A study by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) projects that by 2050, more than one in five people in The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago will have a disability. The increase of 5.9 percentage points compared to the 2020 projection is significant. Given the rapid aging of the population, this demographic shift highlights the urgent need for action.
Although Caribbean countries have made progress by committing to international conventions and incorporating the rights of persons with disabilities into their national legal frameworks, challenges remain in translating these commitments into effective social and economic inclusion. Addressing these gaps is not only a legal obligation but also crucial for sustainable development.
Who do We Mean when We Talk about Persons with Disabilities?
According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, disability does not depend solely on physical characteristics. It results from the interaction of a long-term impairment with external attitudinal or structural barriers that limit effective participation in society. This concept represents a shift from the old medical model and emphasizes the role of society in removing environmental obstacles to inclusion.
The Number of People with Disabilities in the Caribbean is Increasing
Despite efforts to include persons with disabilities in regional data systems, conceptual and methodological challenges have limited the availability and accuracy of data. To address this, the Washington Group on Disability Statistics developed a standardized set of questions for censuses and surveys. This group was created by the United Nations Statistical Commission. Although some Caribbean countries adopted these questions during the 2010 census round, inconsistent application has made it difficult to obtain accurate disability estimates in the region.
Caribbean Countries Have Committed to the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, but Compliance Remains Limited
Caribbean countries that are members of the IDB have pledged to include persons with disabilities by ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with Jamaica being the first country in the world to ratify it. To monitor compliance with the Convention, the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities oversees its implementation, and to date, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago have submitted initial reports.
Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago have also ratified the Marrakesh Treaty, which facilitates access for blind or visually impaired persons to materials in accessible formats. At the regional level, the CARICOM Charter of Civil Society enshrines the rights of persons with disabilities to non-discrimination, equal opportunities, and respect for human dignity. The Kingston Agreement and the Pétion Ville Declaration further strengthen the regional framework on disability rights.
At the national level, all six countries have incorporated the rights of persons with disabilities into their constitutions or specific legislation. Most governments have established agencies dedicated to supporting this population, and national development plans reference persons with disabilities.
However, gaps persist. In some areas, legal protections are weak or do not align with the social model of disability. Even where strong legal frameworks exist, they do not guarantee enforcement. Moreover, the situation of persons with disabilities often falls far short of legal commitments. Reports using 2010 census data suggest disparities across various sectors in Guyana, Jamaica, and Suriname.
Three Approaches to Foster More Inclusive Societies in the Caribbean
- Improve the collection and use of accurate data on persons with disabilities. A fundamental first step in implementing inclusive policies is to systematically collect comparable disability data across countries and over time, following international recommendations. Strengthening data dissemination is also essential to better inform public policies. In Suriname, for example, a program supporting the population census and the national statistical system will update data on persons with disabilities and improve the accessibility of disability statistics after the census.
- Expand and enforce regulatory frameworks. Another approach is to align national policy frameworks with the Convention, supported by enforcement mechanisms. For instance, a policy-based program in Barbados supported the country’s first national policy aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities. In Suriname, where the national legal framework has multiple gaps in terms of alignment with the Convention, another IDB program supported the approval of the Equal Treatment in Employment Act, which prohibits discrimination and mandates the creation of complaint mechanisms.
- Promote inclusive and accessible programs and services across all sectors. It is also key to implement policies that promote equal access and opportunities for persons with disabilities, addressing sector-specific barriers. For example, a social protection program in Guyana has supported increased access to the public assistance program for persons with disabilities. An education project in Barbados promotes inclusive education in schools. A grant in The Bahamas seeks to facilitate the employment of persons with disabilities in the energy sector. Projects to improve the accessibility of public services in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago aim to increase access to birth certificates and enhance digital accessibility to government services, respectively.
Looking Ahead: Research as a Catalyst for Effective Interventions in the Region
Given the gaps in policy implementation, much can be learned by examining the broader set of disability policies implemented worldwide. Explore our new microeconomic report on this topic. Click here to download the report. This publication provides an overview of policies in education, social protection, health, and labor markets, and presents evidence on their effectiveness. Numerous evidence-based policies are documented, including some that have not been implemented in the region. At the same time, significant knowledge gaps are identified.
Closing these gaps is essential to foster more effective policies for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, especially given fiscal space constraints.