The Antigua & Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities (ABAPD) is a cross-disability umbrella organization that represents the Disabled Peoples’ International in Antigua and Barbuda. ABAPD was founded and managed by persons with disabilities and is a duly constituted and registered not-for-profit organization, guided by the aims and objectives embodied in its Constitution in advocating for the rights and equality of persons with disabilities, while providing support and services where possible.
Its mission is “To provide the environment which enhances and maximizes the opportunity for every person with a physical, psychological, intellectual and/or sensory impairment and/or limitation in vacances zone c in Antigua and Barbuda to achieve his/her full potential in his/her economic, social, religious and political life.”
The not-for-profit status of ABAPD forces it to rely heavily on private donations to fulfill its objectives. Find out how you can help meet its most current urgent need!
Objectives
ABAPD aims to provide access, equality, empowerment and opportunity for disabled persons. Listed are eight (8) of the twenty-two (22) Objects for which the Antigua & Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities was established.
Our Objectives
To take action throughout Antigua and Barbuda to raise awareness about the rights, needs, and potential contribution of persons with disabilities. Also, to foster in society the recognition of these issues as embodied in the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Disabled Persons;
To promote the right to full participation and equality in the social life of the community where a disabled person lives and to ensure they enjoy living conditions equal to those of other citizens and that they benefit from social and economic development;
To provide complete access for all to: transportation, social and health services, education and work opportunities, the physical environment, housing, cultural and social life including sports and recreational facilities. This is an important goal of the Association;
To provide a Centre for rehabilitation enabling a person to reach their physical, mental and/or social potential and provide them with the skills to direct their own life, using facilities for skills training tailored to each person’s ability. Facilities for making and repairing orthopedic appliances/prostheses, offices and meeting rooms are also to be included;
To develop a database of information of all persons with disabilities and their families;
To purchase, rent, lease or otherwise acquire and maintain premises found necessary or convenient for furthering the objects of the Association;
To communicate and affiliate with other organizations with similar aims and objects;
To register and/or promote the Association in any part of the world outside of Antigua and Barbuda.
Services
The range of services we offer presently is small since we are still a young Organization. However, we commit to connecting persons with disabilities to the appropriate agency who can help them.
In our short life, we have been able to:
Give a wheelchair and lend other assistive equipment including crutches and walkers to persons with disabilities
Made small financial grants and loans to persons with disabilities for medical attention, entrepreneurship, purchase of computers and land and home repairs
Successfully lobby for a young male amputee to be employed in the Government service; and a female who is Hemiplegic to be employed in the private sector
Intervene in helping a blind man to secure a piece of land and assist him in moving a house to his new property
Have a ramp built at no cost to the house of a wheelchair patron
With your kind assistance we will be able to continue giving meaningful tangible assistance to persons with disabilities where possible.
History
A brief history of how the Organization was founded, how it became affiliated regionally and internationally, and some of the regional and international events we have participated in.
Formation, Inauguration and Affiliations
1995
The Antigua & Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities (ABAPD) was founded on May 20, by persons with disabilities who recognize the absence of an active voice who understood the rights and needs of persons with disabilities and who want to play a significant part in the decisions that affect our daily lives.
Then Chairperson of Disabled Peoples’ International North America/Caribbean Region (DPI NACR), the late Mr. Reginald Rolle, officiated at our inaugural Meeting when our first Board of Directors was elected.
1996
On April 29, we were incorporated and registered, Registration No. 3619.
1997
In February, we officially joined DPI NACR and became a member of Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI) Headquartered in Canada soon after. ABAPD then became a member of the newly incorporated Disabled Peoples’ Organizations of the Caribbean (DPOC) in March 1997. We continue to be in constant communication with international organizations such as Disability Awareness in Action (DAA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Events we have attended
1995
Immediately following the devastating tropical storm Hurricane Luis in September, we sent two delegates to a Regional Strategic Planning Meeting held in St. Vincent sponsored by DPI NACR.
1996
In August three persons represented us at a Regional Leadership Training Workshop held in Jamaica sponsored by DPI-NACR in conjunction with the Danish Youth Organization of Disabled Persons.
1998
In November we attended our first DPI-NACR Regional Council Meeting and the official launching of DPOC in Barbados. We were able to send two delegates to Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI) 5TH World Assembly International Leadership Forum held in Mexico in December.
1999
In June two persons represented the Association at a Regional “Training the Trainers” Workshop sponsored by the OAS Multilateral Project on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in Barbados. The Workshop was executed by the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) of Trinidad and Tobago.
We were able to send a Member of the Association to observe the 1st Annual Wheelchair Basketball Tournament in honor of the late Kenny Rodriguez staged by the Paralympic Organization of Trinidad and Tobago (PAR.O.T.T).
2000
A Member of the Association was sent to Trinidad in June for a DPOC Leadership Development Workshop. In August, the Association again observed the 2nd Annual Wheelchair Basketball Tournament.
2001
We sent Members of the Association to a Public Relations Workshop in Barbados in June, Management Development Skills Training Workshop in St. Vincent in July and a Business Development Workshop in St. Kitts in September, all staged by DPOC.
In October, President of ABAPD attended an Extraordinary Council Meeting of DPOC in addition to a Strategic Planning & Policy Workshop held in Barbados both staged at the same time. As the DPI NACR representative to the DPI World Council, he also participated in the DPI NACR Council Meeting that was held after the Workshop.
2002
The Association was represented by its President and a young member at the DPI NACR Leadership Training Seminar and Council Meeting in June in St. Lucia.
In October, the President of the Association attended the DPI Sixth World Assembly and Council Meetings in Sapporo, Japan.
2003
The Association was represented by its President at the DPOC Strategic Planning Meeting and annual general meeting in September in Barbados.
The Secretary of the Association attended the Caribbean Sustainable Development Network (CSEDNet) Workshop on Environmental Economics for Civil Society organizations in the Eastern Caribbean organized by the Sustainable Economic Development Unit (SEDU), a department of the University of the West Indies. The workshop was staged in Grenada in September.
The Asst. Sec. Treas. attended a Regional Sports Disability Workshop for coaches facilitated by the Australian Caribbean Community Sport Development Program in Nevis in November.
2004
For the first time in the history of Antigua and Barbuda, a capacity building conference entitled “Networking & Communications: Increasing the Knowledge Base of the North America/Caribbean Region” accommodating representatives from the 14 national assembly members of the Disabled Peoples’ International North America/Caribbean Region was convened in Antigua from January 12-16, hosted by ABAPD.
In September, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), now the Regional Development Officer of DPI NACR, attended the DPI World Summit in Winnipeg Canada.
Participants in these events have had the opportunity to make new friends and have new experiences. The Association has forged important connections and gained valuable information to assist us in formulating programs which will further the cause of disabled persons in Antigua & Barbuda.
The Constitution of the Antigua & Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
COMPANIES ACT NO. 18 OF 1995
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
NON-PROFIT COMPANY
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA ASSOCIATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Name of Company
I hereby certify that the above-mentioned Company, the Articles of Incorporation of which are attached, was incorporated under the Companies Act of Antigua and Barbuda.
