Cayman’s Ministry of Social Development & Innovation joined the wider government and community to commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 Dec. with an island-wide ‘Dress for a Cause – Wear Yellow’ initiative, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening disability inclusion across the public service and the wider community.
A group of 150 civil servants and Sunrise Adult Training Centre clients gathered in front of the Government Administration Building for a photo of the record-breaking turnout, with participants proudly wearing yellow in recognition of disability inclusion. This tradition, which has been observed for more than a decade, continues to grow in participation and visibility, symbolising a shared determination to remove barriers for persons with disabilities.
Acting Governor Franz Manderson said: “This year’s record turnout reflects the dedication of our civil servants and partners to building a more welcoming and inclusive public service. International Day of Persons with Disabilities offers us an important moment for reflection and collective leadership, and I am proud of the role the civil service continues to play in advancing disability inclusion across our Islands.”
The 2025 global International Day of Persons with Disabilities theme ‘Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress’ was aimed at full and effective participation in society for persons with disabilities in all aspects of life. There are initiatives across the government, not just to recognise this day, but to make meaningful change to benefit persons with disabilities in the Cayman Islands into the future.
Reviewing legislation
Cayman’s Cabinet has granted approval for amendments to be drafted for the Disabilities (Solomon Webster) Act, 2016. The updates aim to modernise the legislation to provide a comprehensive framework for persons to protect and support persons with disabilities to access their rights.
This legislative step is part of a wider national effort to strengthen participation and remove barriers. The Ministry of Social Development & Innovation is working closely with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities to modernise the framework.
The National Council for Persons with Disabilities continues to lead national advocacy, public education and key initiatives. The council works across ministries and with private-sector partners to advance accessibility, support legislation, and promote inclusive development.
Becoming Sunflower certified
The Ministry of Social Development & Innovation is the first ministry in Cayman to complete the Sunflower training programme – a globally recognised initiative that helps organisations support people with hidden disabilities with greater awareness and sensitivity. Through Sunrise Adult Training Centre’s leadership, the training process has been made accessible for public and private organisations to take part.
Government-wide policy workshop
The Cabinet Office recently hosted a workshop for policy professionals titled ‘Mainstreaming Accessibility in Policy Work”.
The session, which was attended by policy officers and other civil servants, guided participants through practical strategies for integrating disability perspectives into policy development and public service delivery. Emphasis was placed on ensuring that government policies work effectively for all persons, regardless of disability by design, not by exception.
Minister for Social Development & Innovation Isaac Rankine said: “Our government’s vibrant show of yellow reflects our commitment to build a society where everyone can participate fully. Inclusion must be intentional, which is why we are strengthening legislation, improving service delivery, and ensuring accessibility considerations are built into how we design public services.”
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