Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159) - Trinidad and Tobago (Ratification: 1999)

The Committee notes the detailed information contained in the Government’s first report, and in particular the acknowledgement that the measures for the implementation of the Convention are not yet fully implemented. It would appreciate receiving further information on the following points.

Article 2 of the Convention. Please provide further information on whether it is intended to carry out periodic review of the Policy on Persons with Disabilities.

Article 3. The Committee notes the comprehensive list of rehabilitative programmes to be provided by the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), and the indication that some measures are carried out with the assistance of non-governmental organizations. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on what programmes have been given practical effect, and on the results they have obtained.

Article 4. Please indicate the impact of any measures so far adopted by the NCPD, on equal opportunity and treatment of men and women among the disabled, and between disabled and other workers.

Article 5. The Committee notes that a national coordinating committee is to be established to promote disability issues and develop programmes to improve the status of and ensure equalization of opportunities for persons with disabilities. It is to be composed of, inter alia, tripartite representatives and representatives of disabled persons’ associations. Please indicate whether the national coordinating committee has been established, and provide information on its activities once established.

Article 7. The Committee notes that the NCPD is to provide a range of counselling and placement services to people with disabilities. It would appreciate receiving further information on measures taken to adapt existing services to accommodate people with disabilities.

Article 8. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that "no special measures are as yet in place to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for disabled persons in rural areas and remote communities". Please provide further information on the activities performed by the NCPD to assess the needs of people with disabilities in rural and remote communities, and to put into place such facilities as may appear necessary.

Article 9. Please provide further information on measures taken to ensure that rehabilitation counsellors and other staff are suitably qualified.

Part V of the report form. The Government is asked to provide a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied, including for example statistics, extracts from reports, studies and inquiries concerning the matters covered by the Convention.