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offer opportunities for vocational training and employment;
facilitate independent life skills programmes and socially interactive
activities, and
function as a resource Centre to physically accommodate NGOs and persons
with disabilities including cerebral palsy.
195.
An original allocation in the sum of $4 million was provided in 2013 for the
commencement of construction. The National Centre for Persons with Disabilities is
aimed at facilitating early diagnosis and detection followed by timely intervention and
support services to such persons and their families. To date, the construction of the
Centre at Carlsen Field is ninety-five per cent (95%) completed at a total cost of $15.5
million. Revised expenditure for fiscal 2013 is estimated at $8.359 million. The facility
includes a Lecture Hall, a Library, a Conference Room, Administrative Offices, Sensory
Gyms and Therapy Rooms, Counselling Room, Office Space, Cafeteria and Sick Bay.
The Facility was designed with appropriate ramps and wider doors and corridors to
ensure access to all people with disabilities. In addition, the Centre will be equipped with
elevators and emergency evacuation procedures which are in compliance with
international accessibility standards.
The National Centre for Persons with Disabilities
196.
The Trinidad and Tobago Association for the Hearing Impaired was allocated $4
million to meet the costs of the redevelopment and refurbishment of the Diagnostic,
Research and Therapeutic Centre for the Hearing Impaired (DRETCHI).
