TENTH ANNIVERSARY

ABAPD CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY, May 20th, 2005

The Antigua & Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities (ABAPD) program of activities to celebrate its 10th Anniversary was drastically scaled down to due to unforeseen circumstances, and only three (3) activities were undertaken:

  1. An Essay Competition in Secondary Schools: An aim of ABAPD is to guarantee individuals with disabilities in Antigua and Barbuda enjoy a quality-of-life equal to fellow citizens of the world by working with the government and the society to change their attitudes toward persons with disabilities.  The essay competition is one such project geared toward that purpose.  Its goal is to raise awareness to ensure persons with disabilities are not forgotten and their needs are met.  Third and fourth form students are required to:

  1. Go into their communities and identify an individual with disabilities;

  2. Become familiar with the individual's day-to-day life;

  3. Pinpoint one aspect/problem in that person's life;

  4. In collaboration and complete agreement with the individual, investigate and suggest a possible solution to improve the person's lifestyle;

  5. Write an essay on the process.

The 8 topics the students were given to base their research on are discrimination, education, unemployment, access to facilities, health services, transportation, housing, and recreation.

It is recognized that the students may not be able to actually solve the problems they identify based on their complexity, which brings the government and the society into sharp focus for a resolution.  It is hoped that the students will be profoundly affected by the experiences and learn the importance of assisting individuals with disabilities, as after all of the students are the country's future lawyers, crafts men/women, doctors, government officials, etc.  Students have been asked to the complete the assignment by March 11, 2004.  A panel of judges will then immediately begin reviewing the essays.

Students will receive certificates of completion and various prizes to include possibly mobile phones, computers, and other interesting and worthwhile awards.  Additionally, all the essays will be compiled into a proposal document to be presented to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda as recommendations for adoption and implementation.

2.         A Post Valentine Take Away Lunch on Friday, 18th May, 2005 at the Heritage Quay Bandstand starting at 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.  The lunch is part of ABAPD's ongoing effort to raise funds toward the construction of its Headquarters, Vocational & Independent Living Skills Training Centre.

3.        10th Anniversary Award and Prize Giving Cocktail Reception on Saturday, 21st May, 2005 at the Cortsland Hotel.  Individuals and corporations who had, and still are, working with the Association for persons with disabilities, and the students who participated in the essay competition received certificates of participation.  The 1st placed winner worked with an individual with Down's syndrome, the 2nd placed winner worked with an individual who is deaf and the 3rd placed winner worked with an individual with mental impediment.  The group winner observed an individual with physical challenges.

The Executive and Members of ABAPD thank the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda for their support over the last 10 years in helping us raise awareness of the rights and needs of persons with disabilities in our twin-island state.  We look forward to the Government and society embracing the role ABAPD must play in independently advocating for persons with disabilities to ensure our equal participation in and enjoyment of the privileges of society.

Home | About Us | Directors | Constitution | Objectives | Services | Activities | Help | Membership | Members | Links | White Paper on Disability