Belmopan. August 16, 2021. 3:50 p.m.
On August 12, 2021, 42 members of the Terminal Management Unit and Enforcement Unit within the Department of Transport underwent virtual training to better identify, communicate with, and assist persons with varying types of disabilities while accessing the bus terminals and interacting with traffic enforcement staff.
The training session focused on:
– Understanding Disabilities presented by Mr. Marshall Nunez, Disability Desk Coordinator; Ms. Roxanne Marin, secretary; and Mr. Steve Myles, President, Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities
– Invisible Disabilities presented by Christy Almeida, Autism Belize
– Working with Older Persons presented by Ix-Chel Poot, National Council on Ageing
The training is the culmination of several months of planning and coordination between the above-mentioned stakeholders to improve access and accessibility across all facets of Belize’s transportation industry. Follow up actions include:
– Additional hands-on training and certification for enforcement and terminal staff
– Retrofitting of terminal spaces to improve access and accessibility
– Promoting a safe and inclusive space for people with disabilities throughout all terminal spaces
– Training of drivers, conductors, and taxi personnel to further compliment this initiative
The training was a coordinated effort between Mr. Eric Sanchez, Transportation Planner within the Department of Transport’s Planning Unit; Ms. Ixza Pelayo, License Office; Mr. Marshall Nunez, Disability Desk Coordinator in the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs; the Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities; Autism Belize; and the National Council on Ageing.
Ends
