The Human Rights Commission is conducting a public consultation on disability inclusion.

It is hoped that the exercise will provide a better understanding of the experiences of people with disabilities and the obstacles they may face.

The commission invited people with disabilities, members of the public and other stakeholders to complete an electronic survey.

Lisa Reed, the HRC’s executive officer, said: "Despite the legal protections in place to protect people with disabilities from discrimination, the lived experiences of people do not reflect inclusive policies, practices or attitudes.

“Since 2018, disability has been one of the most frequently identified grounds of discrimination received by the commission.

"Disability is part of being human — anyone can become disabled at any point in their life. The spectrum of disabilities includes visible and invisible disabilities.

“Understanding what measures are in place to ensure inclusion and access, identifying gaps and why they exist will help the commission inform policy recommendations to the Government to improve accountability and compliance.

“It will also aid the commission’s public awareness strategies.”

She added: "Everyone has a role to play in creating an inclusive and accessible Bermuda for all.

“Everyone has a responsibility to ensure people with disabilities can access their full rights and freedoms.“

The electronic survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and the commission encouraged everyone to take part.

It can be accessed via the commission’s website at humanrights.bm or through the HRC Facebook page.

Anyone who needs help to take part in the survey should contact the commission. It can be completed in person at the HRC’s office or over the phone.

The deadline for completion of the survey is July 5 at 5pm.

To contact the HRC, call 295-5859 or e-mail info@humanrights.bm.