We are an oppressed minority surrounded by a world of ‘able’ aristocracy. We do not want to cause anarchy but rather we want to publicize “Yes, we are ‘disabled’ but at the same time we are able”.

Does not the above quotation give one the sense of the author’s challenges; the fact that in spite of their ability, they are overlooked, marginalized and ignored for no better reason than they have a disability?

It would surprise most readers to learn that these words are not from an individual born or even living with a disability.  Rather, the impassioned statement came from the first place student in the recently concluded literary Competition of the Barbados Council for the Disabled; Mr. Dudley Ellis of Harrison College. He captured most succinctly the overwhelming reality that people with disabilities are just that: People; living with a challenge, with the same hopes, dreams, aspirations and rights as any other citizen of our country.

Dudley was not the only student exhibiting a sense of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, but similar sentiments were most evident in the thirty submissions of the secondary students.  Each of these youngsters indicated that they are very much aware of people with disabilities and their intrinsic right to be a part of our society.

As this year draws to its close, the Council feels truly gratified that in this, its last major project for the year, we recognize a sense of the future awaiting our young people with disabilities.  With tomorrow’s leaders embracing so wholeheartedly the need for inclusion in the work place and all aspects of life, it means that tomorrow’s disabled will not have to face the indignities many of us still encounter today.  It gives us hope that it will not be as difficult to have our children integrated in to mainstream education; not as big a struggle to find employment for persons with disabilities.  It will not be as much of a chore to sensitize the public to the need for an accessible environment or why it is unconscionable to wrongfully park in the spaces designated for persons with disabilities.  It is refreshing to anticipate that at a not too distant time in the future, the policy makers and business leaders will meaningfully address the question of involvement of people with disabilities in everyday life.

The over arching objective of the Council is to develop a nation aware of its responsibility to encourage, support and include all of its citizens and we are indeed excited and proud to find this spirit alive and well among today’s pupils. 

We have truly been blessed this past year as many of our programmes sought to embrace young people and all of these efforts have borne fruit.  With the inspiration we have found in these achievements coupled with the ongoing support we received from the government, Corporate Barbados, volunteers, the media and the general public, assists us in believing that progress will continue to be made in realizing the full integration of our people.

The Council wishes everyone the heartiest Season’s Greetings and we look forward to another year filled with limitless possibilities!