Rainbow Eucalyptus: Disability Accessibility and the Impact of Community Advocacy
Juan Roacho
2nd year MPH Epidemiology Student
Before arriving in Grenada, I was fascinated by the rainbow eucalyptus, a unique tree whose constantly shedding bark reveals a vibrant spectrum of colors – a natural parallel, I believe, to the diverse experiences and potential within any community, including those of individuals with disabilities. The discussion surrounding disability accessibility and community advocacy for greater improvements is intricate and complicated, since disability is significantly diverse and involves numerous stakeholders. Throughout our public health deployment in Grenada, our team, along with members of the Ministry of Social & Community Development, Housing, and Gender Affairs (MOSD), engaged in several focus groups and key informant interviews with members of the persons with disabilities (PWDs) community, as well as accessibility advocacy organizations and government officials from several ministries. In addition, our team conducted facility accessibility audits in several common places across the St. George parish (i.e., schools, general hospital), which gave us a true eye-opener on the gap between policy and lived reality regarding accessibility. One of the biggest themes from our findings surrounds the growing concern of the government’s inability to fully address this issue. While Grenada has made some strides in policy regarding disability access, the translation of these policies into tangible changes on the ground appears to be a significant hurdle. Our team hopes that our findings and recommendations are greatly resourceful to MOSD, as new strategies for PWD accessibility and enforcement of such policies are explored and implemented.
To finish my master’s program abroad is an experience I will truly cherish forever. Given that this was my first global public health experience, I was completely immersed in Grenada’s culture, history, and diverse populations. This experience provided a valuable opportunity to apply public health principles in a real-world setting, specifically focusing on the critical area of disability accessibility within a unique cultural context. As public health scholars, we bear a significant responsibility to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and maintain a mindset open to growth, enabling us to effectively drive change in our communities, especially for those who lack representation and voice. Our work in public health is shaped by the diverse voices and representations of the communities we serve, and we must never stop advocating for equitable access and opportunities for everyone, regardless of their abilities or circumstances. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to MOSD and PHAST for your hospitality and unwavering support throughout this public health deployment. To my PHAST colleagues who've graduated with me, I'm truly grateful to have enjoyed this final trip with you! I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors, and I look forward to the day our paths cross again!