The Office of the Secretary of State for Integration of Persons with Disabilities (BSEIPH) and its Regional Office South, informs us that at the initiative of the Bureau, people with disabilities, also took part in the parade of National Carnival 2012 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 the life of every day," specified the Secretary of State Gérald Oriol Jr. "The carnival is a celebration that involves young people, seniors, everyone. In a context of integration, it was important that disabled people are also present [...] it was also to show the public that they are whole persons."

Thus the one-legged, hemiplegic, people living with visual impairments or intellectual, some in wheelchairs, others provided 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 exhibition. The provision of a blind in a ball game was particularly appreciated.

If all conditions were not met to facilitate the participation of disabled people in the three fat days, the fact remains that these people were very satisfied, 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, a disability who participated in the carnival parade "Throughout the route, people applauded us, it was beautiful !"

Other actions are planned by the BSEIPH during the year to raise awareness on the need to integrate people with disabilities in 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.

HL/ HaitiLibre