To our soon-to-be-inaugurated officials: A call for more disability inclusion!

Cleo Nening

The other day, I came across a notice issued by the Office of Governor-Elect Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Governor-Elect David M. Apatang that states they are “seeking highly motivated and qualified individuals” for 29th gubernatorial appointee positions. First, I would like to commend the incoming administration for opening this pool for qualified individuals to have an opportunity to apply. This is a good start and step in the direction of change that the people of the CNMI had voted for. Now with the change also come challenges and I am hereby issuing a challenge for our incoming officials: to increase disability inclusion.

Changing our mindsets is a challenge in itself. Perhaps we must think outside of the box when solving issues that arise or are currently existing. Practicing what is known as “design thinking” or sharing multiple perspectives to form something new can assist us with problem-solving. For our incoming elected officials: this is your chance and opportunity to utilize the versatile tool of design thinking and begin designing for disabilities first, not just the “norm.” Designing for disabilities first will not only allow us to find solutions but inclusive solutions that may often be better than when we design for the typical person.

Designing laws, policies, and procedures that are geared toward protecting individuals with disabilities, providing accessibility for programs/services, ensuring safety, inclusivity, and diversity is the step needed for a wider audience to avail, participate, and succeed in their daily lives and perhaps even for their goals. Now it is a reality that no one really does excel on their first try, but nonetheless that should not stop anyone from being the first to try.

So once again, I am challenging our incoming elected officials to take that first step and try. If you are unsure of where to start and how to begin, I invite you to come to the Northern Marianas Protection & Advocacy Systems, Inc. office where we work directly with individuals with disabilities in the CNMI who are facing discrimination, rights violations, and/or abuse and neglect. Or meet with your constituents directly: the disability community and our Disability Network Partners to hear the unmet needs and potential solutions.

Everyone is creative, everyone can be a designer who can solve problems, and everyone has the chance to make a change. What type of change will you make?

For more information about disability laws that ensure access to public and private programs and services, contact NMPASI at (670) 235-7273/4 (voice)/(670) 287-0652 (text message)/ or visit us online at www.nmpasi.org.