Registrar of Companies
29th April, 1996
Date of Incorporation
Articles of Incorporation
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
COMPANIES ACT NO. 18 OF 1995
(Sections 5 and 329)
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
NON-PROFIT COMPANY
Company Name
- Name of Company: ANTIGUA & BARBUDA ASSOCIATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Registration No.
3619
Share Capital
- The Company has no authorised share capital, is to be carried on without pecuniary gain to its members, and any profits or other accretions to the assets of the Company are to be used in furthering its undertaking.
Operating restrictions
3. Restrictions on the undertaking that the Company may carry on:
AIMS AND OBJECTS WHICH ARE NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CLAUSE 6 HEREIN
No. of Directors 4. Number (or minimum and maximum number) of Directors:
MAXIMUM 7
Current Address 5. The address of the principal office or premises of the Company is:
POTTERS VILLAGE, ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA, W.I.
Ames & Objectives 6. Other provisions, if any,
The Company will be operated in a manner consistent with the following specifications:
No. 1
(1) To take action throughout Antigua & Barbuda to raise awareness about persons with disabilities, their rights, their needs, their potential and their contribution and to foster in the society the recognition of these rights as embodied in the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Disabled Persons.
No. 2
(2) To use all methods necessary to enable the society as a whole to recognise that disability has too long been viewed as a problem of the individual and not the relationship between the individual and his or her environment, and in so doing to use the World Health Organization’s definition to distinguish between the following:
(i) Impairment: Any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function;
(ii) Disability: Any restriction or lack (resulting from an impairment) of the ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for human beings.
(iii) Handicap: A disadvantage for a given individual, resulting from an impairment or disability, that limits or prevents the fulfillment of a role that is normal, depending on age, sex, social and cultural factors for that individual;
No. 3
(3) To promote the right to full participation and equality, meaning the right of every person with a disability to share in the social life of the community in which he or she lives and enjoy living conditions equal to those of other citizens, including an equal share in the improvement in standards of living resulting from social and economic development.
No. 4
(4) To have as a primary obligation the goal of making transportation, social and health services, educational and work opportunities, physical environment, housing cultural and social life, including sports and recreational facilities completely accessible to all.
No. 5
(5) To promote a Centre for:
-
Rehabilitation as a process aimed at enabling a person to reach an optimum physical, mental and/or social functioning level in order to provide that person with the tools to direct his/her own life;
-
Orthopedic appliance and repair;
-
Office and meeting room.
No. 6
(6) To develop a database that will list all persons with disabilities and their families.
No. 7
(7) to foster strong association with any constituted group that promotes the interest of persons with disabilities.
No. 8
(8) To provide social, cultural, recreational and educational facilities and other leisure time occupation for persons with disabilities in the interests of their social welfare.
No. 9
(9) To affiliate with other organization with similar aims and objects.
No. 10
(10) To take any gift of property whether subject to any special trust, or not, for any one or more of the objects of the Company.
No. 11
(11) To hold or promote competitions of any description authorized by law which may be calculated to publicize the objects of the Company and to solicit the support of the public in the form of donations to enable the Company to attain its objects or to advertise or promote the sale of any publication issued by it or in which it is interested and to give prizes in connection with such competition or otherwise.
No. 12
(12) To procure the Company to be registered or recognized in any part of the world outside of Antigua and Barbuda.
No. 13
(13) To make by-laws, rules, regulations as may from time to time be deemed necessary for carrying out the above purposes and for the proper administration of the objects of the Company.
No. 14
(14) The income and property of the Company, whensoever derived, shall be applied solely towards the promotion of an of the objects of the Company as set forth in these Articles of Incorporation and no portion therefore shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or by way of profit to the members of the Association.
No. 15
(15) The Company shall have full power to exercise all or any of the powers conferred by these Articles in any part of the world. Provided that the Company shall not support with its funds any object or endeavor to impose on or procure to be observed by its members or others any regulation, restriction or condition which if an object of the Company would make it a trade union or political party.
No. 16
(16) The territory in which the operations of the Company are to be conducted as set forth in the abovementioned paragraphs may be with Antigua and Barbuda or in any part of the world.
No. 17
(17) Nothing herein shall prevent the payment, in good faith, of reasonable and proper remuneration to any officer or servant of the Company, or to any member of the Company no prevent the payment of interest at a rate not exceeding such rate as shall at that time be the current lending rate on money lent, or the rent for premises demised or let, by any member to the company; but so that no member of the Executive or governing body of the Company shall be appointed to any salaried office of the Company or any office of the company paid by fees, and that no numeration or other benefit in money or money’s worth shall be given by the Company to any member of such Executive or governing body except by way of repayment for out-of-pocket expenses and interest at the rate aforesaid on money lent or reasonable and proper rent for premises demised or let to the Company, so, however, that the provision last mentioned shall not apply to any payment to any transportation, gas, electric lighting, water, cable, telephone, telecommunications or other service company of which a member of the Executive or governing body may be a member or any other company in which such member shall not hold more than one-hundredth part of the capital, and such member shall not be bound to account for any share of profits he may receive in respect of such payment.
No. 18
(18) No addition, alteration, or amendment shall be made to or in the regulations contained in the Articles of Incorporation for the time being in force, save by a special resolution under the Act.
No. 19
(19) Every member of the Company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Company in the event of its being wound up while he is a member or within one year afterwards, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the Company contracted before the time at which he ceases to be a member and the costs, charges and expenses of winding up the same, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributions among themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding one hundred dollars (E.C$100.00).
No. 20
(20) If upon winding up or dissolution of the Company there remains after the satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities any property whatsoever, the same shall not be paid or distributed among the members of the Company, but shall be given or transferred to some other institution or institutions having any other objects similar to any of the objects of the Company and which shall prohibit the distribution of its or their income and property among its or their members to an extent at least as great as is imposed on the Company under or by virtue of clause 14 hereof, such institution or institutions to be determined by the members of the Company at or before the time of dissolution or in default thereof by such Judge of the High Court of Antigua and Barbuda or of any other Court as may have or acquire jurisdiction in the matter, and if and so far as effect cannot be given to the aforesaid provisions then to some charitable object.
No. 21
(21) True accounts shall be kept of the sum of money received and expended by the Company and the matter in respect of which such receipts and expenditure take place and of the proper assets and liabilities of the Company, and subject to any reasonable restrictions as to the time and manner of inspecting the same that may be imposed in accordance with the regulations of the Company for the time being shall be open to inspection of the members. Once at least in every year the accounts of the Company shall be examined and the correctness of the balance sheet ascertained by one or more properly qualified audit or auditors or firm or firms or auditors.
