Minister of Health Zane De Silva marked the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities by attending a recognition event at Par-la-Ville Park.

At the event, which was organized by the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged (NOSPC), the Minister welcomed the large crowd by encouraging residents to recognize the benefits that come from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of the community – something which was highlighted in this year’s Throne Speech.

The Minister said: “What we need is inclusion, not integration. Integration places a person within a box where their differences standout. Inclusion recognizes that we all have differences and these must be accommodated.”

Minister De Silva added: “What we in the Ministry of Health have been addressing for the past year is the impact of the built environment on persons with disabilities. We believe that it is not always the person that has the disability but the environment in which they must exist which creates barriers that limit that person’s ability to fully participate as a productive citizen.”

The theme of the event was ‘Celebrate – The Face of Inclusion’ and was aimed at highlighting the numerous successes and achievements of those with disabilities.

The Minister also said: “What we want to focus on is ABILITY. Given Bermuda’s scarce resources – especially human resources – it is essential that we ensure that all of our people can make a contribution to society. We must not limit ourselves by putting barriers and restrictions in front of people. What we must do is to strive towards inclusion for all.”

The musical selection for the event included of beautiful vocal and dance rendition of the Michael Jackson hit “Man in the Mirror” performed by NOSPC Accessibility Support Officer Kristina Bean, who is legally blind.

This followed a reflective activity called, ‘A Challenge for the Man in the Mirror’, led by Nick Fagundo, which asked the crowd to take a moment to look into the mirror and reflect on what they could do to assist those with disabilities.

Mr. Fagundo concluded the activity by saying “As Michael Jackson says in his song Man in the Mirror, ‘if you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself then make that change’.”