|
Barbados Council for the Disabled
Article URL: http://www.barbadosdisabled.org.bb/pages/news/Read_the_full_2009_AGM_Report.php
2009 Annual General Meeting Report CONTENTS - Annual Report 2009 1. PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD
Directors and Staff
Mrs. Dorien Pile GCM Ms. Roslyn Hurley Ms. Sandra Carter Mrs. Lasonta Corbin Mrs. Boneta Phillips Mr. Hugh Blackman
Mr. Elviston Maloney - Public Relations Officer Ms. Eudalie Wickham - Director Mrs. Joyce Holder Ministry of Health
Last Year when I addressed you I was appealing to the affiliates and the over fourteen thousand strong disabled community to work towards ensuring that their rights were not in any way compromised, I asked that we seek to develop a cadre of volunteers to work with the disabled community in developing programs that would allow both Government and commercial sector to recognize the tremendous abilities that lay unexploited within the disabled community. I closed my presentation with the following words from William Arthur, scholar, author and pastor; each one of these stipulations sends us a profound message. DO MORE THAN…BELONG: PARTICIPATE Perhaps one of the regrettable things about organizations abled and disabled, is that even though they are created for positive interaction and socialization between members, too often this part of the structure becomes secondary because of the many pressing issues that face the members and committees set up to deal with business matters affecting organizations; leaving positive interaction, the most important facet of the grouping, to be overlooked, in many cases to the detriment of the parties involved. The challenges which the disabled community faces are identical to the ones that confront our abled brothers and sisters. HEALTH, HOUSING, EDUCATION, JOB OPPORTUNITIES and TRANSPORTATION. The advocacy of the BCD throughout its existence has been centred around ensuring that the facilities being fashioned to deal with these issues, in both past and current economically challenges times did not see the disabled being placed on the back burner of progress and perhaps losing ground that Presidents, Boards and Affiliates of the past and present fought and were still fighting so tenaciously to gain. Barbados is currently at an economic crossroads, as a community we must now work together to ensure that we will achieve maximum benefits from the scarce resources at our disposal, now is no time to allow ego, whether lack of or over extended to hamper the progress that has been made over the thirty three years of our existence, UNITY will determine what LASTING gains we will achieve, neither local or international bodies have the time to be sidetracked by over embellished personal agendas, which can only lead to unnecessary divisions. As we face this challenging future I ask you to seriously recognize the important role the disabled community has to play in the development of this country, and note that as was stated at the FAB Awards our regional and international disabled brothers and sisters, are about to play a significant part in our tourism industry, not because we are disabled, but because we are a travelling public who can make a difference. I wish you well for the ensuing term and leave you with the theme that I truly believe in and that is: WE WILL BECAUSE WE CAN David ‘joey’ Harper
The Council has continued its pursuit of advocating to Government for the need for parking for persons with disabilities to be legislated. Over the past 6 years we have constantly been writing letters to government as well as conducting public awareness promotions highlighting this need. The Council became very optimistic when in November 2008; we were requested by the Ministry of SCCERUD to examine the proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Act as it relates to persons with disabilities and submit any comments. The Council met with its members and submitted a few issues that needed to be addressed. We are awaiting further progress on this. This Parking ID service provided by the Council is one that not only spans the ‘mainstream disabilities’ but also persons who realize they need them but do not identify themselves as being in the ‘mainstream disability category’. However our service includes everyone who qualifies according to our recommended criteria. FULLY ACCESSIBLE BARBADOS (FAB) The Fully Accessible Barbados programme which was launched in 2005 has finally begun its implementation phase. With a goal to transform Barbados into a barrier free environment, the first FAB Awards accrediting a number of facilities for various levels of accessibility was presented at the Hilton Barbados on May 31st, 2009. The Prime Minister the Honourable David Thompson QC, MP, delivered the Feature Address and his wife Mrs. Mara Thompson presented the FAB plaques. An audio video presentation accompanied all of the Awardees highlighting the standards they were accredited for. The glass plaques depicted the FAB logo and were etched with the standards representing the various levels of access awarded to the individual facility. Following the awards, the BTA as well as their UK Press agent has offered to assist us in the promotion of Fully Accessible Barbados. Initially we have directed our emphasis on the tourism sector. Recognising that tourism is the chief income generating segment of our economic landscape, the FAB programme began to pay special attention within the first instance in recognising and awarding facilities for their inclusive design and services. Having started with a number of places recommended as having some level of access, a team of persons with varying disabilities visited the facilities to conduct a review with specific criteria to meet each standard of access. Following the review, recommendations were made to each of the establishments and the appropriate levels were accredited. This initial award phase is only the beginning and it is partially intended to encourage the policy makers in the tourism industry to see the