Guyana advances disability agenda at UN conference 

June 10 2026

First Lady Arya Ali on Tuesday outlined Guyana’s progress in advancing disability inclusion, highlighting a range of reforms and programmes aimed at expanding opportunities and improving the quality of life for persons living with disabilities.

Speaking at the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19) at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Mrs Ali said Guyana continues to align its development agenda with the principles of the convention through legislative reforms, policy initiatives and targeted support programmes.

She pointed to increased financial assistance for persons living with disabilities, including enhancements to the permanent disability grant, public assistance payments and periodic cash grants.

The First Lady also highlighted the establishment of the Business Centre for Persons with Disabilities in 2025, noting that the facility has already created employment opportunities for more than 100 persons.

In the area of education, Mrs Ali referenced the opening of Guyana’s first school for children with hearing impairments and announced that the country is expected to establish its first specialised school for children with autism later this year.

While noting the progress made, she acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in accessing modern assistive technologies and rehabilitation services, especially in developing countries.

Mrs Ali called for stronger international cooperation among governments, development partners, technology providers and disability advocacy groups to further advance the rights and inclusion of persons living with disabilities.

The conference brought together government representatives, civil society organisations and disability advocates from around the world to assess progress and strengthen global commitments to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.