June 27: International Day of the Deafblind 

By María Josefina Arce

Every June 27th we celebrate the International Day of Deaf-blind people who, in many nations of the world, see their lives limited, not having adequate multi-sectoral support.  They are therefore more likely to be mired in poverty, without access to education, health and employment.

Inclusion of deaf-blind people is a priority for Cuba

It is highly comforting that since January 1959, the Cuban state has made the inclusion and equality of this population group a priority, which faces numerous challenges every day with tenacity and courage.

In our country there is a program of attention to visual and hearing impairment, approved by the Ministry of Public Health, through which multiple actions are carried out.

It works closely with the National Association of the Deaf of Cuba and the National Association of the Blind, in order to achieve the comprehensive rehabilitation of these citizens, both in hearing, language, orientation and mobility.

Special Education, promoted by the historical leader of the revolution Fidel Castro, also plays an essential role in the reinsertion of this population segment into society. Defying the limitations imposed for 60 years by the U.S. blockade, it has made it possible to prepare children and young people for life. 

Moreover, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Article 89 of the Constitution, the new draft of the Family Code consolidates the protection of the prerogatives of these citizens, on an equal footing with others.

On this path, it is based on a more adjusted terminology to refer to persons with disabilities, who are often, unfortunately, the object of discrimination and pejorative expressions that hurt their dignity and rights.

The document includes the right to habilitation and rehabilitation programs of organizations and institutions, so that they can develop their personal autonomy and independence in the social and family environment.

It also highlights the necessary involvement of families, as every factor counts in providing these citizens with the necessary tools for their development.

The experts emphasize that support for these people begins in the family and extends to the educational system, even in the workplace, although in the latter, they acknowledge, there are still some barriers to be broken down.

And to help and strengthen the work of personnel who are somehow related to this population group, Cuba has for the first time a support guide for the habilitation and rehabilitation of people with deafblindness and their families.

Raising the quality of life of people with disabilities is a priority of the Cuban state, which works intensively in all areas from the legal, educational and health, but also cultural to raise awareness among the population about the rights of this segment of society.