benefits both economically and socially for Barbados as well as our citizens. We will continue our pursuit of a Fully Accessible Barbados. The Council is to be commended for an extremely high standard set by persons with disabilities which is comparable to other high standards in the public arena. This was done on an extremely tight budget with a number of discounted services provided. PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS ON ACCESS The Council is being contacted on a regular basis from persons and agencies seeking detailed information on making their homes and facilities accessible. When it is brought to the staffs’ attention that a facility needs to be checked for accessibility; we do not hesitate to share the correct information required. There are also times when we are pleasantly surprised to see that consideration is given to provisions for access. One example, on seeing the construction of the new south coast boardwalk, the staff contacted the Coastal Zone Management Unit to determine whether they had factored in accessible facilities for persons with disabilities. We were informed that they were in the process of reconstruction Hastings Rocks and the necessary ramps and facilities were a part of the new design. 3. ADMINISTRATION HARAMBEE HOUSE As Harambee House continues to provide the environment for our affiliates to successfully implement their projects and programmes, the Council is strategically placed to ensure that the issues relating to persons with disabilities are effectively addressed. It is also from this base that the dedicated and efficient secretariat spearheads a number of national advocacy programmes, keeping in mind that our primary role is to advocate through effective programs to ensure the full integration of all persons with disabilities. The Council’s daily administration schedule including weekends is usually filled with Meetings, Seminars, Training, Craft Classes, Group Therapy, Transportation and Social Events; all related to supporting the programs of the Council and its members. Documents in Braille continue to be produced on our Braille Embosser for our affiliates. We also facilitate external requests from persons wishing to provide accessible reading material. Some restaurants have requested assistance in brailing their menus in order to offer blind and visually impaired guests access to their independent choices. Once again we were able to assist Janeil Odle, a student of Combermere School and her teacher, by brailing her end of term exam papers. Certain documents of the House of Assembly were also brailed to ensure that Senator Ifill was not disadvantaged at any time while conducting the people’s business. The National Library Service recommended the services of a former librarian who catalogued and filed all of our printed and audio material. This has greatly assisted the members as well as the general public in choosing a variety of accessible formatted reading material available in our library. Selections and searches can also be done from our online library for persons who are unable to come in to the Library themselves. We are presently re-examining the usage of the Computer Lab as it is presently being underutilize in the area it was intended originally. The Council will entertain suggestions from our members and we will ensure that this aspect of the facilities offered at Harambee House meets the needs of our members. STAFF DEVELOPMENT The entire secretariat of the Council has developed an extremely professional approach to every aspect of their work. The efficient responses have earned the team some high accolades from government and the private sector. This has also contributed to a very strong working relationship with international and local entities. Wherever possible the Staff of the Council is afforded the opportunity to further enhance their skills to ensure greater efficiency. The United Nations offered the Council’s Administration training in their new Harmonised Method to Cash Transfer (HACT) which is intended to reduce the multiplicity of current UN procedures and improve the management of aid to implementing partners. Mrs. Gaylene Mohammed successfully participated in the 3 day training sessions in St. Lucia from the 21st-23rd January and is now fully equipped to manage the transfers of cash as it relates to any UN funded projects. Mrs. Roseanna Tudor was successful in her application for partial funding from the St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, Canada where she gained her Certificate after attending the three weeks Certificate Course in Organisational Learning & Change. Mrs. Rose Ann Foster Vaughan is presently furthering her education at the UWI School of Continuing Studies. FIRST AID TRAINING HONORARY DINNER As a result of a decision taken by the general membership at the annual general meeting in 2007, to specially honour Mrs. Mary Mahabir for her over 30 years outstanding service to the Council, an honorary dinner was held on December 18th 2008. The board of directors also agreed to recognise Mrs. Rosalind Jackson who for years has also supported the Council and its members. The dinner was attended by the board of directors and all of the past presidents of the Council. Special commemorative gifts were presented and the two honourees were extremely nostalgic as all of the past presidents that evening spoke very highly of both ladies and reminiscence of their working together. The staff was also in attendance as the event also presented an opportunity for the staff to enjoy the annual yuletide seasonal get together with the directors. CONSTITUTION REVIEW The changes to the Council’s By Laws which were made by the review committee were submitted to members. The document was previously sent to Justice Leroy Inniss for his perusal and comments after which it was presented to the board. The Council held a special meeting for all affiliates on the 18th April 2008 to further discuss the changes and the members are to meet to adopt the new constitution.
