Bermuda Launches First National Disability Register with Registration Drive

Bermuda is launching its first National Disability Register today, April 24, 2024, with a registration drive being held at City Hall Lawn. The event aims to collect data on the types of disabilities people face in order to guide policy and ensure targeted support and inclusivity.

The Ministry of Youth, Social Development, and Seniors is organizing the registration drive, which will have interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing available to assist with the registration process. Various government departments, community organizations, and support agencies will also be present to offer information for persons with disabilities.

Minister of Youth, Social Development, and Seniors Tinée Furbert encouraged caregivers and those with a disability to register, stating that the centralized database will help assess the gaps in services and special equipment needed to ensure no one is left behind. "The new data collected will inform healthcare, education, and accessibility initiatives to advance inclusivity in Bermuda," Minister Furbert said.

Why this matters: The launch of Bermuda's first National Disability Register marks a significant step towards improving support and services for people with disabilities in the country. The data collected will provide valuable insights to guide policy decisions and resource allocation, promoting a more inclusive society.

The Ministry received support from the United Nations Development Programme office in Jamaica for the development of the project, including a needs assessment and financial backing. The goal is to use digital technology to create the register and leverage the data to address gaps in services and resources for people with disabilities across areas like healthcare, education, and accessibility.

Minister Furbert emphasized the importance of the initiative, saying, "The centralized database will help us assess the gaps in services and special equipment needed to ensure no one is left behind." The registration drive at City Hall Lawn serves as the first step in collecting comprehensive data to guide Bermuda's efforts towards greater inclusivity and targeted support for its disabled population.

Key Takeaways

• Bermuda launches its first National Disability Register on April 24, 2024.
• Registration drive at City Hall Lawn to collect data on disabilities in Bermuda.
• Data to guide policy and ensure targeted support and inclusivity for the disabled.
• Supported by UN Development Programme, using digital tech to create the register.
• Centralized database to assess gaps in services and equipment for the disabled.