No. 22
(22) The first Directors, each of whom shall become a member of the Company, are:
Name Address Signature
Leslie Emanuel Potters Village, Antigua
Chris Martin Crosbies, Antigua
Valerie London Potters Village, Antigua
Edfield Knight Cassada Gardens, Antigua
Carolyn Greenaway Grays Hill, Antigua
Richard Nelson All Saints Village, Antigua
Vincent Williams All Saints Village, Antigua
By Laws
THE COMPANY ACT OF 1995
No. 18 of 1995
BY-LAWS
OF
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA ASSOCIATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
BE IT ENACTED as the general By-Law of ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA ASSOCIATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (hereinafter referred to as either “the Association” or the “Company”) as follows:
Interpretation
- INTERPRETATION
1.1. In this By-Law and all other By-Laws of the company unless the context otherwise requires:
“Act” means the Companies Act 1995 as from time to time amended and every statute substituted thereof and, in the case of such substitution, any references in the By-Laws of the Company to provisions of the Act shall be read as references to the substituted provisions thereof in the new statute or statutes;
“Regulations” means any Regulations made under the Act and every regulation substituted thereof and, in the case of such substitution, any references in the By-Laws of the company to provisions of the Regulations shall be read as references to the substituted provisions thereof in the new regulations.
“By-Laws” means any By-Law of the Company from time to time in force;
all terms contained in the By-Laws and defined in the Act or the Regulations shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Act or the Regulations; and
the singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular; the masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter genders; the word “person” includes bodies corporate, companies, partnerships, syndicates, trusts and any association of persons; and the word “individual” means a natural person.
Register Office 2. REGISTERED OFFICE
2.1 The registered office of the Company shall be in at such address as the directors may fix from time to time by resolution.
Seal 3. SEAL
3.1 The common seal, an impression of which appears in the margin hereof, shall be the common seal of the Company.
Members 4. MEMBERS
4.1 There shall be three (3) categories of membership in the Association. These categories shall be full membership; associate membership and honorary membership. There shall be no limit on the number of members in each category provided that no member who is not a full member shall be entitled to vote at meetings.
Full Members
4.2 Any person with a disability in Antigua and Barbuda is entitled to be registered as a full member of the Association on application to the Executive. Full membership shall be restricted to persons with disabilities.
Associate Members
4.3 Any person organisation, company, committee or other group whose primary aim is to provide service to persons with disabilities or to under privileged persons may be granted associate membership in the Association. It shall be in the sole discretion of the Executive to decide whether and upon whom or upon what organisation or other body associate membership status shall be conferred.
Honorary Members
4.4 The Executive may confer the status of honorary member on any group, company, committee or organization, or on any person who is not disabled and whose assistance or contribution to the work of the Association ought in the view of the Executive to be recognized.
Membership Fee Structure
4.5 The membership fee structure shall be determined from time to time at general meeting of the voting members.
Membership Application
4.6 Any person who is entitled to be a member may apply in writing to be registered as a member. Every such application shall be in the following form:
To: The Secretary
I…desire to become a member of the Antigua and Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities and I hereby agree if accepted as a member of the said Association be bound by the Memorandum and Articles and by-Laws of the Company.
Dated the day of 19
Particulars to be fully dated:
Full name:
Address:
Rank/Profession/Occupation:
Nature of Disability:
…
Signature
4.7 Any person, organisation, company, committee or other group who desires to be an associated member of the Association shall likewise apply to the Executive and shall include in such application details of the nature and interest of such person or organisation as would entitle then to associate membership.
4.8 Upon receipt of the application the Executive of the Association shall approve the application for membership by a majority of votes.
4.9 The Secretary of the Association shall thereupon enter the name of such person, organization, company, committee or other group in the Register of Members of the Association in the appropriate category and upon such entry such person, organisation, company, committee or other group shall become a member.
Membership Fee Structure
4.10 A member shall pay to the Company such annual sum or sums and at such time or times as the Company in general meeting may from time to time decide.
Membership Responsibility
4.11 Every member shall further to the best of his/her ability the objects interest and influence of the Company and shall observe all by-laws of the Company made pursuant to the Articles contained herewith.
Membership Termination 5. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
5.1 Membership in the Company shall cease,
if the member in writing indicates to the Secretary his desire to resign from the Company. In such case the Secretary shall remove the member’s name from the list of members and such membership shall cease from the effective date of receipt of the letter of resignation.
if a resolution is passed by the Company declaring that it is undesirable in the interest of the Company that such a member should continue as a member of the Company, provided that such resolution is assented to by a two thirds (2/3) majority of the members present and voting at any general meeting of the Company.
Membership Forfeiture
5.2 On termination of membership in accordance with any of the provisions of Article 5.1 a member shall forfeit all claims to the return of money paid to the Company by way of annual subscriptions or otherwise, and shall cease to be a member of the Company, subject nevertheless to obligations, if any, he may have incurred prior to his ceasing to be a member in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
General Meetings 6. GENERAL MEETING
6.1 The Association shall in each year hold a general meeting as its annual general meeting in addition to any other meetings in that year, and shall specify the meeting as such in the notices calling it. Not more than fifteen months shall elapse between the date of one annual general meeting of the Company and that of the next. The annual general meeting shall be held at a time and place as the Executive shall appoint.
6.2 The supreme authority of the Association is vested in the general meeting of members.
6.3 (1) The Executive may as it deems fit, and shall upon requisition made in writing by any ten (10) or more full members, convene an extraordinary general meeting.
A requisition made by members for an extraordinary general meeting shall contain a clear statement of the object or purpose of the meeting proposed, and shall be left at the registered office of the Company.
Upon the receipt of such requisition, the Executive shall forthwith proceed to convene a general meeting. If a meeting is not convened within twenty-one (21) days from the date of a requisition, the requisitions may themselves convene a meeting, provided that the same is convened within one (1) month from the date of the requisition.
6.4 Except where otherwise specified, notice of every general meeting, whether ordinary, annual or extraordinary shall be given by advertisement specifying the day, time and place of such meeting on a local radio station at least seven (7) clear days before such meeting. The Executive shall give to its members at least seven (7) clear days notice of meetings. Such notice may be given by fax, letter or telephone, provided that a shorter period of notice may suffice in cases of emergency.
Proceedings at General Meetings
7. PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS
7.1 No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum of full members is present at the time when the meeting proceeds to business.
7.2 A quorum of Executive, Annual General Meeting or Special General Meetings shall be two thirds of the total number of members but if at the expiration of one hour after the time fixed for an Executive, Annual or Special General Meeting the members present are not sufficient to form a quorum, such meeting, shall be considered dissolved if convened on the demand of members and in all other cases, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same day two weeks from the date of such adjourned meeting at the same time and place and a notice to the effect shall be posted by the Secretary to the Association within forty-eight hours.
7.3 The President of the Association or in his absence the Vice President or in the absence of both, any other elected member of the Executive shall preside as chairman at every general meeting of the Association.
7.4 The chairman may, with the consent of the meeting, adjourn any meeting from time to time and from place to place, but no business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place.
7.5 At any general meeting, unless a poll is demanded by at least five (5) full members, a declaration by the chairman that a resolution has been carried or lost, and an entry to that effect in the book of proceedings of the Association, shall be conclusive evidence of the fact.
