Climate Change, Environment and Development: The Situation of Persons with Disabilities in the Anglophone Caribbean

The world has been experiencing significant development and as it develops, there are concerns as it relates to the impact on the environment. Research studies have shown major changes in climates around the world and they have major implications for vulnerable groups. One such vulnerable group is that of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Their vulnerability makes them susceptible to varied environmental hazards. However, these individuals are resilient by nature and are able to overcome challenges but non-disabled persons continue to place obstacles in their pathways, thus impacting on their resilience. It is within this context that a study on the situation in the Caribbean as it related to PWDs and climate change was conducted. Issues of legislation, education, access to information and information communication technologies for PWDs were examined to bolster their resilience to withstand the vagaries of climate change. Two Caribbean countries, Jamaica and Guyana were selected for this analysis. Even though some progress has been made to provide services for PWDs in the region, significant work needs to be done to bolster the resilience of these individuals and bring the Caribbean to adequate preparation for PWDs to withstand the challenges of climate change.

openalex: W4255411522