As 2005 draws to a close, the Barbados Council for the Disabled reflects on the passing year with mixed feelings of achievement and expectation of so much to be accomplished in the New Year.

For a number of years, the council and its members have fought to heighten public awareness to the need for inclusion of persons with disabilities. In recent years, it is gratifying to see the hard work by persons who work selflessly on behalf of Persons with Disabilities being recognised at the National level.

It was therefore with a deep sense of pride that we watched the 39th Independence Day celebrations, which highlighted the abilities of children with disabilities and also awarded two very exceptional individuals who work in the field of disabilities.

Positive messages of inclusion were sent to thousands of Barbadians as they watched the National Parade. Janeel Odle, an 11-year old, who is visually impaired and attends the Irving Wilson School, ably led the National Pledge. Janeel was accompanied by Peterson Moore, a deaf classmate, who through Sign Language ensured inclusion of the deaf community.

In the afternoon, thousands watched, as two of the Council's most long-serving members were honoured in the Prime Minister's Independence Day Awards. Mrs. Dawn Rudder received the Barbados Service Star for meritorious work and commitment to the education of children with learning disabilities. Mrs. Rudder, Principal of the Orange Hill facility (The Learning Centre), not only caters to the educational needs of the learning challenged, but also provides vocational and life skills that equip young adults with disabilities to face the challenges they will no doubt encounter as they strive for independence. With the school motto ?let me be what I can be? as a goal, Mrs Rudder and her staff have worked tirelessly to achieve the best for past and current students.

The Barbados Service Medal was bestowed on Mr. Fitzgerrald Brereton, President of the Association Aid for the physically Handicapped Children of Barbados. Over 31 years, Mr. Brereton and his team of volunteers have unstintingly contributed to the quality of life of persons living with disabilities by seeking to provide them with the necessary aids.

Recognition of the accomplishments of PWD was also achieved in the National Youth Awards 2006 with Junior Howell, a wheelchair user, achieving special acknowledgement award for visual arts and the Bambusa award for an entrepreneur who has shown enterprising approaches to the sustainability of a business. Lisa Williams who is visually impaired achieved the challenge award.

The Council wishes to take this opportunity to publicly congratulate all of the awardees. They are certainly role models that we can all learn from.

The Board of Directors and staff wish to thank the media for their coverage of issues that affect the lives of PWD and for the promotion of their rights.
We would also like to thank all who have supported the initiatives of our membership by providing resources that enable us to improve the quality of life of PWD.

We take this opportunity to wish you all season's greetings and the joys that you would wish yourselves for the new-year.

A Voice of Our Own is a monthly article published in the Nation Newspaper