7.6 If a poll is demanded in manner aforesaid the same shall be taken at such time and in such manner as the chairman directs and the result of such poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the Association in the general meeting, save that a poll demanded on the election of a Chairman or on a question of adjournment shall be taken forthwith. The demand for a poll may be withdrawn.
7.7 Minutes of all meetings shall be entered in the minute book and signed by the chairman and Secretary, and shall contain:
the number and names of the members both present and absent at meetings and the names of the person presiding at the meeting.
the time fixed for the meeting, the time the meeting commenced and ended;
the total number of members on the date on which the meeting was held;
all decisions made and resolutions passed at the meeting.
7.8 A member shall be entitled to vote at a general meeting notwithstanding that monies presently payable by him to the Association have not been paid.
7.9 All matters submitted for the decision of the members present at a meeting shall be decided by a majority, provided however that the majority is obtained by the votes of full members of the Association.
7.10 At any meeting a resolution put to the vote shall be decided by a show of hands unless voting by ballot is demanded by at least 2/3 of the full members present before declaration of the result by a show of hands, and in such case, voting by ballot shall be taken.
7.11 If a vote by ballot is demanded, the same shall be taken in such manner as the chairman may direct, and the result of the ballot shall be deemed to be the resolution of the company in general meeting.
7.12 In the case of an equality of votes whether on show of hands or on a ballot, the chairman of the meeting at which the vote is taken shall be entitled to a second or casting vote.
7.13 The order of business at Annual General Meetings shall be:
Ascertainment that a quorum is present;
Taking apologies for absence;
Reading and approval of the minutes of the last meetings;
Discussion of matters arising therefrom;
Report of the Executive;
The Financial report;
Report of District Committees;
Election of officers;
Officers and Executive
8. OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE
8.1 Seven (7) persons shall be elected from the general membership to manage the affairs of the Association. This group of persons shall consist of full members of the Association and shall be the Executive of the Association. The Executive shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary Treasurer and two members elected from the general membership.
8.2 Not less than thirty days prior to each Annual General Meeting, the Executive shall appoint a person to preside over the elections of officers.
8.3 The presiding officer appointed under clause 8.2 shall announce the vacancies for which elections are being held, and call for nominations. The vote shall be taken at the close of nomination and the results announced.
Executive
9. EXECUTIVE
9.1 The Executive shall meet as regularly as they think fit to oversee the affairs of the Association. The Executive shall meet at least once in very three months with the chairpersons of the district committees. No executive meeting shall be convened without a quorum of four (4) persons.
9.2 The Executive shall have power to employ such persons as it thinks fit to assist in the day to day management or administration of the Association. Pursuant to this power the Executive shall employ as it thinks fit a Director of the Association and shall prescribe the terms and conditions of employment of such Director or of any other person employed pursuant to this Article.
9.3 The Executive shall have power to co-opt any person to sit on any committee and to appoint members to any committee or sub-committee for specific purposes. Every such appointment shall be reported to and ratified at the next meeting of the Association.
9.4 The Executive shall take no action which is inconsistent with the provisions of the Articles or the By Law.
9.5 Should a member of the Executive be absent from three consecutive meetings without reasonable excuse he/she shall cease to be a member of the Executive.
9.6 Any member of the Executive who acts in contravention of the Articles or By Law, or who acts in any way detrimental to the interest of the Association, may be suspended or expelled by a vote of 2/3 majority of the Executive present at a meeting called for that purpose, PROVIDED that the charge is communicated to the member in writing by the Executive at least ten days before such meeting and provided that the member is given a reasonable opportunity to answer the charges.
9.7 All vacancies occurring on the Executive shall be filled at an extraordinary general meeting of the Association called by the Executive for that purpose. The Executive shall give at least two (2) weeks notice of the said meeting and the vacancy shall be filled by a majority of votes after nominations have been accepted.
President and Vice President
10. PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT
10.1 The President shall:
preside at all meetings of the Association;
in co-operation with other members of the Executive supervise the affairs of the Association and implement any decision of the Association in general meeting;
commence all meetings with the assistance of the Secretary;
share responsibility with the Director for the release of all official information concerning the Association;
perform such other duties as pertain to the duties of the office of President or as may be directed by resolution of the Executive, such duties not to be inconsistent with the Articles or the By Law.
10.2 The Vice President shall assist the President in his duties and act in the office of President in the absence of the President.
Secretary 11. SECRETARY
11.1 The Secretary shall:-
carry out the instructions of the Executive and conduct all correspondence of the Association;
keep and preserve proper and up-to-date record of membership, correspondence and materials;
assist the President in preparation of agenda for all meetings, notify members of such meetings in writing and circulate agenda;
substitute as a signatory with the Treasurer for all financial matters in the absence of the President.
Treasurer 12. TREASURER
12.1 The Treasurer shall:-
be responsible for all revenue and expenditure of the Association and administer the funds on the instruction of the Executive;
keep proper accounts of receipts and expenditure, supported by documentary evidence, and submit same for audit when requested by the Executive;
receive all moneys paid into the Association and within forty-eight hours after receipt deposit all funds in his/her possession in the bank or banks of deposit prescribed by the Association except such amounts as the Executive may authorize to be held as petty cash;
ensure that all promissory notes, or any negotiable instruments drawn in favour of the Association, are properly prepared;
submit a financial report of the affairs of the Association at each Annual General Meeting of the Association and such other times as the Executive may from time to time require;
in collaboration with the Executive, prepare a year ahead budget for presentation at the Annual General Meeting.
Assistant Secretary Treasurer
13. ASSISTANT SECRETARY TREASURER
13.1 The Assistant Secretary Treasurer shall be authorised to perform any of the duties of the Treasurer during the absence of the Treasurer, or his refusal to act.
13.2 The Assistant Secretary Treasurer shall:
assist the Secretary and the Treasurer in the performance of their duties;
in event of a vacancy in any of the two positions, assume all duties of such positions until special election, or at the next regularly scheduled Association meeting.
Director
14. DIRECTOR
14.1 The Director shall be entitled to attend all meetings of the Association except where he is specifically requested by the Executive not to so attend.
14.2 The Director shall carry out all functions of his office as determined by the Executive and shall have primary responsibility for:
promoting the public image of the Association in collaboration with the President;
the public relations portfolio of the Association particularly with reference to liaising with the media for suitable coverage for the Association.
District Committees 15. DISTRICT COMMITTEES
15.1 The Association shall assist in the formation of district committees in Antigua and Barbuda. The boundaries of each district shall be determined by the Executive. There shall not be more that one district committee for each district in Antigua and Barbuda.
15.2 Every district committee shall be responsible for:
establishing and maintaining contact with disabled persons in that district;
identifying the specific needs of those disabled persons;
referring these needs to the Association and assisting the Association to deliver required services
15.3 Each district committee shall elect from its members one representative who shall be its chairperson and who shall be entitled to attend quarterly management meetings at the request of the Executive.
15.4 Each district committee shall hold at least three meetings per year and shall conduct its affairs in keeping with the provisions of the Articles and this By Law.
15.5 Each district committee shall have the power to organise community groups in the different villages or communities within the district to carry out the work of the Association.
