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The Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) has released its 2025–2030 Disability Manifesto, presenting a comprehensive roadmap to advance the rights, inclusion, and independence of persons with disabilities across the country. Developed in collaboration with more than 20 Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, disability advocates, and members of the wider community, the manifesto offers a strategic guide for the incoming government to ensure a more inclusive future (GCOPD, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security).
Education remains a central priority. The manifesto proposes an updated Special Education Needs (SEN) policy by 2027, with provisions tailored to each of Guyana’s ten administrative regions. Key recommendations include integrating children with disabilities into mainstream schools, providing assistive technologies, and assigning in-class support such as teacher aides and cultural facilitators. It also calls for the establishment of resource rooms in schools with three or more children with disabilities, as well as accessible school transportation to ensure consistent attendance (GCOPD).
In the area of employment, the manifesto recommends the implementation of a 5% public sector employment quota for qualified persons with disabilities. To promote private sector participation, it proposes a series of incentives, including the construction of business centers in Regions 2, 3, 4, and 10, interest-free loans up to $1 million GYD via the Small Business Bureau, annual grants, and tax exemptions for disabled entrepreneurs (GCOPD, Ministry of Labour).
The manifesto also outlines strong proposals to support independent living and economic empowerment. These include increasing the permanent disability grant to at least 50% of the minimum wage with annual adjustments, utility subsidies comparable to those offered to pensioners, free house lots for individuals earning below $100,000 GYD monthly, and housing grants to support home construction or renovations. Additionally, it calls on the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to exempt persons with disabilities earning under $2.4 million GYD annually from income and PAYE taxes (GCOPD, Ministry of Finance).
Accessibility and enforcement of existing legislation are also addressed. The GCOPD calls for updates to building codes to reflect international accessibility standards, greater enforcement of the Guyana Disability Act (2010), and improved access to public information through sign language, Braille, and audio formats. The manifesto further advocates for accessible digital content and transport systems across the country (GCOPD, Ministry of Public Works).
This document marks a decisive step toward inclusive national development and equal opportunity for all citizens.
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GCOPD Unveils Ambitious 2025–2030 Disability Manifesto to Advance Inclusion and Equality in Guyana
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