March is annually observed as the Month of the Disabled; a time when all persons with disabilities have an increased visibility to the public.  The month is marked by a cadre of activities whose main purpose is to celebrate or advocate.

Several of the member organisations of the Barbados Council for the Disabled will be hosting public awareness activities. The National United Society for the Blind will be placing great emphasis on the Right to Read for the Blind and visually impaired.  The members of BARNOD will be directing attention towards violence against women with disabilities.  The highly competitive Special Olympians will be taking to the court, track and fields showcasing their skills with a widening series of sporting disciplines. 

The Council will embark on its third year of activities promoting DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY (DAD) which is celebrated this year on the 25th March, throughout all schools in Barbados. Its annual luncheon and organisational awards will be held on March 29th.  The second Harambee Dominoes competition will culminate with presentations on that same date. Daily Meditations on CBC TV led by the Minister of Social Care and our annual church service at Sharon Moravian will begin the Month of activities.

In the midst of all these activities, our community of persons with disabilities are still facing seemingly insurmountable odds to achieve their own basic rights. 

Persons with disabilities have a right to be involved members of our community, not merely viewed as objects for charity and pity, to be doled out minimal amenities.

It is true that more and more businesses and individuals are recognising their responsibility and are providing some small tokens of inclusion, but far too many are ignoring this potential resource.

Take for example designated parking.  As Government move towards the implementation of fines for persons who abuse the identified parking for persons with disabilities,  it is regrettable that persons must be forced to accord others such a basic courtesy; one which all our able bodied counterparts enjoy and have a right to.

Many persons who ought to know better, do not seem to recognise that PWD (persons with disabilities) have as much right as they do to attend, visit, or transact business with the various entities across Barbados.

With the ratification of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), there has been a collective feeling of hope sweeping across the global network of persons with disabilities.  The CPRD does not compel signatories to agree to giving PWD more than the rights which are assured in their own constitutions.  However, the CPRD assures PWD that their basic human dignity will be protected and an atmosphere of inclusion and support will be provided.

Yet in the face of several international and local challenges, our community of persons with disabilities in Barbados must celebrate their month.  We must celebrate the many achievements we have seen, the several improvements.  We must continue to encourage the public to acknowledge our importance to society, our rights as well as the valuable contributions we make. 

Join us in celebrating. Support the activities and work with us to make this March a truly memorable Month of the Disabled.