“BE SEATED and SENSITIZED” One of the Council’s advertising drives last year to promote Disability Awareness Day was the use of benches placed strategically at various locations around Barbados. “BE SEATED AND SENSITISED” was conceptualised as a forum to heighten awareness of disabilities to children and society as a whole. This project was supported by UNICEF, who was very encouraged by the concept of DAD in educating the children in understanding that all children have the same equal rights without discrimination; they will this year sponsor the renewal of
This 3rd Annual celebration started weeks before the actual day. Another Public awareness initiative was developed by the staff in the form of a “DAD PAL” BUTTON programme. Letters were sent to all schools as well as our affiliates reminding of the day. Posters were designed to commemorate DAD Day and were also distributed to Schools, Pediatricians, Nursery Schools, UWI, Community College, Transport Board and many other places. BCD Volunteers assisted with the distribution. Always mindful of budget constraints, the staff sought a couple funding sources which we felt would support our project. The CANADIAN WOMENS CLUB was very receptive to this initiative and was happy to assist the Council with the purchase of the DAD PAL Buttons. The buttons were distributed as planned and the symbolic presentation was held at the Arthur Smith School. This event was attended by the Hon. Patrick Todd, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, who delivered the feature address. Bishop Wood and Lady Wood, Mr. Tom Olsen (UNICEF), Girl Guides Leaders and the Jaycees along with some of our Affiliates also attended. Eight children from various schools who travel on our bus took part in the presentation of the PAL Buttons to eight Arthur Smith students. Ms. Belle Holder from Morning Barbados Covered the event and as a result the Arthur Smith School was featured as the School of the Week on the Morning Barbados Show. The Road Runner with Mr. Kevin Hinds “KB KLEEN” also played a part on the day. They went to St. Giles School on the morning and did a live presentation of the PAL Button by Xavier Greenidge (who is an amputee) to two of his friends. Also on that day a number of schools celebrated Disability Awareness day in a variety of ways; some of which we were able to visit. More schools this year are increasingly demonstrating that they are really using their own initiative in portraying issues affecting persons with disabilities. DAD is creating the level of awareness in our young children we were hoping to achieve; and we can and will improve on this. After a hectic year in 2008 our Harambee Puppets received a well deserved shampoo, shower and grooming...after all they have to look their best, designer clothes and all when they appear at schools and events. The method of using puppetry as a tool to heighten disability awareness and the effectiveness of debunking myths related to disabilities is successfully being achieved among the targeted audience of young children. The troupe’s appearances took them to Society Primary, St. Margaret’s Primary, Mount Tabor Primary, St. John’s Primary, Welches Primary, Sharon Primary, Holy Innocents Primary, Eden Lodge Nursery. Two skits were preformed at each school (Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy & Autism). A person with Cerebral Palsy accompanied the Puppeteers to answer any queries. This was very impacting as the children got an opportunity to see first hand a person with a disability and ask questions. The Variety Club of Barbados again invited the troupe to perform at their Annual Party for children with disabilities. Another puppetry workshop is scheduled to be held on August 15th, again targeting persons who are interested in becoming puppeteers. Having lost the services of two of the initial team of puppeteers, the troupe still continues to fulfil almost all requests. Under the leadership of Mrs. Gaylene Mohammed, along with Joyann Grazettes-Corbin, Debbie Ann Weekes, Hazel Alleyne and Marissa and Matthew Went, these dedicated volunteers must be highly commended as their numerous appearances suggest that they are determined to get the message of inclusion of children with disabilities in our community. GIRL GUIDES DISABILITY BADGE Ongoing meetings are being held with the Girl Guides Association of Barbados to further progress the establishment of a guiding programme which addresses the need for disability awareness among Girl Guides. The Girl Guides Association is hoping to launch a Disability Awareness Badge before the end of this year. This programme will be wholeheartedly supported by the Council as it will be another important advocacy tool to educate and heighten disability issues among children. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOP As a result of a number of successful workshops last year on training for First Responders in emergency situations, it was determined that there is a need for further training. The feedback from personnel from the Fire Service, Police and District Emergency Personnel indicated that not only was the training necessary but they also noted that the fact that the training was done by members of the Council with disabilities made it more easier for them to handle persons with disabilities in the various situations. Preliminary meetings have also been held with the authorities of the Elayne Scantlebury Centre (formerly St. Andrews) in an effort to assist the personnel at the Home with the necessary training required to protect and handle the residents in the event of a disaster situation. They were extremely receptive and are looking forward to the training which should be conducted very soon. In addition, the Council will continue the training of the remaining fire officers who have not yet had this training. The three main modules which were developed by the BCD staff dealt with communicating, handling and management of persons with disabilities after the disaster; this will continue to be the basis of the training and will again be delivered by persons with disabilities. UNICEF/CEDERA - PSA on Disaster Preparedness for Children with Disabilities The Council was requested by UNICEF to submit a script to accompany some Public Service Announcements (PSA) being produced for the media throughout the Caribbean. These PSA’s were also filmed in Barbados depicting two of our own children with disabilities acting out the script in a disaster preparedness situation. The Council was pleased to be a part of this Service. UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PERSONS With disabilities– SCHOOLS LITERARY COMPETITION 2008 The Barbados Council for the Disabled sponsored its 2nd Annual Literary competition to mark UN International Day for Persons with Disabilities. The programme culminated with the customary presentation of awards on December 3rd in a ceremony held at the Grand Barbados Resort. The Resident UN Representative read the UN Secretary General’s Message to mark the day. While the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment, Urban & Rural Development Ms. Sonja Welch delivered the feature address. This year’s entries totalled twenty-three – representing a decline from 2007. However, it must be noted that while numbers may have been down, the number of participating schools increased. The quality of the entries in the senior category was more or less what we expected however the junior school entries were very positive and encouraging. In this year’s Competition, the juniors were required to write on a topic related to sports and the disabled. The submissions represented a wide variation on the theme with many good representations. The winners were: This year the Council decided to offer a Prize for the best poetry, which was submitted by Maricel Hope of Harrison College. In the seniors, the top entries came from Harrison College, with Shonee Howel in third place, Saran Lashley in 2nd and Dudley Ellis taking first place. It must be noted that this is Dudley’s second year in the top spot. The seniors wrote on the theme for the year, the “UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Dignity and Justice for All”. The Council will seek to design new methods of attracting more interest in this area as we see it as an important advocacy tool. CENTRAL BANK HEALTH FAIR Since hosting its first Health fair in 1999, the Council has accepted the bank’s invitation each year to take part in this event. We have to utilize every possible opportunity to educate the public on the issues affecting persons with disabilities and the treatments and therapy available to promote a healthy lifestyle as possible. The Council distributed all available literature received from our affiliates as well as our own advocacy material.
The Council is mindful that links with all of our media is extremely important in advocating our issues and by extension our affiliates. At the beginning of the Month of the Disabled we ensured that the media was aware of all of the events being held by the Council and its members. Requests are often made for the media to cover any issues that may arise from time to time as well as our advocacy awareness projects. We have also arranged media coverage for a number of our affiliates when requested. Appearances were arranged during the Month of the Disabled on “Brass Tacks” and “Talk Yuh Talk”. The latter was offered every week for the entire month and the BCD suggested a variety of guests for the programme. We continue to use our monthly “A Voice of Our Own” article for a number of wide ranging issues as well as some articles submitted by our affiliates. The BCD Bulletin is another medium used to inform our growing number of subscribers of the events and any issues relating to our members as well as the community of disabled persons. We will continue to encourage our affiliates to utilise this very effective means of reaching our community. The website has been remodelled to some extent and we are always seeking new methods of access. It is presently being tested and the staff is undergoing some technical and sometimes challenging self training methods using the manual provided by Mr. Terry Ally who has been very supportive in assisting the Council in this area even though he is residing in the UK. The Council continues to submit articles to individual magazines whenever a request is received. We will continue to further develop stronger relationships with the media as our main focus is advocacy and awareness on behalf of Persons with Disabilities continues to be supported by the media. We will endeavour to work to establish even stronger ties with the media.
