A meeting was held last week between the Office of the Secretary of State for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities (BSEIPH) and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, to discuss the accessibility of public infrastructure for persons with disabilities. This meeting provided an opportunity to recall the commitments made by the Haitian State to guarantee an inclusive society that respects the rights of all its citizens, particularly those with disabilities.

Points discussed :

1. Accessibility of public buildings :

In accordance with the Law of March 13, 2012 and the relevant decrees, it is imperative that public infrastructure be adapted by installing ramps, elevators and appropriate signage for persons with reduced mobility, visual impairments or hearing impairments.

2. Road and sidewalk development :

Roads and sidewalks must be accessible, with adapted pedestrian crossings, wheelchair sidewalks and audible signals, as stipulated in the laws in force.

3. Accessible public transport :

The Ministry must ensure that public transport is equipped with specific facilities for persons with disabilities, guaranteeing their mobility and safety.

4. Strengthening inter-institutional collaboration :

The two institutions agreed on the "soon signing of a Memorandum of Understanding" to ensure the implementation of accessibility measures in existing and future infrastructure. This Memorandum will mark an important step in coordinating their efforts to ensure effective inclusion of persons with special needs.

The BSEIPH stressed the importance for all public and private institutions concerned to comply with the legal provisions on accessibility. These measures are not only obligations, but also a step towards building an inclusive society, in which every citizen can fully enjoy their rights. Furthermore, the office recalled the notable advances, including the training of engineers and architects from the Faculty of Sciences in accessibility standards, thanks to an institutional agreement between the State University of Haiti (UEH) and the BSEIPH.

HL/ HaitiLibre