15.6 The rules governing the functioning of the district committees and community groups shall be established by the Executive.
Finance 16. FINANCE
16.1 The administrative and programme functions of the Association shall be financed by the dues of its members and by funds received from the following:
grants and donations from government and non-governmental agencies;
contributions from friendly local and foreign organisations and individuals;
voluntary contribution from members, corporations and foundations;
grants or contribution from the private sector;
fund raising activities and programmes;
remuneration received for any products of or service rendered by the Association;
loans obtained with the prior approval of the Executive
16.2 The funds of the Association shall be administered by the Treasurer acting under the instructions of the Executive.
Accounts
17. ACCOUNTS
17.1 The Association shall cause proper books of account to be kept with respect to:
all sums of money received and expended by the Association and all matters related to the said receipt and expenditure;
all sales and purchases of goods and services by the Association; and
the assets and liabilities of the Association.
Proper books shall not be deemed to be kept if there are not such books of account as are necessary to give a true and fair view of the state of the Association’s affairs and to explain its transactions.
17.2 The books of account shall be kept at the registered office of the Association or at such other place or places as the Executive think fit, and shall always be open to the inspection of the members of the Executive.
17.3 The Executive shall from time to time determine whether and to what extent and at what times and places and under what conditions the accounts and books of the Association or any of them shall be open to inspection by members not being Executive members, and no member (not being a member of the Executive) shall have any right to inspect any accounts or book or document of the Association except where this is authorised by the Executive or by the Company in general meeting.
17.3 The Executive shall from time to time cause to be prepared and to be laid before the Company in Annual General Meeting such profit and loss accounts balance sheet, group accounts (if any) and reports as may be necessary.
17.4 A copy of every balance sheet (including every document required by law to be annexed thereto) which is to be laid before the Association in general meeting, together with a copy of the auditors report, shall not less than twenty-one days before the date of the Annual General Meeting be sent to every member of the Association. Provided that this article shall not require a copy of those documents to be sent to any person of whose address the Association is not aware.
Audit
18. AUDIT
18.1 The Association at its Annual General Meeting shall appoint a qualified auditor to review the Association’s yearly financial statements, and the report of the auditor shall be presented to every Annual General Meeting of the Association.
The Seal 19. THE SEAL
19.1 Executive shall forthwith procure a seal to be made for the Company, and shall provide for the safe custody thereof. Every instrument to which the seal shall be affixed shall be signed by the President and shall be countersigned by one other member of the Executive or by some other person or persons appointed by the Executive for the purpose.
Notices 20. NOTICES
20.1 A notice may be served by the Association upon any member either personally, or by leaving the same either at his usual place of abode or usual place of business or by posting it in a prepaid registered letter addressed to him at his usual place of abode or business.
Indemnity
21. INDEMNITY
21.1 The Association shall indemnify every member of the Executive and other officer and servant of the Association against all losses, costs, and expenses (including traveling expenses) in any way incurred by him in the proper discharge of his duties, and the Executive shall pay or retain the same out of the funds of the Association. If any member of the Executive or other officer is guilty of actual fraud or dishonesty whereby the Company incurs any loss or damage, such Executive member or other officer shall be liable to repay the same to the Association. Except as aforesaid, no officer of the Association shall be liable to the Association for any loss, damage, costs or expenses that may happen to be or be incurred by the Association in consequence of any act, omission or default by such officer while purporting to act as such.
Amendment
22. AMENDMENT
22.1 These Articles may be amended by special resolution of the Company provided that two thirds (2/3) of the members assent thereto.
Dissolution
23. DISSOLUTION
23.1 The Company shall be wound up voluntarily whenever a special resolution is passed requiring the Company to be so wound up. Clauses 6 (19) and 6 (20) of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company shall have effect as if the provisions thereof were repeated herein.
Official Signing
Made this day of 19
Membership
Membership in the Organization is divided into three (3) categories: Full, Associate and Honorary.
Terms of Membership
Full Membership is open ONLY to persons with disabilities and ALL persons with disabilities are entitled to become a Full Member of the Association. They can become a Member quite easily by filling a registration form and submitting it to the Executive of the Association whose role in this process is to verify the individual’s disability. Only Full Members are entitled to vote at meetings and sit on the Board of Executives.
Associate Membership is divided into four (4) categories: Individual, Organization or/for Persons with Disabilities, Charitable and Corporate.
Individual Associate Membership is open to non disabled persons interested in volunteering their time and/or other resources to the Association.
Organization of/for Persons with Disabilities Associate Membership is open to organizations and associations who have similar goals and objectives to those of ABAPD where persons with disabilities are concerned;
Charitable Associate Membership is open to charities/foundations who purposes to assist in providing improved services to persons with disabilities.
Corporate Associate Membership is specifically designed to invite Corporate Citizens to assist the Association in fulfilling its goals. Corporations are invited to contribute financially to the Organization; however, a contribution could also be made in the form of whatever services that Company has to offer. This can also be a means by which Corporations learn through the Association what services are needed in their facilities to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
Honorary Membership is decided by the Executive. This status goes to any person who may or may not be disabled, or to an organization, group, company or committee whose work, assistance or contribution to the cause of disability, merits recognition in the Association’s opinion.
White Paper on Disability for Antigua and Barbuda
Prepared and presented by the Antigua & Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities
Address to the Constitution Review Commission of Antigua and Barbuda
Multipurpose Centre, Perry Bay, St. John’s, September 18th,
Click here to read the Constitution Review Commission Report released in 2002.
PRELIMINARY
The Antigua & Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities wishes to thank the Commission for granting the Association this opportunity to address the Commission on issues relating to members of the Association.
The Association is particularly grateful when we consider that the Commission has been more than accommodating in working with the Association to find a date and time that is suitable to us, and indeed to receive this presentation in this forum during the extended life of the Commission.
We are extremely happy to have been given the opportunity and are encouraged by the Commission’s response to our desire to make this presentation, despite the fact that several changes in the preparation of the Draft Policy had to occur so that we could be present tonight.
We welcome the work of the Commission in this area of Constitutional Reform, it being so essential to the continued development of our small nation, and hope that our contribution to the deliberations of the Commission would influence the process of reform and in so doing bring about an improvement in the lives of persons with disabilities.
THE ASSOCIATION
Allow me to give you a brief overview of the Antigua & Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities. The group was formed in 1995 out of concerns expressed by persons with disabilities for a core group to directly address issues relating to disability and which persons had a desire to see that core group being itself comprised of persons with disabilities.
Our intention was to actively demonstrate to the wider community that persons who are disabled are capable, despite the fact of their disability of functioning in a meaningful way in our community, despite the fact that in order to so function, assistance may be needed from other persons who are not disabled. The Group therefore sees itself working alongside the wider community in a partnership which enables both persons with disability and others to pool whatever skills and resources are available to enable persons with disability to function optimally in the society.
