Our Story
The Disability Affairs Unit
The Disability Affairs Unit (DAU) was established in 1999 to serve as a resource and referral centre on matters pertaining to the community of persons with disabilities. The work of the Unit is rooted in principles of advocacy and is closely aligned to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Our Vision
To become the lead monitoring agency for ensuring that persons with disabilities live full and productive lives, uninhibited by societal constraints.
Our Mission
To advocate for the rights, protection, and equality of opportunity for persons with disabilities living in Trinidad and Tobago by coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities, as well as, uphold the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Our Values
The principles that guide the activities of the Unit are:
- Equity
- Confidentiality
- Accessibility
- Respect for persons with disabilities
Roles and Functions
To coordinate and monitor the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;
To coordinate and monitor the implementation of the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities;
To provide technical support and referral for persons with disabilities, their families, and all other persons interested in learning about disabilities;
To network with pertinent non-governmental organizations, mass media, and international organizations to collect and disseminate information on disabilities;
To implement programmes that empower persons with disabilities;
To sensitise and increase public awareness on issues pertaining to persons with disabilities;
The National Policy on Persons with Disabilities
The National Policy on Persons with Disabilities was approved by Cabinet as a White Paper on May 16, 2019.
The Policy is a framework that promotes the inclusion of persons with disabilities according to international best practices.
The recommendations enshrined in the Policy echo the philosophies of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The primary objective of the Policy is to protect and promote the human rights of persons with disabilities.
It is necessary to create social and physical environments that ensure accessibility, integration and full participation of persons with disabilities in society
Senator the Honorable Donna Cox
Minister of Social Development and Family Services
Sharon Rogers
Director
Disability Affairs Unit