It does not, however, have the means to enforce or protect the rights of people with disabilities. It collaborates with the 22 existing disability organisations in Guyana as well as the Ministries of Health, Education, and Labour, Human Services and Social Security, which should lead in the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities. It also networks with international disability organizations, the private sector, and the Labour Movement. At present the Commission is developing a national database of persons with disabilities in Guyana. It is also crafting a five-year action plan for its work.

With regard to disability organizations, resources are limited and advocates report the need for increased collaboration. Currently, most organizations compete for members and power within the community. Moreover, most organizations are led by people without disabilities. Advocates suggest that organizations of and for people with disabilities, while not necessarily forming an umbrella body, need to find common ground in order to become more effective. Although the community of disabled people is numerous, the demand to satisfy it is weak because of its failure to unite or adequately articulate its demands.

Strategies for improving the protection of rights of people with disabilities should include raising awareness, the creation of legal protections, and targeted lawsuits to ensure the implementation of any legislation that is passed.¹⁵ Advocates also feel that increased media involvement is a strategy that could also be effective. Overall media coverage of people with disabilities is lacking although there is one radio program hosted by a person with a disability. In addition, driver awareness campaigns have incorporated people with disabilities. Finally, Guyana has recently approved the creation of a Human Rights Commission, which should act as an important resource for disability advocates once it becomes functional.¹⁶

15. Guyana Human Rights Association.

16. Panel discussion with leaders of dusability organizations.