Promoting a More Inclusive Cayman - National Council for Persons with Disabilities
A More Inclusive Cayman
Promoting Inclusion with 10 Actionable Steps
At the Disability Council, we believe that inclusivity is not just a goal but a fundamental right. Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities and promote a society where everyone can thrive. Whether you are a member of the community, a business owner, or simply someone who cares about creating a more inclusive world, there are many ways you can contribute.
Reflecting the Caymanian spirit, we aspire to be an inclusive society that values diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for all. Let's celebrate diversity by embracing the unique contributions of individuals with disabilities in all areas of life.
Together, we can build a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Join us in this vital mission!
Here are 10 actionable steps you can take to promote inclusivity in your communities and businesses
Only park in “blue spots” or accessibility parking if you are authorized to do so with a legal placard or vehicle tag. These spots are reserved for people in our community who truly need them.
Always remember that there are both visible and invisible disabilities. This can mean there are disabilities that do not present themselves in a physical form but still require the use of blue spot parking spaces. Hidden disabilities can include autism, mental health, acquired/traumatic brain injury, sensory processing, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, partial sight and hearing loss.
Always keep accessibility ramps on sidewalks unblocked. Whether it is a car, motorcycle, electric scooter or shopping cart, never park anything in front of an accessibility ramp because doing so will hinder the ability of someone using a wheelchair or mobility device to travel freely and safely.
Also, keep the “accessibility aisle” (the crosshatch area right next to the blue spots) clear so that the person using the blue spot can easily transfer between the vehicle and a mobility device, like a wheelchair or scooter.
When you interact with someone who uses a wheelchair, do not push, lean on, or hold the person’s wheelchair. Try to put yourself at eye level when talking with someone in a wheelchair.
"There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more."
- Robert M. Hensel, Guinness World Records holder, born with Spina bifida
When you interact with someone who has a hearing impairment remember that some individuals may be able to hear, some may be able to lip read, while others prefer to use sign language or assistive technology.
Ask them how they prefer to communicate at the start of the conversation. Don’t shout or cover your mouth or lean into their ear to talk — usually it is the clarity of speech that is important, not the volume, and most will need to read your lips to aid their comprehension.
Make your presence known when interacting with a person who has a visual impairment and do not pet their guide dog. When you interact with someone who is blind or visually impaired, always introduce yourself and let them know when you are leaving.
You may offer your arm or elbow as a guide if they request assistance but never push, pull or grab the individual. Don't pet or distract a guide dog. The dog is responsible for its owner's safety and is always working—it is not a pet.
When you interact with someone with a speech and/or language difficulty, allow them as much time as they need to communicate.
Be respectful and do not hurry them along to finish their sentences.
"Following these actions will help us build a Cayman Islands where diversity is celebrated and all voices are heard." - Dr Annette Stephenson, NCPD Chair
"CamelCase” your hashtags on social media. When hashtags are written in all lowercase letters with no spaces, the screen readers which are used by people who are dyslexic, blind or visually impaired can’t recognise individual words thus making the hashtags inaccessible for them.
Instead, you can “CamelCase” your hashtag by capitalizing the first letter of every word in your hashtags. For example, instead of #photooftheday use #PhotoOfTheDay and know you are making your hashtags accessible!
Be careful not to make assumptions about persons with disabilities. For example, don’t harass someone about using a “blue spot” if they have a permit but do not appear to have a disability, as they might have a hidden disability like Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Understand that persons with autism or sensory processing difficulties can be very different from one another. Don’t say “you don’t look like or act like you have autism”. A person with autism might become upset and act differently in loud noisy situations, don’t assume they are just being rude or troublesome.
Always ask before you help someone with a disability. Persons with disabilities need understanding, not pity. Yes, many with disabilities need assistance at times, however it does not mean they are incapable of being independent. Never assume, but always offer.
Do Not Publicly Shame Persons with Disabilities:
“It is not possible to be in favor of justice for some people and not be in favor of justice for all people.” - MLK
Be respectful to a person with a disability. A disability does not define a person. Persons with disabilities may require extra support, but they are also regular people with skills, talents, interests, and strengths.
Talk about those things as you would with any other person, and don’t always focus on their disability. Remember, it is never okay to use the word “retard” which has a negative connotation and can be a form of hate speech or bullying.
