The wheelchair ramp which constructed in December 2011 at the House of Assembly and Supreme Court building.

Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News

The wheelchair ramp which constructed in December 2011 at the House of Assembly and Supreme Court building.

Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News

There is need for more privately and publicly-owned buildings to be constructed with wheelchair ramps to accommodate persons with physical disabilities.

Einstein Samuels, President of Parents and Caregivers of Children with Special Needs said there are some businesses which are being built with wheelchair access, but there is still a need for more.

"A little bit more. For some of the buildings that I am seeing now there is a change in some of the new buildings, I must say. And as time goes by we would hope that they would all have, or meet the standards to accommodate persons with disability," she said.

However, Samuels said in some cases the buildings with wheelchair ramps do not make it accessible. She pointed to one business in the Free Bottom area where there is a ramp, but there are a number of things placed in the exact area blocking access.

"Let me draw one thing; there are a lot of places that have ramps. I stood at [business place] on Sunday. There is a ramp, but it was blocked off. They had other things on the ramp; like they put it but it's like it's just there," she stated.

The President of the group said at some places the ramps are not properly constructed, and she also called for proper sidewalks.

"Also I have seen there is a ramp, but there are still stairs. So they are not properly constructed. Our sidewalks need to be able to accommodate persons in a wheelchair or with crutches," Samuels said.

Recently, Hon. Mark Vanterpool, Minister for Communications and Works said they are working on a number of smaller projects for Road Town, including looking at making the sidewalks wheelchair friendly.

"We are reviewing all the sidewalks now to make sure that they are wheelchair friendly and to ensure that when you are moving off, you don't topple over as some persons have done...We started right in front of here...So it's going to be throughout Road Town," he said at a meeting held at the Noel Lloyd Action Movement Park.

Also, in December 2011, Government installed a wheelchair ramp at the building that houses the Supreme Court and House of Assembly. Officials have stated that the building of ramps is necessary at every Government building.