The Association was incorporated on 24th April, 1996 as a non profit institution under the Companies Act of Antigua and Barbuda as No. 3619 of 1996 with three primary objects:
(i) to take action throughout Antigua & Barbuda to raise awareness about persons with disabilities, their rights, their needs, their potential & their contribution and to foster in the society the recognition of these rights;
(ii) to promote the right to full participation and equality, meaning the right of every person with a disability to share in the social life of the community in which he or she lives, and enjoy living conditions equal to those of other citizens, including an equal share in the improvement in standards of living resulting from social it and economic development; and
(iii) to have as a primary obligation the goal of making transportation, social and health services, educational and work opportunities, physical environment, housing, cultural and social life, including sports and recreational facilities completely accessible to all.
Since its inception, the Association has functioned by:
Registering with regional and international organizations as a member including the Disabled Peoples’ International North American/Caribbean Region, Disabled Peoples’ Organizations of the Caribbean and Disabled Peoples’ International;
Empowering our membership through training and exposure by attending seven (7) workshops and conferences and four (4) strategic planning and Council meetings in the Caribbean and Mexico;
Keeping annual general meetings and monthly general meetings;
Staging social events so that persons with disabilities and the general community can come together in a comfortable atmosphere;
Helping three (3) persons to acquire prosthesis;
Giving and lending assistive equipment to persons with disabilities;
Introducing an ABAPD ID Card that identifies the person carrying it and includes a Preferential Parking Sticker;
Publishing a newsletter named CHALLENGE in 1997 and has continued to disseminate information about disability through the electronic and print media;
Successfully lobbying for wheelchair accommodation at the Antigua Recreation Grounds;
Using our 2nd Anniversary Concert in 1997 to generate funds and public interest for the establishment of the Amazing Grace Home for Children with Disabilities;
Giving small financial grants and loans to persons with disabilities for medical attention, entrepreneurship, purchase of computers & land and home repairs;
Launching a web site http://www.abapd.org in 1999;
Facilitating a team commissioned by UNICEF to conduct a Situation Analysis of Children with Disabilities in Antigua and Barbuda in 1999;
Coordinating and hosting a two (2) day workshop for training technical and vocational professionals in Antigua and Barbuda on the integration of persons with disabilities sponsored by the OAS Multilateral Project on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in 1999;
Successfully lobbying for a young man with amputated leg to be employed at the Ministry of Public Works in 2000;
Hosting the two (two) day regional council meeting of the Disabled Peoples’ Organizations of the Caribbean at the beginning of 2001;
Successfully lobbying on behalf of a blind man to secure land in 2001. We will be assisting him physically and possibly financially to have his house moved to the property.
Successfully lobbying to have a ramp built to the house of a wheelchair user in 2001 at no cost;
In addition to these activities in June 2001 the Association completed a Draft Policy on Disability which we hope will be considered and accepted by the Government of Antigua & Barbuda after discussion with all relevant stakeholders as a National Policy on Disability for Antigua & Barbuda. With the Commission’s consent, the Association will present a copy of the Draft Policy on Disability to the Commission with a copy of tonight’s address at the end of tonight’s proceedings.
We believe that the aims and objects of the Association as expressed in the Articles and By Laws of the Association are capable of being achieved with some assistance from the wider community working in partnership with the Association.
We also believe that our aims and objectives are consistent with the principles that guide our Constitution and that in fact the framers of the Constitution, in setting out in the Preamble to the Constitution, the principles upon which the Constitution are founded, in their wisdom used language that embraces the very issues which the Association is striving to have recognized by the wider community.
DISABILITY
Disability has traditionally been viewed as either a medical or a social issue. As a medical issue the community’s response has traditionally been to address the immediate issue associated with or causing disability by medical intervention either in the short or long term.
Upon the sufficient application of medical procedures to the immediate or apparent cause of disability, the community’s response to the disabled person was a social, or welfare response, often involving institutional or other care, as a benevolent response which resulted in separation of a disabled person from the general life of the community.
While the medical response is essential, and the social or welfare response desirable to a certain extent, to another extent these responses are in fact so limited that they have resulted in exclusion and segregation, the typical responses to disability issues. The traditional community response has been based on a balance of convenience which often does not take into consideration the rights of the disabled person to full participation in the society to the extent of his ability.
DISABILITY AS A HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE
Today, due to the efforts particularly of the United Nations and of core groups all over the world and the initiative of some countries, disability is no longer seen as a purely medical issue, neither is the focus on the social or welfare aspect of disability requiring a benevolent response. Disability issues are now classified as human rights issues with reform in disability laws focusing on providing equal opportunities for persons with disabilities so that they can reasonably address the disadvantages of exclusion, institutionalization and segregation which are the traditional and typical forms of discrimination practiced against person with disabilities.
The United States has been a front runner in the world in encouraging this shift in focus and the Americans with Disabilities Act that was signed into law on July 26, 1990 is a key example of civil rights legislation for disabled persons. This Act has been very effective in replacing the focus on disability issues from welfare law to civil rights law.
Disability law, viewed from the perspective of the civil rights movement, has led naturally and gradually to the recognition of the human rights of disabled people, a matter that is being increasingly embraced by governments the world over.
It is therefore timely and appropriate for the State of Antigua & Barbuda in addressing Constitutional Reform to embrace disability issues as human rights issues, the appropriate starting point being our Constitution, the supreme law of our land.
THE CONSTITUTION
There are several areas of the Constitution which the Association feels could be reconsidered in addressing the issues of exclusion, segregation, and discrimination faced by persons with disabilities.
PRESENTATION OF THE CONSTITUTION
The first area of consideration is the physical form of the Constitution itself. The present Constitution Order is produced in two forms, the original Order or Statutory Instrument made by Her Britannic Majesty’s Government (and we are informed printed and published by the United Kingdom). The second form is as a reprint in the Revised Laws of Antigua (1992 ed.) Volume I, Cap. 23.
Perhaps with true British functionality in mind, the sections of the Constitution are produced in finely written type, closely spaced and separated into sections and subsections which follow each other relentlessly. As presented as a Statutory Instrument the Constitution conjures up the stereotype image of the stooped, aged and decrepit solicitor labouring long hours in an airless and cramped room surrounded by numerous forms, peering through a magnifying glass trying to wrest meaning from the numerous closely printed lines of this document.
The Association believes that for the wider community, the Constitution in its present form is a daunting and intimidating document perhaps presented in this form to convey to the very persons it is designed to protect the seriousness and lack of frivolity of its contents.
The Association believes that the Constitution as our supreme law should and can be awe inspiring, but that such awe must be inspired by the high quality of its content, and by the State’s and community’s recognition of and respect for that content, and not by its form.
To this end the Association would like to see the Constitution presented in a different form so that it is physically less daunting and the more accessible to the very members of the community including persons with disabilities that it is intended to protect. We would like to suggest that a bigger type be considered and that some attempt be made to separate the section and subsections into smaller more readily digestible parts so that for the most part every man, woman & child in Antigua & Barbuda will be able to read and understand, if not the whole document, at least key parts including the human rights sections, that are of general interest and that daily affect their lives.and
THE LANGUAGE
The language of the Constitution must also be considered in this process of reform.
