Minister Johnson Announces Cabinet Approval for Disability Council and Tribunal

Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, Hon. Kiz Johnson, has announced that Cabinet has approved steps to establish a disability council and tribunal, as she called for stronger action to remove barriers facing persons with disabilities.

Speaking at the Commonwealth Disability Symposium in Antigua and Barbuda on November 5, Minister Johnson acknowledged gaps in support and services and outlined priorities spanning education, employment, disaster preparedness, accessibility and public awareness.

“More needs to be done for persons living with disabilities,” she said. “It’s going to take political will to narrow that gap.”

Minister Johnson explained that, during her review of the Disabilities and Equal Opportunities Act, she questioned why the council and tribunal provided for under the legislation were not in place. She said the matter had since been brought before Cabinet and approved, with a formal announcement to follow.

The Minister also highlighted a planned UNICEF-supported study on children with disabilities in Antigua and Barbuda, with fieldwork expected to begin in approximately one month. She stressed that reliable data must guide decisions about services and support.

“Because we can only address what we understand,” she said.

Minister Johnson called for closer coordination among Social Transformation, Health and Education, noting that representatives of the three ministries had met with UNICEF and confirmed their commitment to working together.

She emphasised that disaster planning must identify persons with disabilities and account for the assistance they may require before, during and after an emergency.

Employment and skills development were also central to her remarks. Minister Johnson outlined plans to repurpose an empowerment centre to provide a supportive environment where persons with disabilities can build skills, confidence and readiness for employment.

She said greater access to employment could strengthen household incomes and, where appropriate support is available, allow family members with caregiving responsibilities to return to work. She also expressed support for exploring a minimum five per cent employment target for persons with disabilities.

At the regional level, Minister Johnson advocated joint purchasing of assistive devices and equipment to reduce costs and improve access. She noted her appointment to serve on a newly established OECS disability steering committee, describing regional cooperation as an opportunity to secure practical results.

The Minister further called for accessibility across the tourism sector, including airports, seaports, transportation and accommodation, supported by staff who understand how to serve persons with disabilities respectfully.

She also stressed the need for training in inclusive language, acknowledging her own responsibility to learn and lead by example.

“Leadership sets the tone for any organisation,” Minister Johnson said. “It begins with us.”

The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation remains committed to working with persons with disabilities, their families, regional partners and development agencies to translate these priorities into meaningful improvements in daily life.