Today we are here to make history.

Aujourd'hui, nous sommes ici pour faire l'histoire.
We are here to discuss a program that puts Haiti ahead of many other countries in the hemisphere and indeed the world.
Nous sommes ici pour discuter d'un programme qui demontre comment Haiti est a l avant garde de nombreux autres pays de l'hémisphère et du monde entier.

Maintenant permettez moi de continuer en anglais.
This is one of my happiest moments, because I am witnessing the transformation of something from an ideal...into a tangible project that will ensure hundreds of thousands of people who live with disabilities in this country will have not just the opportunity, but the right to be treated and considered fairly.

Ladies and gentlemen, this initiative is not to be taken lightly and I hope it is not overlooked, because all too often we tend to focus on the negative developments and not recognize when our authorities have broken new ground for their country.

Over ten percent of Haiti's population lives with disabilities since the earthquake of 2010. In response to this, your authorities worked to pass a new law on the inclusion of people with disabilities.

Today, with the support of international partners like the Organization of American States and USAID, this law will not remain on paper, but go directly to the heart of this issue, to ensure equal rights and full reintegration for persons living with disabilities.

This project has embraced a multi-sectoral approach to reintegration. In this regard I am pleased to note the presence of almost all government ministers at this meeting.

The project has also involved the private sector, civil society organizations, the media and the church. I see this as a demonstration of genuine cooperation...all stakeholders understanding that equal opportunity means equal access to employment, physical infrastructure, education opportunities and other options which the well-abled sometimes take for granted.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Organization of American States and its partners like USAID and those in the inter-american system like the Pan American Development Foundation, the Pan American Health Organization, Inter-american Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture have been working with Haiti for a long time. Our committment to you has been reflected in the various projects we have worked hard to deliver. It is our hope that together, we can help to facilitate an environment of inclusiveness that guarantees those with disabilities are given an opportunity.

Already we have seen a difference. In Delmas 32 there is a young man named Denni, born with cerebral palsy, who serves as the President of a PADF-partner organization that has implemented development projects in one of the neighborhoods hit hardest by the January 2010 earthquake.

In Cite Soleil, Pele, who was born missing over half of his fingers on his right hand, serves on the executive committee of SOS Children.

My own office has worked to deliver school supplies to students with both physical and mental disabilities in XXXX

We have always believed that Haiti’s potential and promise are contained within its people who are creative, skilled and hard-working individuals with unsurpassed strength and courage.

Ladies and gentlemen, today we have started a new chapter in Haiti's history. It is a chapter full of hope and promise.

I thank President Martelly, and the Government of Haiti for their efforts and for their vision, and again, I thank USAID for being a committed partner.