As it stands the Constitution is written in language much suited to the deliberations of scholars and persons trained in the art of interpretation. To the layman and thus to the Association it cannot be described as other than an esoteric document capable of interpretation only by those few persons well trained or practiced in the art of wading through the interminable lines of fine print.
To the Association, the effect that the Constitution conveys is one of a protector that is distant and unreachable, and one with whom the general population can never be truly familiar. While we are mindful of the adage “familiarity breeds contempt,” the Association feels that this protector, our Constitution needs to be made familiar to those it seeks to protect, so that knowledge of and familiarity with its contents will create in every man woman and child a true appreciation of their own rights and a genuine respect for the rights of others.
We therefore believe that an attempt should be made to draft the Constitution in plain and simple English. We also believe, that in keeping with the trend in our computer driven world with its focus on information technology, that our Constitution should be presented in a user friendly form which makes its contents readily accessible to all persons.
PREAMBLE OF THE CONSTITUTION
As mentioned earlier the Association believes that its aims and objectives are not inconsistent with the principles upon which the Constitution is founded.
The Preamble to the Constitution states inter alia:
"WHEREAS the people of Antigua and Barbuda–
proclaim that they are a sovereign nation founded upon principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God, the dignity and worth of the human person…,
respect the principles of social justice and therefore believe that the operation of their economic life should result in the material resources of their community being so distributed as to serve the common good…,
assert their conviction that their happiness and prosperity can be address you in a democratic society in which all persons may to the extent of their capacity play some part in the national life;…"
The Association considers that Clause (a) of the Preamble reflects the Association’s firm conviction that every person in Antigua and Barbuda has dignity and worth, and that the incidents of life which result in disabilities do not and cannot diminish the worth and dignity of the disabled person. The Association further considers that this clause of the Constitution could be amended to make clear to the community that the disabled are included in this section.
With respect to Clause (b) of the Preamble, it is stated that the material resources of the community should be so distributed as to serve the common good. This Clause expressly states our nation’s recognition that all resources should be used in such a way that all persons benefit. The reality of life however is that the common good often does not take into sufficient account the position of the disabled, so that for example the physical environment of our nation state generally neither caters to nor accommodates the disabled.
Our airport has limited parking facilities for the disabled, but there are no suitable lifts to the upper areas or special queues to allow for the easy processing of persons with disabilities. The same applies in the main to the Antigua Recreation Grounds and to most other government buildings. The city of St. John’s is an access nightmare for the disabled with high uneven pavements, no ramps & no preferential parking. In fact, except for Woods Centre and the Airport, there are no preferential parking areas in Antigua & Barbuda. The resources which are used to build, develop and maintain these buildings and areas are intended by the Constitution to be for the common good. The disabled are often ignored in assessing who forms part of the commonality. The Association therefore feels that this clause of the Preamble could be amended to emphasize that disabled persons form part of the commonality for whose good our resources should be applied.
Clause © of the Preamble asserts that the happiness and prosperity of the people of our country can be best pursued in a society in which all persons may to the extent of their capacity play some part in the national life. This clause addresses the issue of disabled persons being separated and segregated from the wider community rather than being given the opportunity to participate to the extent that they are able in the national life.
The Association feels that this clause can be amended as to make it explicit that disabled persons too must participate in the national life to the extent of their abilities. The Association hesitates to dictate to the Commission the specific manner in which these clauses should be worked to expressly incorporate the above ideas, but would humbly suggest that the meaning would be conveyed in all of the three clauses by the inclusion of the words “every human person, whatever his status or condition of life” or some other appropriate words at some point in each clause, so that the clauses would read as follows:
"WHEREAS the people of Antigua and Barbuda–
(a) proclaim that they are a sovereign nation founded upon principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God, the dignity and worth of the human person, whatever his status or condition of life…;
(b) respect the principles of social justice and therefore believe that the operations of their economic life should result in the material resources of the their community being so distributed as to serve the common good of all persons whatever their status or condition of life…;
© assert their conviction that their happiness and prosperity can be pursued in a democratic society in which all persons whatever their status or condition of life may to the extent of their capacity play some part in the national life; …"
The Association is mindful that its humble suggestion will result in the repetition of the same or similar words in several clauses of the preamble but we believe repetition in this case for the purpose of emphasis, is a small price to pay for the result of bringing to the public consciousness the fact that our Constitution recognizes that the disabled are to be included in every aspect of our national life, and as a timely reminder to the general community that exclusion and segregation are not regarded by our supreme law as legitimate responses to disability.
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
Section 3 of the Constitution sets out the rights and freedom to which every person in Antigua & Barbuda is entitled and states that the entitlement to these rights are regardless of a list of factors that could be used to limit a person’s enjoyment of their rights. The list includes “race, place of origin, political opinions or affiliations, colour, creed or sex”.
This list brings to the forefront of the public consciousness that there are instances in which attempts could be made to deny persons their rights because of one of the factors listed. There are numerous instances of disabled persons being denied their rights not through the deliberate or calculated action of others in the society but through exclusion, resulting from thoughtlessness, forgetfulness or mere inadvertence.
The Association considers that the problems which the disabled face in this regard would be much alleviated by the inclusion of “disability” in the list in the heading of section 3, of the Constitution, to reinforce to the wider community the State’s commitment that disability should not be a factor which is used to deny persons their entitlement to the rights and freedom listed in section 3.
The Association would humbly suggest consideration of the addition of the words ‘physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disability’ after the words ‘sex’ in section 3 to read:
“WHEREAS every person in Antigua and Barbuda is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, that is to say, the right regardless of race, place of origin, political opinion or affiliations, colour, creed, sex or physical, sensory, intellectual or psychological disability…”
DISCRIMINATION
Section 14 of the Constitution provides for protection from discrimination and states in subsection (1) that no law shall make any provision that is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect.
Section 14 subsection (2) provides that no person shall be treated in a discriminatory manner by any person acting by virtue of any law or in the performance of the functions of any public office or any public authority.
Section 14 subsection (3) defines the expression ‘discriminatory’ to mean-
‘affording different treatment to different persons attributable wholly or mainly to their respective descriptions by race, place of origin, political opinions or affiliations, colour, creed, or sex whereby persons of one such description are subjected to disabilities or restrictions to which persons of another such description are not made subject or are accorded privileges or advantages that are not accorded to persons of another such description.’
Section 14 subsection (4) states that subsection (1) does not apply to any law in so far as it makes provision …
‘© whereby persons of any such description as mentioned in subsection (3)… may be subjected to any disability or restriction or may be accorded any privilege or advantage that, having regard to its nature or special circumstances pertaining to those persons or to persons of any other description, is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society.’
This section is incidentally the only section of the Constitution which contains the word disability, and it does not in the context used refer to disability as in “persons with disabilities”. In addition, this section offers protection from discrimination on certain grounds. These grounds do not include physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disability, so conceivably a law could in fact be made which is discriminatory in itself or in its effect either in favour of or against persons with disabilities and this would not offend against the Constitution.
