Agency Heads Say More Help Needed for Disabled

Angus Drigo, executive director of the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands, was not present Monday at the Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks, but his candid written testimony was read, and it hung over the hearing.

Sen. Angel Bolques Jr., who chaired the committee, referred to it several times during the hearing and called the testimony “riddling.”

Drigo wrote, “As a territory, the Virgin Islands has failed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Ac t … Despite DRCVI’s best efforts — from litigation campaigns, training events, and many years of grass-roots advocacy — ADA compliance has fallen woefully short when it comes to access to government offices, playground areas, businesses, and shopping districts, especially in the downtown areas. Even when these entities have made gains to comply, it often falls short.”

Sen. Marvin Blyden said what Brigo wrote was of great concern because the territory had an “aging population.”

Julien Henley Sr., Territorial ADA coordinator for the V.I. government, did not present as dark a picture in his testimony. However, he did say the situation was “far from perfect.”

He prefaced that remark by telling senators, “The state of our disability community here in the Virgin Islands, which averages just above 8,000 citizens, has shown significant improvement.”

He added, “The Bryan-Roach administration continues to fight existing stigmas that discourage people from seeking services they qualify for.”

Two areas of concern for Henley were VITRAN and medical personnel. He said VITRAN needed more drivers and buses to serve those with disabilities. Territory doctors’ offices can also be complex for those with visual and hearing impairments.