ARTICLE - PARTICIPATION OF DISABLED

THE DISABLED ALSO PARTICIPATED IN CARNIVAL 2012
(Haiti Libre) -

The Office of the Secretary of State for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities (BSEIPH), and its South Regional Office, informs that at the initiative of the Bureau, people with disabilities, also took part in the parade of the 2012 National Carnival, which was held in Les Cayes from February 19 to 21. "The objective was to take advantage of this popular gathering, to increase awareness of the population to the integration of persons with disabilities in every day life," specified the Secretary of State, Gérald Oriol Jr. "The carnival is a celebration that involves young people, seniors, and everyone. In a context of integration, it was important that disabled people were also present [...] it was also to show the public that they are whole persons."

Thus the amputee, hemiplegic, people living with visual or intellectual impairments, some in wheelchairs, others with their crutches, marched in Les Cayes to shout: "Inclusion Yes, Exclusion No". Disabled people have done a real show throughout the parade, such as animation games, races, ball games and exhibitions. The participation of the blind in a ball game was particularly appreciated.

If all conditions were not met to facilitate the participation of disabled people in the three carnival days, the fact remains that these people were very satisfied, and are aware of the importance of their participation in an event of this magnitude. "We were able to reach thousands of people in just three days [...]", testified Semé Jean, with a disability, who participated in the carnival parade. "Throughout the route, people applauded us. It was beautiful !"

Other actions are being planned by the BSEIPH during the year, to raise awareness on the need to integrate people with disabilities into the life of the nation. It is within this context that the Office of the Secretary of State is currently organizing, in partnership with the CBM, a training to the benefit of municipal engineers on universal accessibility.