People in Haiti with Disabilities Still Need Our Help

posted on Feb 10 by Stacy in the Disability News category

Before the Haitian earthquake it was estimated that 800,000 persons in Haiti had a disability. That number includes 200,000 children. It is now estimated that 194,000 to 250,000 were injured in the earthquake, of those, many will suffer from long term disability. Handicap International has estimated that there are at least 2,000 new amputees. It is important that these people’s needs be taken into account when planning aid. Looking forward there will be a great need not just for prostheses, but for experts to fit them. Dozens of makeshift camps have popped up around Port-au-Prince. Long term camps will eventually be needed. The shelters in these camps must be made accessible by all, and as plans for reconstruction begin, people with disability should be included in decision making sure that health facilities, schools, and housing are accessible to all. Teachers will need to be trained to address the needs of children with disabilities. Health care workers will also have to be trained on specialized treatment and disability issues. Prior to the earthquake, those with disabilities were often kept behind closed doors and shunned.
However, Haiti has been presented with a very unique opportunity. The country can attempt to make amends the years of neglect ae the opportunity to make amends for past discrimination and neglect of persons with disability.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dale-buscher/dont-overlook-people-with_b_455471.html