1. Country Data
1-1 General Information
- Total Land Area : 160 SQKM Land, 22,806 SQKM Water
- Capital City : Belmopan
- Total Population : 279,457
- Ethnic Groups : Mestizo, Garifuna, Maya, Ketchi, Creole, Hindu,Chinese etc.
- Language : English, Spanish, Creole etc.
- Religion : Catholic, Presbyterian, Jehova Witness
1-2 Disability Related Information
1. Definition/classification of disabilities :
Disability is a restriction or inability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being, mostly result of an impairment.
2. Population of persons with disability :
- (Type of disability age, cause, gender)
- Population census 2000 - number of people with disability 13,744.
- Children 2907 (48% Males,52% Females)
- Visual Impairment, problems moving around, problems moving parts of the body, hearing difficulties, speaking difficulties, problems gripping, holding, learning difficulties, problems with personal care, behavioral problems.
3. Major laws and regulations concern with persons with disability.
Special education policies most be included within the national education, rule 2000. In the constitution of Belize Statute 6-1 Chapter 4 states that all "persons are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to the equal protection of the law." Families and children's Act Amendment 2000 Chapter 173 Part II-8 states that children with disabilities must be assessed as early as possible and offered appropriate treatment, and also offered equal opportunities to education.
4. Financial assistance for persons with disabilities, if any
NONE
5. Disability related organizations and their activities
Appendix C, Appendix D, Appendix E