DISABILITY STUDIES To date, we’ve been invited to give a number of talks to various departments of the University of the West Indies. Additionally, students in a variety of disciplines have visited Harambee House seeking information for their various projects and papers. Some students have even contacted us via the internet as they are for the most part Barbadians studying overseas. Some of these students have plans to return home and work in the area of special needs, while others have demonstrated an interest in specific disability organisations. Some of the students have been very keen to share there research findings with us. As there is a decided dearth of information available regarding disabilities and while these projects are not conducted in completely academic methods, having the material will give some indication to what trends are permeating with students. 7. EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES UWI Survey on Self-Efficacy and Career Decision Making of Persons with Disabilities Following the support given by the Council to Dr. Stacey Blackman and Dr. Donna Maynard of the University of the West Indies Education Department, to this pilot study survey, further assistance is being given by the Council to ensure it progresses to the benefit of all PWD. The initial study which suggests that persons with disabilities, who are employed, show high self-efficacy and career decision making abilities; also that they are very much aware of the factors that hinders and creates their opportunities for employment. As a result of these findings the two research doctors have recognised the need to conduct a large scale study to see whether or not these trends are consistent among the wider population of individuals with disabilities in the island. Having sought the support of the Council once again, we are presently in the process of arranging meetings with a number of directors and some of our members who will be able to assist with the progress of the survey. The Council views this as another step towards creating an environment where equal opportunities for employment of persons with disabilities are addressed. We will continue to work closely with the agencies involved and the Bureau of Social Policy and Research to ensure that the acquired data is used to the benefit of the intended recipients as we are all too aware that important documentation sometimes slowly sink to the bottomless pit of paper trails.
The success of our transportation service for children with disabilities to and from school would be extremely difficult had it not been for the support of The Barbados Community Foundation. The Board is greatly appreciative of the support and recognition the BCF has given to the Council. The Foundation has assured the Council of its commitment to assist with the transportation service for children with disabilities and has again donated $12,500.00 towards this vital need.
Once again, the Council was one of the recipients of this Annual Fundraiser. Having supported the members of the KIWANIS Club over the past four years with this event, we realise how difficult it has become trying to maintain the interest of the public’s support each year. The Silver Dollars for Children was held in October 2008 with the inclusion of another charity by the organizers. The Council was able to attract some donors which had supported our requests from the beginning but we soon realised that this effort was extremely daunting. However, we will not give up and will continue to support the efforts of the KIWANIS. The funds from the proceeds will go towards the transportation of children with disabilities to and from school. J24 REGATTA During the latter part of our financial year, the Council was informed that we would be one of the beneficiaries of the Inaugural J24 Regatta being organised by the Barbados Community Foundation. This event was very successful and the Council was extremely grateful for the support which went towards the implementation of our projects. SUPPORT A number of smaller donors also maintained their commitment to the Council this year to support our ongoing work and our accessible transport service. The Council has always been mindful of the fact that many of our own affiliates also have to source donations from the public and as a result the Council tries to limit our fundraising drive to major projects. We will continue to seek and direct assistance wherever possible for our affiliate’s projects as the sustainability of their organisations is relevant to their individual needs.
At the invitation of the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon. David Thompson QC, MP to meet with him and a team for a round table discussion in June 2008, the following recommendations were presented by the representatives from the board of directors of the Council. These were also shared with all of our affiliates. RECOMMENDATIONS It is our constitutional right to be able to enjoy the same human rights that every citizen of Barbados shares. With this in mind, the Council submits the following recommendations for consideration to assist the Government in addressing the needs of persons with disabilities, being mindful of the fact that current economic factors may hinder some progress. 1. Every Government Ministry interfaces with and affects the disabled and as such representation should be included at all decision making levels in every Ministry and its agencies. Not only is it necessary to PWD, but it is to the Government’s benefit to be guided in making decisions affecting PWD which could prove costly if accurate advice is not sought. We recommend that a PWD be appointed to all relevant agencies. We are further recommending that consideration be given to including a PWD on the Constituency Councils. Which by the way we suggest is called Parish Councils with the head being the Parish Councilor. 2. Information should be accessible to all. We recommend that all public information be distributed in accessible formats. It is not right that because of a disability critical information is not available or accessible. It can possibly be a matter of life or death in an emergency situation. All documents can be produced in clear and illustrative format easily understood by the learning challenged and Braille or audio format. The latter may even prove to be less costly that the hundreds of pages of printed matter which is sent out frequently and is of no use to a blind or visually impaired person. This service can be tendered to disability organizations to produce these accessible formats which would also offer some employment to PWD. 3. We recommend that Tendering Services to qualified PWD or organizations of the disabled is an effective method Government can introduce which will encourage the process of mainstreaming PWD. With limited job opportunities for persons with disabilities, it is imperative that Government being the largest employer set an example by creating opportunities to empower disabled persons to reach their full potential. This will also lead to a decrease in dependency on the state. There are a number of infrastructures already in place that could with few adaptations provide a number of services once given an equal opportunity to apply. 