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Barbados Council for the Disabled
Article URL: http://www.barbadosdisabled.org.bb/pages/news/Nothing_about_us_without_us_4.php
Nothing about us without us Far too often, “well-meaning” individuals, make decisions on what is best for persons with disabilities and what will most benefit us. This year’s theme “Nothing About Us without Us” challenges this practice and invites those in decision-making positions to work with persons with disabilities. In keeping with the drive for inclusion, the Council is promoting two recreational activities, which demonstrates that with determination, improvisation and willingness, integrating is more than possible. On November 29, the internationally acclaimed CandoCo Dance Company arrives in Barbados as part of an inaugural visit to the Caribbean. This group of talented dancers represents integration in its purest and most creative form. The members of the group represent a cross section of disabilities including wheelchair users, the hearing impaired and amputees as well as able-bodied dancers. CandoCo is a touring contemporary dance company and a leading, training provider of integrated dance. Since its inception in 1991, the company has soared into the mainstream of contemporary dance in Great Britain reaching international, popularity and critical acclaim. Challenging the preconceptions surrounding dance and disability, they have succeeded in opening up the whole area of dance exploration. The company has paved the way for persons with disabilities to encourage equality with able-bodied peers at every level within the field of contemporary dance - something that just did not exist previously. This tour is being sponsored by the peter Moore's Trust and is supported by the National Cultural Foundation. CandoCo will join with children and adults with disabilities in a free lunchtime concert on Friday, December 3, at the Frank Collymore Hall. The introduction of wheelchair tennis is also on the agenda; this programme is being coordinated by the Council in conjunction with the British High Commission and the Barbados Lawn Tennis Association. This sport also promotes integration as wheelchair tennis participants play with their able-bodied peers on virtually any tennis court. The only major adaptation to the game from traditional tennis is the “two bounce” rule. A wheelchair player’s ball can bounce twice, but the game is played with all other rules in tact. The sport is supported worldwide and rose to prominence in the mid 1970’s. From December 2 to December 3, an English National tennis Coach and one of their top wheelchair tennis players will conduct a series of coaching workshops and participate in demonstration matches. As Barbadians celebrate our thirty-eighth year of independence, followed by International day of Disabled Persons on December 3, we encourage all of Barbados to remember the thousands of persons with disabilities waiting to join with you in full Independence. Should you wish to participate in our activities, please do not hesitate to contact Barbados Council for the Disabled on 427 8136. Happy Independence Day Barbados! |