A Government department devoted to the needs of the disabled is being formed.

The announcement was made yesterday by Development & Opportunity Minister Terry Lister.

He said the move would ensure Bermuda's 2,000-plus disabled people received the same level of service as others -- and no longer endured discrimination.

Ann Lindroth, former Activity Director of WindReach Recreational Village, has been appointed coordinator of the Office for Disabled Persons.

Mr. Lister said: "The principle of our Human Rights Act 1981 and its subsequent amendments is to ensure that all people in our community are treated with respect, fairness and without discrimination.

"However, the playing field is still not as level as it should be when it comes to issues of physical barriers and social attitudes.

"Government believes that every effort must be undertaken to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and to equalise their opportunities for further integration in our community.'' Mr. Lister said one of the first steps to improving building access and adaptability was to boost public awareness.

"The establishment of this office not only expands Government's services to the disabled but will allow us to better serve their need,'' said Mr. Lister.

"Some of our immediate goals are to create a database of information of persons with disabilities, to liaise with other agencies to improve access to buildings, facilities and services and to recommend amendments to Government policies as they now relate to disabled persons.'' He said Ms Lindroth would be responsible for developing, coordinating and delivering a range of programmes and services for disabled persons.

"(She) holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and has worked with persons with disabilities since 1986.

New dept. for disabled "We believe she will be invaluable in assisting persons with disabilities in reaching their full potential in our community.'' Ms Lindroth told the media recently: "I hope to empower (disabled persons).'' She said Bermuda had to play catch-up with countries like the US which boasted such organisations as the American Disabled Association.

She added that she had been hard at work since taking the post and had approached several disabled tourists on their views on the Island's accessibility.

Ms Lindroth plans to look into wheelchair-accessible taxis and buses, stressing it would not be very expensive.

With the reintroduction of the Access Awareness Week, Ms Lindroth also hopes to change Bermudians' attitudes towards the disabled.

Asked why the service had been instituted now, Mr. Lister said Government discovered that money had been previously allocated for this purpose.

"When I became the Minister, I found a small sum of money for looking at the issue and rather than looking at it, I thought we should do it.'' Mr. Lister pointed out the departments of Training and Employment and Cultural Affairs were under him. Those departments previously split responsibility for the disabled.