4. Welfare Benefits for PWD needs to be properly addressed. For too long it has received piece meal attention and has not been adequately examined. The White Paper on Persons with Disabilities stated that the existing Social Security Programmes need to be realistically assessed; therefore we are urging the Government to move swiftly to address this inadequacy. 5. Accessibility is essential to all PWD. It can relate to Health, Education, Housing, Employment and the Environment. The Council recommends that the same measure of thought that exists in allocating the above services to everyone, be given to persons with disabilities. 6. We recommend that the Government pursue the Road Traffic Act (Cap.295) Road Traffic Order 2006 –No.43 dealing with violations for Disabled Parking. The Council has been in the forefront and spearheaded negotiations to have parking facilities for Persons with Disabilities. Enacting this law would be a step towards creating open doors to access and opportunities to PWD. 7. For years parents of children with disabilities have been pleading for Respite Care Services. This critical need is a determining factor in the welfare of families of persons with disabilities. Parents and caregivers are unable to work as the care and needs of their dependants is a 24/7 devotion. This not only puts a strain on the standard of living of the family but it would also mean that the family would have to be reluctantly dependent on the State. It is advisable that the Government implement Respite Care Services. The above are some of our main focal points that can be achieved with minimal costs to Government and maximum benefits to persons with disabilities. In addition to the above the Council has been from time to time invited to take part in various meetings wherever it was deemed necessary.
COMMUNITY BASED REHABILITATION - BCD SERVICE The Council’s Rehabilitation Therapy which is provided to its members continues to demonstrate to us the need for further expansion of this service. The therapeutic benefits that are being derived are too crucial in determining in some cases whether a person can resume an active role in society. The Council’s part time Rehab Therapist was incapacitated for a period during this year and unfortunately this may have slowed the rehabilitation progress of some members who cannot attend group therapy. However, most of the weekly Group Therapy classes continued at Harambee House as this service provide consistency in the therapeutic treatment required by most service users. The need for Community Based Rehabilitation has certainly gained the attention of certain policy makers as the years of advocating for this service by many persons is about to come to fruition. MINISTRY OF HEALTH - PARTNERSHIP WITH BCD In partnership with the Ministry of Health, the Council is embarking on a Community Based Rehabilitation project. The existing rehabilitation services are inadequate to meet the needs of PWD. Through our own evaluation of the BCD rehabilitative service it is recognised that the limited skilled practitioners in the public sector as well as challenges in accessing facilities and transportation are factors affecting the public rehabilitative programme. The private sector services provide their own challenge as there cost are sometimes prohibitive to the service users who still battle the additional burdens outlined above. These inadequacies are compounded by a lack of funding and availability of modern equipment. An urgent need exists for a comprehensive rehabilitation programme which addresses these issues. The overarching goal of the CBR project is to support persons with disabilities in the community to work towards achieving their full potential and to promote their effective inclusion into society. In order to achieve this goal, the project has a number of objectives which are all contained in the proposal submitted to the Ministry of Health. The facility assigned for the CBR base is presently being adapted to meet the needs of all service users. MORE THAN WORDS (MTW) – Autism Caregiver Program As a result of an initial voluntary visit by Sue McMillan a Canadian Speech-language Pathologist to Barbados at the invitation of some members of the Autism Association of Barbados the need for the More Than Words programme became evident. After some planning meetings with the Autism Association of Barbados the Council’s administrative support was sought to assist with the implementation of the program in Barbados. Several local charities committed to funding the program which was designed with 5 modules within the first year. All relevant documentation was obtained for the administering of MTW and to date all funders have been kept up to date with quarterly reports and current budget analysis. Based on the success of the program to date an extension of the program is being developed and attempts to share some relevant aspects of the training for carers with persons closely interacting with Autistic children will be investigated. The Council is confident that the program is being administered as intended and will continue to support it as long as it benefits the needs of the service users. The Council was invited to send a representative at a UNFPA- SRH Workshop on June 11th, 2008. At that meeting our representative, Mrs. Rose Ann Foster Vaughn recommended that UNFPA needs to examine the issues affecting persons with disabilities in this area. As a result, the Council was invited to send a delegation to examine the SRH programme in Jamaica with a view of implementing a similar project in Barbados. The team consisting of various disability groups comprising of Marjorie Watson from BABD & OPOD, Dawn Rudder from The Learning Centre, Rose Ann Foster Vaughan from BCD & NUSB, a representative from the Barbados Family Planning Association and a representative from the Youth Community Organisations; were all carefully selected under the advisement of UNFPA, to propel the need for attention to be given to vulnerable persons with disabilities in sexual and reproductive health issues. Since this fact finding mission returned a proposal was submitted to UNFPA for assistance to begin funding our own SRH project. This proposal was successful and after holding briefing meetings with all of our affiliates, phase one of the project will begin very shortly.
11. ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT HARAMBEE ENTERPRISE SCHEME 2009 Since its inception in 2006, the Harambee Enterprise Scheme has assisted eight persons with disabilities to date. These awards came out of the realisation that persons with disabilities were not offered the same windows of opportunities to realise their goals; as a result the award was designed to offer funding to members of our affiliated organisations, who are desirous of furthering their skills. A special committee comprising of Ms. Cheryl Belle, Canon Noel Burke, Mr. Ken Harewood, Mrs. Peggy Inniss, Ms. Linda Walcott, Mrs. Dorien Pile BCG and a staff member, Ms. Emily Lynch oversee the judging process each year. All awards are valid for one year and offer a maximum of BDS$1,000.00 subject to review by the Barbados Council for the Disabled. MEMBER SUPPORT Our affiliates design and conduct a number of their own projects and events to benefit the needs of their individual groups and at times seek financial or technical assistance from the Council. The Council has supported most of these financial requests within its own annual budget allocation. At times assistance outside of the Council would be sourced on behalf of the organisations. The administrative requirements of our affiliates however are heavily supported by the Council’s Secretariat. Request for printing, copying, brailing, letter writing, research and numerous other clerical needs are provided on a daily basis. • Autism Association of Barbados – As a result of a number of requests from the BCD for support for the Autism Association’s projects, the government has indicated that they will directly support the AAB’s projects through the National Disabilities Unit. An inaugural Albert Selby Lecture held by the Association to commemorate Autism Week was supported by the Council’s staff that designed and provided the power point presentation. • Barbados Association of the Blind and Deaf – Assistance was sought from the Council through our annual budget request to government for support for a Rehabilitation Officer for the Blind and visually impaired. As a result this request is being met by the government directly thoroughly the National Disabilities Unit. However, the Council donated some financial support prior to being notified of government’s direct assistance to the BABD • BARNOD - As a result of a request from BARNOD, the Council was pleased to donate the monetary prizes for its 25th Anniversary Members Essay Competition. • MS Society - The Multiple Sclerosis Society hosted a 2 day workshop for members and newly diagnosed persons at Harambee House. The Council was happy to be able to facilitate a request for funds to assist with this workshop. • National United Society of the Blind – Administrative assistance was provided to design and print the programs for the launch of the ‘Signature Guides”. An audio visual slide presentation was also produced by the staff depicting a wide variety of assistive technology available to the blind which showed the possibilities of employment opportunities. The signature guides were presented to a number of entities and it is one of NUSB’s projects aimed at seeking further independence for the blind. Financial assistance was also provided towards transporting the members who are attending Spanish Classes. • New Life Deaf Club – The past two years the Council has been very encouraged by the heightened activities of the deaf community. They have been utilizing the facilities at Harambee House almost every week. Last summer the staff organised a tour for twenty three NLDC members to Trinidad. Since then they have been conducting craft classes at the BCD and have also displayed some of the craft at an exhibition. On Easter Monday the Club organised a well turned out and efficiently organised Sports Day at the Banks Sports Club. The President was on hand to present the trophies and the staff assisted with some of the coordination. They have also shown an interest in the upcoming SRH UNFPA sponsored project of the Council. As we continue to work with and encourage the deaf community to take part in activities and be confident of their abilities, we hope this will lead to an inclusion of the deaf in all aspects of society. • OPOD sponsored & Special Envoy Fun Walk – These two events started from different locations and ended at Brandons Beach. The Council assisted OPOD with transportation. As a result of our affiliation with Miriam Rouse of the Lions Club who every year offers to support any children event recommended by the BCD; they provided refreshments for the children and brought other Lions who walked along with members. Some BCD staff members also took part. ORGANISATIONAL GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP As a result of requests from our affiliates to facilitate training for their members in “Organisational Governance” the Council in collaboration with Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office provided this one day training on 29th October 2008. The importance of adhering to guidelines required to fully function in a fast paced environment that has become extremely saturated with various needs is very relevant to our member organizations. These are testing times and if we are not inclined to adapt to change we run the risk of being extinct. It is for these reasons the Council is encouraging our members to take advantage of opportunities to be fully informed in order to be on the competitive edge. The members who benefited from this training delivered by Mr. Jeffery Hinds of CAIPO were:
