Shelters not suitable for the disabled, says Antigua-Barbuda group

The president of the Antigua and Barbuda Association for Persons with Disabilities says the island’s shelters are not disabled-friendly.

Bernard Warner said the designated shelters do not cater to the needs of the disabled, adding there is no wheelchair access or services for those with impaired vision or hearing.

Since it was announced that the island could be impacted by Hurricane Irma, Warner has been visiting the homes of disabled persons. Some people have refused to go to shelters.

“I have been to at least 30 homes so far and I have found that these persons are refusing to leave their homes, so I am not happy with the fact that they refuse to move, but I have some level of empathy for the fact that none of the shelters that I am hearing of is properly accessible and has the various provisions to accommodate persons with disabilities – persons who are paralysed from the neck down, person who have different challenges,” Warner told Antigua News Room.

“The system is very lacking in terms of disaster preparations to ensure that shelters are properly equipped or the shelters that are selected are equipped to accommodate persons who are living with disabilities.”

Warner also expressed concern that people who are hearing impaired cannot be properly informed about the hurricane as no outlet is using sign language.

He said these people matter too, and should be made aware of all the necessary information associated with the Hurricane Irma.