Government Action on Disability Policy
A Global Survey
Part II - Government Replies as Country Profiles

Saint Christopher and Nevis

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© Dimitris Michailakis 1997

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (7 May 1996)
Compare with the following Country Report(s): DPI, the St. Kitts-Nevis Government (2)

General policy

There is no officially recognized disability policy in Saint Christopher and Nevis.

The Government states having conveyed the message of full participation and equality through provision of work for persons with disabilities.

Legislation

The rights of persons with disabilities are protected by general legislation. Non-judicial mechanisms to protect the rights of persons with disabilities include independent expert bodies.

The general legislation applies to persons with different disabilities with respect to: education, employment, political rights, right to privacy, property rights. No benefits are guaranteed by law to persons with disabilities.

Accessibility

No measures have been promoted by the Government to facilitate accessibility in the build environment. Special transport is available only for the purpose of education and recreation. When planning to build accessible environments the most difficult obstacles are: attitudinal factors, lack of legislation and regulations, lack of co-operation from other organizations/institutions, and lack of enforcement mechanisms. There is no disability awareness component incorporated in the training of planners, architects and construction engineers.

Sign language for deaf people is recognized as the official language of deaf people and is used as the first language in education of deaf people. There are no Government measures for encouraging media and other forms of public information to make their services accessible to persons with disabilities. The only service provided to facilitate information and communication between persons with disabilities and others is easy readers for persons with mental disabilities.

Organizations of persons with disabilities

There is no national umbrella organization for organizations of persons with disabilities. There are no legal provisions mandating the representatives of persons with disabilities to participate in policy-making and to work with Governmental institutions. Organizations are sometimes consulted when laws and regulations with a disability aspect are being prepared. Consultations take place at the local level. The Government gives financial support to existing and new organizations. Persons with disabilities do not at all participate in Government and legislature but, to a very limited extent in judiciary, political parties and NGOs. The role disabled persons organizations have the role to: advocate rights and improved services, mobilize persons with disabilities, identify needs and priorities, and contribute to public awareness.

Co-ordination of work

There is no national co-ordinating committee or any similar body.

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Contents of the UN Report | Compare with the following Country Report(s): DPI, the St. Kitts-Nevis Government (2)