The Government is still working towards a 2020 Throne Speech pledge to extend an international convention on disabilities to the island.

Tinee Furbert, the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, told the House of Assembly on Friday that the Ministry was still working with the UK to extend the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to Bermuda.

Ms Furbert said the measure would help ensure Bermuda is an “inclusive society that recognises and respects persons with disabilities for their ability not their disability”.

She added that the Ministry had also begun to develop a formal register of persons with disabilities.

Ms Furbert said: “The register aims to assist with data collection to provide projections for support, services, and benefits, which will ultimately assist in improving their quality of life.

“Also, the register will ensure there is clarity of the current and future needs of persons with disabilities.

“No person in our society should be left behind or feel ostracised because they have a disability.”

She added that the Government supported open discussion on the subject of disabilities.

Ms Furbert said: “This provides a platform to educate all sectors of our community to ensure persons with disabilities are given the dignity they deserve.

“I believe that more awareness of persons with disabilities ultimately will lead to more understanding and acceptance.”

She said Bermuda’s acceptance into the convention would provide solid goals for the island.

Ms Furbert said accessibility problems had been looked at by the Government with a view tohow the requirements of the convention could be implemented.