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[Alexjean]

Hi,

Recently, I have seen a commercial launched by a foundation called J'Aime Haiti (see Fondation J'Aime Haïti ) as part of a national awareness campaign on disability and I have heard of the creation of a state secretary launched by the government of Haiti to help disabled people. Personally, I think it is a great thing since disabled people should have a place in society like every other citizen. However, the country is in such shambles that you wonder if it is the right moment.

I would like your opinion -

Do you think it should be a priority to help disabled people in Haiti? Why?

[Titine]

However, the country is in such shambles that you wonder if it is the right moment.

If they can wait more than 200 years, they can wait for another 200 until the country is on its feet right? I THINK YOU ARE PATHETIC!@#^&

[Alexjean]

The country faces environmental problems, an insecurity situation, an educational crisis, and economic difficulties to cite a few examples. Personally, I don;t think we should wait another 200 years! On the contrary, planning for disabled people IS planning for the country AND planning for the country REQUIRES planning for disabled people. They can be productive citizens if they receive the right assistance and help our compatriots develop a solidarity mentality. But this is my personal point of view.

Other users what do you think?

Do you think helping the handicaps should be a priority in Haiti ? Why?

[TiCam]

However, the country is in such shambles that you wonder if it is the right moment.

Alex,

I don't think your message is clear to Titine and me; it seems that you feel that the disabled should wait.

[Alexjean]

Actually, my personal point of view: No. I don't think they should wait. Ethically, it is wrong because they are humanbeings like us with special needs that must be met in order for them to express their full potential. Economically speaking, it is stupid because they represent about 10 % of Haiti's population (see the links on the J'Aime Haiti website) and you cannot talk of economic development if you exclude 800 000 people. But I also want to hear your point of view.

Should their integration into mainstream society be a priority for the government of Haiti? Why?

[TiCam]

Alex,

My priority right now specially this month is HAITIAN WOMEN.

May be some other time I'll state my point of view regarding the handicapped.

http://www.haitiwebs.com/forums/soci...ian_women.html (Tribute to Haitian Women)

[Alexjean]

The disability rights issue is a transversal one. It concerns every sectors of our society, including women. Actually, there are more than 400 000 haitian women with disabilities. That means, they are twice marginalized! If you are talking about women issues, I urge you to consider the most marginalized sector, women with disabilities.

[TiCam]

Alex,

Chaque chose a son temps. I simpathise with you. Like I said Haitiwebs is dedicated this month as a tribute to women and I asked the members to put the spotlight on a woman of their choice.

I am sure you can dedicate a special month or day as a tribute to the handicapped and I'll be the first one to pay tribute.

P.S. 60% of the population in Haiti are women, we are very active politically and we are tired of being considered as a second class citizen; now is the time to recognize the apport in politics and society.

[Port-Au-Princess]

Why shouldn't it be? They are people too aren't they and they deserve help just like everyBODY else who IS able! Although, with that said I feel like that if attention is given to the disabled it shouldn't be THE priority, a priority yes...but the main focus, no. That's just my opinion.