Guyana advancing disability inclusion, reforms – First Lady Ali tells UN forum

Her Excellency First Lady Arya Ali highlighted the country’s ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive society for people living with disabilities.

Speaking on Tuesday at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Mrs Ali outlined a series of legislative, financial and educational initiatives during the 19th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19).

Addressing delegates at the high-level forum, the first lady said the principles of the convention continue to guide Guyana’s national development agenda as the country works to eliminate barriers and expand opportunities for people with disabilities.

Reflecting on the 20th anniversary of the convention’s adoption, the first lady noted that the landmark agreement marked a transformative step towards dismantling institutional and societal barriers and promoting equal participation for persons living with disabilities.

“In Guyana, the principles of the convention continue to guide national efforts to create a more inclusive society through legislative reforms, policy development and targeted programmes,” she told the conference.

Mrs Ali said Guyana had adopted a multifaceted approach to ensure that persons living with disabilities received equal treatment and greater opportunities to participate fully in society.

Among the measures highlighted was the government’s expansion of financial support for persons living with disabilities through increases in the permanent disability grant, monthly public assistance and periodic cash grants.

She noted that the Business Centre for Persons with Disabilities, established in 2025, is playing a key role in creating economic opportunities for persons with disabilities.

“The centre currently employs more than 100 persons with disabilities,” she informed the delegates.

Mrs Ali reminded the conference that Guyana opened its first school for children with hearing impairments last year, and announced that the country will establish its first specialised school for children with autism later this year.

While acknowledging the progress made, she said significant challenges remained, particularly for developing countries seeking to improve access to modern disability support technologies.

She stressed the importance of ensuring that persons living with disabilities benefit from advancements in innovation and rehabilitation services.

Mrs Ali called for stronger international partnerships and collaboration among governments, international agencies, technology stakeholders and organisations representing persons living with disabilities to further advance the goals of the convention.

“Guyana looks forward to the continued implementation of the convention being underscored by strong partnerships and collaboration,” she stated.

COSP19 brings together governments, civil society organisations and disability advocates from around the world to assess progress and strengthen global commitments towards protecting and advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.

DPI