy and the forthcoming associated legislation.”

The Cayman Islands Disability Policy aims to advance the rights and obligations of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through policies, supporting legislation and practices. Started under my previous PPM Government, further work was done on the Disability Policy by other administrations. This is evidence that addressing disability challenges transcends politics. “Ensuring persons with disabilities live with dignity, are respected, and have the opportunity to participate fully in society” is a vision that all can and should subscribe to.

Many stakeholders contributed toward developing the Policy. Key participants included persons with disabilities and their families who provided valuable insights, otherwise unobtainable. Other contributors comprised Sunrise Adult Training Centre, Special Olympics Cayman Islands, Sunrise Caring Association, and Lighthouse School, to name a few. Completion of the Policy was coordinated by the Cabinet Office’s Policy Coordination Unit, supported by the Ministry of Health, Sports, Youth and Culture, the Ministry of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs, and Ministry of Home and Community Affairs. On behalf of the Government I thank all involved with this highly worthwhile initiative.

My administration is committed to championing this Policy and the forthcoming associated legislation. That being said, for policy implementation to be sustainable in the medium to long- term, the legislation will make provision for a National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), which will act as a “watchdog” on disability and related matters.

It is hoped that the comprehensive approach taken to develop this National Policy will lead to highly valuable results. A better, more just Cayman, is a Cayman that fully enshrines protection for the most vulnerable in our community, such as persons with disabilities. Nothing can be more edifying and Christian-like.

Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP

Keith Parker Tibbetts Jr. CMH

Patron, Cayman Islands Disability Policy

“The involvement of persons and organisations that would be impacted by the Policy makes the document highly relevant to persons wit disabilities and other

stakeholders.”

It is both a distinct honour and humbling to serve as the Patron for the Cayman Islands Disability Policy. As a person with limited mobility, I can attest on many different levels to the value I see in this Policy.

Firstly, from a content perspective the Policy’s vision of ensuring persons with disabilities live with dignity, are respected, and have the opportunity to participate fully in society is supported by goals covering all aspects of life for persons with disabilities. These goals seek to address challenges persons with disabilities encounter, such as in education, lifelong learning, employment, fair wage, health, independence and inclusion.

Secondly, beyond policies, this document is structured to enable sustainable implementation in the short, medium and long-term. Its implementation will be championed by a National Council for Persons with Disabilities. Further, by providing for policy monitoring, review/evaluation and change, these are expected to enhance implementation efficiency, accountability and keeping the Policy live and relevant.

Thirdly, as a participant on committees developing this Policy, I experienced first-hand the effort and steadfast commitment over many hours of those involved. These were persons from diverse perspectives, including persons with disabilities and their parents and other family members, special needs professionals from the public, civil society and private sectors, and some very dedicated civil servants (among others).   The involvement of persons and organisations that would be impacted by the Policy makes the document highly relevant to persons with disabilities and other stakeholders.

The comprehensive Policy content, approach, stakeholders and their steadfast commitment, increase the chance of this Policy being implemented effectively and in a timely manner. Much thanks to all who have contributed and will continue to contribute to this most worthy cause.

Keith Parker Tibbetts Jr. CMH

Purpose of the Policy

The Cayman Islands Disability Policy (CIDP) has been developed to provide strategic guidance in the delivery of quality services and the right to access and participation by all Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) within the Cayman Islands. In this regard, the vision of the Policy is ensuring that persons with disabilities live with dignity, are respected, and have the opportunity to participate fully in society.

The CIDP was developed to identify gaps in key areas of services as well as create opportunities for the examination, revision and creation of legislation that impact the quality of life and service of persons with disabilities. The CIDP encompasses all aspects of life, including education, health, employment, community involvement, and legal protection. Effective implementation of the Policy is dependent on partnerships between Government, civil society and the private sector in fulfilling the goals outlined in the CIDP, described below under ‘Broad Benefits of the Policy.’

Broad Benefits of the Policy

The following are expected broad benefits for persons with disabilities, key stakeholders and society through the implementation of the CIDP goals:

.Quality education in the most appropriate inclusive setting, as well as access to lifelong learning;

.Equal access to employment opportunities, fair wage and benefits;

.Access to the highest standard of health care;

.Independence and full inclusion in society; and

.Informed policy, legislation and services through the collection, analysis and dissemination of appropriate information regarding persons with disabilities.

POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

Policy implementation is accomplished by actions supporting policy objectives, strategies, goals and – ultimately – the vision “Ensuring persons with disabilities live with dignity, are respected, and have the opportunity to participate fully in society”.   Such actions will be detailed in this Policy’s companion document in the form of Action Plans that also outline responsible parties, resources, timelines and progress or success indicators. For implementation to happen efficiently, effectively and in an accountable manner, the following should inform it:

.Action Plans will be categorised in phases to facilitate phased implementation of the Policy based on quick wins, ease of implementation, available resources, needed legislation and other relevant factors.   The quantity of actions required to be implemented to operationalise this Policy is vast and may appear daunting. Helping to address this, phased implementation clarifies implementation of short, medium and long-term objectives, strategies and goals, all aimed at achieving the vision of this Policy. Phasing plans may be adjusted by the Council for reasons similar to those outlined below.

.Action plans will need to be adjusted by the Council as deemed necessary, in consultation with others. Here are a few scenarios justifying adjustments to action plans: 1) Certain actions may happen sooner or later than anticipated.   2) More or less resources may be required. 3) Responsible parties may change. 4) A better method may become obvious on accomplishing an action, etc.

.The Council in its role as a “watchdog” on disability matters may, through direct contact or via other means (e.g. through the media), offer praise for exemplary implementation, as well as urge improvements where necessary.

The Council should at all times have access to information held by Government entities regarding implementation status. This facilitates the Council’s role as an advocate and watchdog entity on disability matters.