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Social Services sees increase in requests for speech therapy, occupational and physiotherapy services

Mon, Dec 4th 2023, 01:29 PM
About Bahamians Education

The Department of Social Services has seen an increase in the demand for speech therapy, occupational and physiotherapy services according to Charlamae Fernander, Acting Director.

Ms. Fernander addressed a press conference Monday, to launch Disability Awareness Week 2023 in recognition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrated on December 3. The Disability Affairs Division has planned a week of activities from December 1 – 9 to the theme 'Inclusion in Action.'

The press conference, held Monday, November 27, 2023 at Stapledon School, Dolphin Drive, was attended by the Hon. Myles LaRoda, State Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting; Joel Lewis, permanent secretary; representatives of NGOs; the Disability Affairs Division, the Department of Social Services; Down Syndrome Association; the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and students and teachers from Stapledon School, Centre for the Deaf and Erin Gilmour School for the Blind.

Ms. Fernander said the Department recognizes that equal opportunities must be provided for all persons with disabilities, and they should not be a community afterthought.

“We recognize that these services are needed, therefore, the current budget allocation will have to be increased. Meanwhile, the Department is making every effort to lead the way in ensuring that accessibility is the focus when planning its offices, residential care facilities, services, programmes, activities, etc.”

She informed that a proposal to link all of the Divisions under one Management Information System has been submitted. This will allow social services to be accessed in one location – the Disability Affairs Division – the arm of the Department of Social Services mandated to provide assistance to persons with disabilities.

“The Department is aware that under the present system clients must often visit more than one office for services.  Applications of persons with disabilities do not always receive the priority they deserve,” said Ms. Fernander.

Three hundred and thirty clients current receive assistance from the Department including cash grants and programmes.

The Disability Affairs Division is located at 8th Terrace East, Collins Avenue.

The Department of Social Services has seen an increase in the demand for speech therapy, occupational and physiotherapy services according to Charlamae Fernander, Acting Director.
Ms. Fernander addressed a press conference Monday, to launch Disability Awareness Week 2023 in recognition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrated on December 3. The Disability Affairs Division has planned a week of activities from December 1 – 9 to the theme 'Inclusion in Action.'
 
The press conference, held Monday, November 27, 2023 at Stapledon School, Dolphin Drive, was attended by the Hon. Myles LaRoda, State Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting; Joel Lewis, permanent secretary; representatives of NGOs; the Disability Affairs Division, the Department of Social Services; Down Syndrome Association; the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and students and teachers from Stapledon School, Centre for the Deaf and Erin Gilmour School for the Blind.
Ms. Fernander said the Department recognizes that equal opportunities must be provided for all persons with disabilities, and they should not be a community afterthought.
“We recognize that these services are needed, therefore, the current budget allocation will have to be increased. Meanwhile, the Department is making every effort to lead the way in ensuring that accessibility is the focus when planning its offices, residential care facilities, services, programmes, activities, etc.”
She informed that a proposal to link all of the Divisions under one Management Information System has been submitted. This will allow social services to be accessed in one location – the Disability Affairs Division – the arm of the Department of Social Services mandated to provide assistance to persons with disabilities.
“The Department is aware that under the present system clients must often visit more than one office for services.  Applications of persons with disabilities do not always receive the priority they deserve,” said Ms. Fernander.
Three hundred and thirty clients current receive assistance from the Department including cash grants and programmes.
 
The Disability Affairs Division is located at 8th Terrace East, Collins Avenue.
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