By Aaron Humes: For the first time since 2013, there is updated data on the situation of Children with Disabilities in Belize.
On this International Day of Disabilities Awareness, the call is for inclusion, which is not, said UNICEF Representative to Belize Ken Legins, charity, but justice.
In Belize, data from the 2022 Census indicates that approximately 5,631 children are living with some form of disability. Yet, they remain one of the most underserved and invisible populations.
The Analysis has found a lack of resources, both financial and service-based, and limited data telling the story. For example, the country has just one speech therapist in the public system, a handful of trained teachers in special education, and limited access to services from law enforcement, health, and education among others.
This is amplified by lingering stigma among the able-bodied population, manifested in rejection, stress and lack of support of caregivers, and exclusion from general spaces.
Recommendations include providing more aids and encouraging support for the disabled in changes to infrastructure and attitudes.
The post UNICEF analysis finds Children with Disabilities in Belize ‘underserved’, ‘invisible’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Aaron Humes: For the first time since 2013, there is updated data on the situation of Children with Disabilities in Belize. On this International Day of Disabilities Awareness, the call is for inclusion, which is not, said UNICEF Representative to Belize Ken Legins, charity, but justice. In Belize, data from the 2022 Census indicates
The post UNICEF analysis finds Children with Disabilities in Belize ‘underserved’, ‘invisible’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.