$1.4B support rollout announced for Persons Living With Disability

…to get one-off $50,000 grant before year-end

…5000 PLWDs to be integrated into workforce

…interest-free, collateral-free loans through Development Bank

…tax incentives, grants for caregiver

…10% of new Govt project spaces for accessibility

President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that every eligible person living with a disability will receive a one-off grant of $50,000 before the end of this month, totalling approximately $1.4 billion.

The announcement was made during a special luncheon held in observance of International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
“I am pleased to announce that I have instructed that a one-off grant of $50,000 be paid to every disabled person before the end of this month, providing direct financial support totalling $1.4 billion to PWDs. This initiative alone will benefit more than 27,000 persons, the most vulnerable in our society,” President Ali said.
According to the President, this initiative is part of a broader mission to ensure that persons with disabilities can fully participate in society and are never left behind.
“Through these and other measures, in the coming months and years, my Government will continue to create tangible advantages and benefits for PWDs, especially through empowering and self-fulfilling opportunities for meaningful work and earning,” he stated.

Employment
During his address, President Ali highlighted several national initiatives for the disabled community whilst setting his sight upon a targeted number of people with disabilities to be employed.
“Fourteen new jobs have already been created in a recently commissioned facility, supporting employment generation in the community. We want 5000 persons living with disability to be incorporated into the workforce, and we are going to make it happen,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of creating accessible spaces in every project, whether public or private.
“In every single project we do, whether it is a community park, a community centre, a community field, or even a lunchroom or boardroom in the private sector, if we dedicate between 3.5 per cent and five per cent of the space to persons living with disability, we will completely create an environment that is conducive and dignified for every single person living with disability.”

10 per cent new Govt project
“Leading by example, the Head of State said that Government institutions will take the lead in implementing these initiatives.
“So, as from today, every single new Government project must have at least 10 per cent of the space dedicated specifically to support persons living with disability.

Whether it is a Government compound with a car park, we must have 10 per cent easily convertible in the evening, where persons living with disability can enjoy the fruits of our collective labour as a people and as a nation.”
Meanwhile, the President highlighted several other priority areas identified by the community that his administration aims to focus on to drive further improvements.
“We will focus on education support, and in the modern world, we must move away from the concept of brick and mortar and use technology and community to bring education as close as possible to persons living with disability. We will strengthen community support, empowerment, transportation, health, housing, and Government service accessibility.”

Education & healthcare
Looking ahead, President Ali emphasised the Government’s commitment to education and healthcare.
“No child will be deprived of an education through the expansion of special needs schools and piloted special classrooms. We are retrofitting public buildings for improved access, providing free healthcare, assistive aids, and prosthetic support. Through our One Guyana Initiative, we are developing a comprehensive database to better tailor our interventions.”
He outlined his Government’s plans for the next five years, stating that they would implement a comprehensive strategy to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
“Over the next five years, my Government will implement a comprehensive agenda to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities. We will strengthen systems of early identification, intervention, and treatment; develop and implement an updated special needs policy to ensure children with disabilities can acquire a meaningful education and increase their integration into mainstream schools; and establish a CENT facility in every region.”
President Dr Irfaan Ali has outlined a comprehensive five-year plan aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities across Guyana.
On education, he said, “We will establish systems to provide home-schooling for students who cannot attend physical schools, working with the Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities to ensure they receive a quality education. We will also expand access to durable mobility aids and other assistive devices, including electronic tools, to promote greater independence.”
Lending his perspective towards employment, President Ali said his Government plans to create targeted job opportunities in collaboration with the private sector and establish additional business centres designed specifically for persons with disabilities. He also noted that a personal assistant training and certification programme will be introduced, covering disability rights, caregiving, communication, and emergency response. Additionally, remote monitoring through mobile apps and wearable devices will be implemented to support check-ins and emergency alerts.
Speaking on partnerships and housing, he added, “We will strengthen collaborations between the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, disability advocacy groups, health professionals, regional administrations, and educational institutions. Special support will be provided to improve access to house lots and promote home ownership for persons with disabilities.”
Families and caregivers
Highlighting support for families and caregivers, the President said, “Additionally, we will introduce a subsidised system to reduce the financial burden on parents, support childcare costs, provide special tax incentives, and offer grants for caregivers. These grants will enable caregivers to prepare safe, dignified, and accessible spaces in their homes to care for persons with disabilities.”
President Ali also announced that the Government will establish a special financing window through the Development Bank to provide persons with disabilities with interest-free, collateral-free loans for business and income-generating projects.
He emphasised that the broader goal of these initiatives is to create an environment where persons with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of national life, pursue their dreams, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth. The President stressed that the Government remains committed to building an inclusive society where no one is left behind.