The Differently Abled Movement is calling for an increase in the Disability Grant provided by the government from $2,000 to $3,500 to adequately cater to their needs.
Vice-President of the Differently Abled Movement, Ornella Sammy, is proposing that a meeting be held between the relevant authorities to enable a review of the Disability Grant.
“We urgently call for a review and a significant increase in this Grant as we believe the current level of financial support is insufficient to meet basic needs and ensure the dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities in our society.”
She said the current sum falls short in providing the financial resources necessary to meet basic needs, healthcare, transportation, and employment.
“Rent, transportation, utility bills, internet bills, wheelchair maintenance, crutches, medical expenses, clothing, and gas, just to name a few, far exceed $2,000. Expenses for differently abled persons are effectively twice what the average individual in Trinidad and Tobago.”
President Nekisha Pierre urged the incoming government to consider the rising cost of living and how it impacts disabled persons.
“We know that costs are high and are rising every day, and we are already limited by our disabilities and whatever insecurities or whatever we encounter every day but yet still we are forced to survive with $2,000.”
Founder of the Blindness Is Kindness Foundation, Kevin Abdul, also urged the public to consider the needs of disabled persons.
“Just as we cannot see you all, society is not seeing our plights also, and that is what we are here today to highlight: to bring vision to the economic hardships of the disabled people in this country.”
The provision of homes is one of the issues they said has been addressed. The Movement commended the government for this, and expressed hope that the same efforts will be put towards the adjustment of the Disability Grant.
TTT News has contacted the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services for a comment and is awaiting a response.