It is with immense pride that I stand before you today, for a significant milestone
in Bermuda’s history — the launch of our first-ever National Disability Register.
Since 2020, the Government has worked on this Throne Speech initiative, and we are proud to be delivering on our promise. The National Disability Register allows the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors to keep a centralized database of accurate and current
data on persons with disabilities.
This will provide key information about the types of disabilities persons are challenged with, which will in turn identify gaps in the areas of programmes, services and special equipment needed. The in-depth data will guide policy in healthcare, education, and accessibility
initiatives – to facilitate targeted support and deliver appropriate resources to advance inclusivity in Bermuda.
Empowering persons with disabilities through accurate data representation is crucial for promoting and encouraging active participation in society. Which further aligns with the Government’s five-year National Plan for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities and their Families, which launched in May 2023. As an Occupational Therapist having worked with persons with all abilities, I am keenly aware that often when we live with a disability, an impairment or even a health condition, we like to keep it private and do not disclose; to avoid
experiencing any potential stereotyping, most specifically in a small Island like Bermuda.
I understand the importance of privacy and the reluctance to disclose disabilities in a society where stereotypes linger. Yet, today as we gather for this launch, I remind you that persons with disabilities often bear the brunt of societal inequities.
Therefore, I challenge everyone to partner together and share a vision for Bermuda
that is inclusive for all. In doing this, we can collectively progress towards not only
achieving the sustainable development goals, but we can break down barriers, we can challenge stereotypes and we can create a Bermuda where persons with disabilities can fully participate and thrive. On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I am deeply grateful for the
collaboration and support we’ve received along this journey. From the invaluable input of the United Nations Development Programme to the dedication of our government departments, community organizations, and support agencies, it has truly been a collective effort.
I want to send a special thank you to the team at Ageing and Disability Services for their dedication in making this register a reality.
To all of the support agencies with pop up stalls today, thank you for the work you do for our community and for offering information for persons with disabilities.
The App can be downloaded at Bermuda Disability Register – Testapp.io or on Apple and Google Play stores.
For more information please contact Ageing & Disability Services on 292- 7802 or email ads@gov.bm.
Additional information will follow in the coming months and will shared across all media platforms to ensure the community is kept abreast on how to participate with the National Disability Register.
It is only through our collective efforts that we can build a Bermuda where no one
is left behind.
Any content which is considered unsuitable, unlawful, or offensive, includes personal details, advertises or promotes products, services or websites, or repeats previous comments will be removed.
User comments posted on this website are solely the views and opinions of the comment writer and are not a representation of or reflection of the opinions of TNN or its staff.
TNN reserves the right to remove, edit or censor any comments.
TNN accepts no liability and will not be held accountable for the comments made by users.