INTER ORGANISATION DOMINOES TOURNAMENT
This year the games drew a larger crowd than last year as members had spread the word about the excitement and friendly rivalry on the compound of Harambee House last year. Further competition was sparked when a couple players from the Barbados Dominoes Association took on some of our members. Those who got eliminated early in the tournament resorted to playing scrabble with amateur scrabble players like Senator Ifill and as a result regained their dominance in the gaming arena The only consolation for some players however was the legendary ‘fish cakes with salt fish’ available throughout the evening. Everyone is eagerly awaiting next year’s games which can’t seem to come sooner. JAYCEES ANNUAL FUN DAY
Mrs. Mara Thompson, wife of the Prime Minister interacted with the children during the afternoon much to their delight. There was the usual Donkey Cart Rides, Make-up Booth, Jump Tent, Stilt Walkers, Cartoon Characters, Puppetry by the Harambee Puppets and other musical entertainment by top local artistes and some of the children. An area was reserved for the display of obedience training for dogs and also a display of Blind Cricket by the local Barbadian Team. Refreshments were provided and gym bags with items were distributed from Digicel, the co-sponsors of this annual event. Transportation was provided by Foster and Ince Tours and the Barbados Council for the Disabled. The Council is extremely grateful to the JAYCEES and Digicel for hosting this annual event which has become a major activity for the children with disabilities. We will continue to provide all the necessary support for its continued success. ANNUAL LUNCHEON This Annual event hosted over 210 persons representing all of the Affiliates of the Council. It was a truly fitting climax to the Month of the Disabled. Held at the Ocean Park, a picturesque and recently FAB Accredited facility; it provided a relaxing atmosphere filled with loads of fun and laughter. Food and drinks were supplied to the satisfaction of everyone and a leisurely tour of the attraction was offered after the lunch and awards were completed. All the Dominoes Tournament winners were presented with their prizes and a special part of the event was the opportunity offered for 11 affiliates to honour one of their members who met the criteria of their “Outstanding Member”. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Care, Ms. Sonja Welch graciously consented to present the organisations awards, much to the delight of some members present. The children who travelled on the Council’s school bus and who also took part in the DAD PAL button launch were also invited to the luncheon. From many reports, everyone had a memorable and enjoyable time. 13. TRANSPORTATION The present accessible Public Transport is desperately in need of attention. Since the Council and some of its members met with the Transport Board last year we reassured that the issues raised by our members were being investigated and will be addressed. At that time it was felt that the service had only started a year ago and we needed to give the Board a bit more time to effectively meet our needs. Persons with disabilities have waited so long for inclusive service; we have been extremely patient; it is time for us to be counted as equal citizens in this Country. The Council will again look at other options available in order to demonstrate to the relevant authorities that persons with disabilities are held captive by a society which cannot see past NOW! We cannot access the slowly but growing number of facilities being made accessible because of a lack of efficient accessible transport service. It is a right enjoyed by all ‘humans’ and we will aggressively pursue this essential service. The Council’s transport service has seen a year filled with a mixture of success sprinkled with unforeseen mechanical viruses’. Our B278 ‘Elf” provides transport mainly for our members attending weekly group therapy, meetings, workshops or social activities. When not being utilised for our affiliates needs we provide some service to other persons attending the QEH for Therapy. In between these jobs we are still able to assist visitors requesting accessible transportation either to or from the airport or to various venues on the island. This bus which is the older of the two has been most susceptible to bouts of mechanical failure. It has been a worrisome year having to spend in excess of $14,000.00 on mechanical service alone. When not being used by our members we are always pleased when we receive requests for our transport assistance from other organisations representing persons with disabilities from overseas. DPI C’bean & Latin American Conference is the latest group recently attending their conference in Barbados. B199, which operates our School bus service, is presently holding its own. We are pleased that after receiving our request for assistance to this particular service which was offered free of cost to all other school children, the Government has granted us a subsidy to cover the cost which has been passed on to all 15 of the children travelling on our bus.
|