Stacey Samuel-O'brien
PEOPLE with disabilities have ideas and skills to offer, and want to succeed just like everybody else.
One of the main places that they can contribute is in the workplace.
In my last instalment, I mentioned that I am protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with respect to public accommodation. That protection also extends to the workplace.
The ADA contains language that requires some companies to provide reasonable accommodation for their employees with disabilities. The accommodation ensures that skilled, talented, and disabled employees are able to access, and function comfortably in, their workplace.
I am lucky to be employed by a large company that has an accommodations department that is responsible for ensuring employees’ medical needs are met in the workplace, if needed. That team works with the employee to ensure that they have what they need to function and succeed in their job.
For example, voice recognition software was downloaded to my laptop when my left hand became spastic and started curling. Having the software allows me to dictate, instead of type, everything.
This is just another argument for laws and regulations to protect disabled citizens who live and work in TT.
While I understand that I cannot compare the resources available between the US and TT, there are basic rights that can, and should, be provided to our disabled population at home. Some things have been done – for example, I noticed that there are curb cuts in the pavements on Ariapita Avenue – but more can be done. The government needs to enact legislation so that modifications are uniform, regulated and address all disabilities.
A young man, Brent, who lives in TT, lost a leg as a result of health complications. When he returned to work, at a large, reputable company, he was assigned an available handicapped-parking spot.
A few months later, his manager took away that “privilege.” He wasn’t given a reason and nothing was explained. He just could not park in the spot any more.
Every time I visit home and go out with my parents, we park in handicapped spots if they are available. The availability of these spots is a plus, but we have nothing to put in, or on, the car to indicate that it is legitimately parked.
I had a conversation with someone who was in the process of getting something to hang from their rear-view mirror. When I asked where they were getting it, the response was “a man from South.”
I’ve stopped being nervous about using the spots, because they are obviously unregulated.
Laws that mandate official, government-issued "handicapped" decals wouldensure the spots are available for those who need them and they are not abused by those who don’t. If Brent had had a handicapped decal, his manager would not have had the power to stop him from parking in the spot.
Without a private car, transport can be further complicated for disabled people. A physically disabled young lady, Carol, had to find a way to commute to work. She researched her options and discovered
