by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): The St. Kitts-Nevis Association of Persons with Disabilities spearheaded a series of initiatives to empower differently-abled individuals in the community during March.
The St. Kitts-Nevis Association of Persons with Disabilities started a new venture whereby members of the organisation are trained in Agriculture or farming, allowing them the opportunity to learn and develop a new skill and become economically self-reliant. The farming initiative is an additional skill to complement handicraft making, a popular activity by the association.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disabilities hosted a sensitisation workshop dubbed “Discrimination and Inclusion” held at the Newtown Community Center.
Chair of the Community Based Rehabilitation Network, Dr Glenville Liburd, emphasised the importance for the disabled in the community to be included and recognised, free of discrimination. He also shared transformative solutions for the inclusive development of people living with disabilities and their families.
Coordinator for Disability Services, Mrs Maericia Browne, suggested that constant dialogue will open the minds of individuals who can implement positive changes and ensure improved lives for the disabled in the community.
The sensitisation workshop is one of several initiatives that address the specific needs of persons with disabilities. A similar initiative, a stakeholders consultation hosted by the Ministry of Social and Community Development through the United Nations Periodic Trust Fund Disabilities Project, was held in November 2022. There, organisations of persons with disabilities, civil society and private sector representatives met and discussed strategies to improve life for the disabled.
According to the St. Kitts-Nevis Association of Persons with Disabilities, it hope to see significant changes be implemented as the dialogue continues about issues that negatively impact the lives of those living with disabilities.
