In today�s fast moving world,  access to information is one of the cornerstones of progress.  With the explosive properties of the internet offering researchers, consumers and casual surfers a treasure trove of information, it is essential that we use an attractively packaged medium to share information and promote the rights of persons with disabilities.

With this in mind, the Barbados council for the Disabled (BCD)  launched its website barbadosdisabled.org.bb a few years ago.  Within recent months, substantial upgrading has been carried out on the site to enhance the accessibility and quality of content.  The response has been overwhelming. The site has generated almost ten times the traffic in a month than it had in the past two years.

The key to this tremendous success is our design and its adaptability to the needs of its visitors.  Our homepage features information on BCD and our background, it presents a detailed overview of who we are and what we do.  It also offers an outline of the persons who charter the course of the council�s daily activities.

Our administrative team is easily reached via their personalised email affording visitors a chance to quickly obtain a response to their enquiries.  There is even the facility for our guests to subscribe to our weekly e-mail bulletin, which has a coverage that not only spans Barbados, but informs individuals and orgabisations throughout the world.

One of the dynamic features of the website is the news feed, which is channelled from a number of sources throughout the world.  It offers news links to several news sites and updates itself regularly with stories, related to persons with disabilities, their challenges and triumphs.  Added to international news, the Council�s monthly articles and news releases are also a significant aspect to the site�s links.

Another integral part of the site�s success is its �Calendar of Events�.  The calendar offers both the Council and our membership a chance to keep both the local and the international communities acquainted with upcoming events.  The calendar is a direct feed from the council�s weekly bulletin.

In 2002, the council launched its Directory of Services for persons with disabilities� which featured a number of key resources available in Barbados to persons with disabilities and their caregivers. The Council recently updated the directory and we have placed a searchable database from the directory on the site.  The directory offers not only the local community,  but prospective visitors to Barbados a comprehensive overview of therapists, facilities, and services currently operating in Barbados.  We invite any service providers not listed  to get in touch with us.

As the demand for parking IDs becomes greater,  we have  made it easier for persons to access and complete the application form online. Application forms for volunteers is also a click away.

The Fully Accessible Barbados (FAB) campaign is slated to be one of the more prominent features on our website.  We have used the Projects page to introduce the concept of the FAB Awards to our site visitors. Other innovations will soon be on the page allowing visitors to give feedback on accessible or inaccessible venues.  The feedback will no doubt help the business and service sector to improve services to all of their customers and also spread the word about Fully Accessible Barbados

As the Council continues on our path of advocacy,  growth  and development we will continue to place facts in focus, we will also showcase our projects and those of our membership.

Feedback helps all of us to develop and grow, we therefore welcome your support and  feedback on the content of our website.  barbadosdisabled.org.bb

The council remains committed to offering all with whom we come into contact, information that would lead to the improvement in the lives of Persons with Disabilities.

The Council takes this opportunity to thank Mr. Terry Ally for his dedication to the quality of our website and its layout.