A law which is discriminatory in favour of persons with disabilities may be regarded as a positive thing. The Association also appreciates that a law which discriminates against (for example mentally disabled persons) may be reasonably justifiable in our society. The Constitution however does not address the issue of a law which may discriminate against other categories of disabled persons, who by virtue of section 14 have no Constitutional basis upon which to protest against such a law.
The Association feels that section 14 of the Constitution was designed to offer all persons equal treatment under the law, and that disability as a ground, may have been deliberately excluded because laws that are discriminatory in favour of persons with disabilities are often necessary, as may laws which discriminate against mentally disabled persons. The Association believes however that the section as framed leaves other categories of persons with disabilities too vulnerable to potentially discriminatory laws against which they would have no Constitutional redress.
In view of the fact that the section seems designed to afford all persons equality before the law the Association would commend to the attention of the Commission the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms which is part of the Canadian Constitution and which in section 15 deals with this issue under the heading ‘Equality Rights’ as follows:
"1. Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.
- Subsection 1 does not preclude any law program or activity that has as its object the improvement of condition of disadvantaged individuals or groups including those that are disadvantaged because of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability."
The Association is aware that the Canadian Charter of Rights lists different categories under its equality section but nevertheless strongly commends the treatment of equality rights in the Charter, as the Association feels that the section directly addresses the core objectives of human rights legislation which is to secure equality of opportunity for discrete minorities (such as persons with disabilities) through their protection from discriminatory treatment and practices.
PERSONAL LIBERTY
Section 5 of the Constitution offers protection of the right of personal liberty and provides that no person shall be deprived of his personal liberty save as may be authorised by law.
Section 5 subsection (2) of the Constitution provides as follows:
‘Any person who is arrested or detained shall be informed orally and in writing as soon as reasonably practicable, in language that he understands, of the reason for his arrest or detention.’
The Association is of the view that this section does not address the needs of the hearing impaired person who may also be unable to read and feels that there ought to be a requirement that the information to be provided by this section should be provided where applicable by means of sign language or with the assistance of an interpreter.
PROTECTION OF THE LAW
Section 15 of the Constitution sets out the provisions to secure for the individual protection of the law. This section is often referred to as the due process section.
Section 15 subsections 2(b) and 2(f) provide as follows:
"(2) Every person charged with a criminal offence-
…
(b) shall be informed orally and in writing as soon as reasonably practicable, in language that he understands, of the nature of the offence with which he is charged;
…
(f) shall be permitted to have without payment the assistance of an interpreter if he cannot understand the language used at the trial of the charge."
The Association feels that section 15(2)(b), like section 5(2) of the Constitution does not address the case of the hearing impaired. The section mentions language that is either oral or written and does not contemplate sign language which is neither written nor spoken but which is the main or often the only form of communication for many hearing impaired persons.
The Association would therefore humbly suggest that the necessary amendment be made to this section.
The Association also humbly suggests that although section 15(2)(f) addresses the needs of an accused who is unable to understand the language of the trial, it does not address the issue of the witness for the accused or other party to the trial who may not understand the language.
The Association would therefore also humbly request that consideration be given to including in the section a provision that makes it mandatory for the assistance of an interpreter to be provided in cases where a witness for an accused person is hearing impaired or cannot otherwise understand the language of the trial.
CONCLUSION
In closing, the Association would like to thank the Commission for giving its time and attention to the issues which we have raised. We believe that our Constitution being our supreme law, all other laws must be consistent with its provisions. If our Constitution establishes a standard for addressing disability issues, we believe that not only will other laws follow, but that policies and practices which conform to the standards set by the Constitution will be adopted.
We believe that persons with disabilities will fully enjoy the rights and freedoms guaranteed to the individual under the Constitution when the Constitution makes it clear by the standard it establishes, that the enjoyment of those rights includes a duty on the society at large and upon those who legislate to recognise and accept that principle upon which we as an Association will continue to insist continue to insist : that all persons, regardless of ability or other differences are entitled to the full rights and privileges of citizenship, even though they may require different treatment and conditions, including modification of school, work place or the environment in order to exercise those rights.
We also believe that when disability issues are viewed from a human rights perspective, public and private institutions will not only welcome the opportunity to react positively to the needs of disabled persons, but will also accept the positive obligation of ensuring that conditions are put in place for the exercise of the rights claimed by the disabled.
Draft National Policy on Disability for Antigua and Barbuda
A. Introduction
This paper is a proposed draft of a policy on disability for Antigua and Barbuda.
It is prepared with a view to bringing into effect several changes in the situation which exists at present in Antigua and Barbuda in which issues concerning persons with disabilities are not addressed in its most optimum form, and to assist government agencies, NGOs, and other agencies for and of disabled persons to identify and enhance their function and responsibilities to improve the position of persons with disabilities in the society.
B. Purpose
The purpose of the policy is:
To advocate and achieve a coordinated approach among relevant agencies to meet the several needs of persons with disabilities. This includes assisting persons with disabilities to recognize and to promote their own rights so as to be able fully participate in the benefits afforded to citizens of Antigua and Barbuda and where possible to carry out their corresponding obligations of citizenship.
To utilize the limited resources available to persons with disabilities in an optimum manner so that they can derive maximum benefits from these resources.
To provide a framework to assist Government and other agencies to strengthen their ability and capacity to address issues relating to person with disabilities.
To provide a framework for government agencies to develop and implement in cooperation with each other, policies designed to provide persons with disabilities with equal opportunity as others to participate in all aspects of life in Antigua and Barbuda.
C. Policy Objectives
The following are the specific objectives of the policy:
The creation of a legislative base to improve the lifestyle of persons with disabilities and to eliminate discriminatory practices.
To create an environment that encourages the integration and full participation in society of all persons with disabilities.
To create an atmosphere that encourages persons with disabilities to be self reliant and to become fully involved in the socioeconomic development of Antigua and Barbuda.
To eliminate marginalization of and discrimination against persons with disabilities.
To provide persons with disabilities with opportunities for a better quality of life.
To encourage and support continuous research projects in all areas related to persons with disabilities.
D. Framework and Concepts
This draft policy is based on the rights of persons with disabilities, which rights have been recognized by the United Nations, and which have been codified by the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993. The Rules emphasize the right of persons with disabilities to the same opportunities as other citizens and to an equal share in the improvements in living conditions resulting from economic or social development. The Standard Rules imply a strong moral and political commitment on the part of States to take action for the equalization of opportunities for persons with disabilities and are an instrument for policy making and action to persons with disabilities, and their organizations.
Certain fundamental concepts appear in the Standard Rules and are used throughout this draft policy. These concepts are at the core of this policy.
(a) Prevention – Referring to action aimed at preventing the occurrence of physical, intellectual, psychiatric or sensory impairment (primary prevention or at preventing impairments from causing a permanent functional limitation or disability (secondary function).
This prevention may include many different types of action such as, primary health care, prenatal and postnatal care, education in nutrition, immunization campaigns against communicable diseases, measures to control endemic diseases, safety regulations programs for the prevention of accidents in different environments, including adaptation of workplaces to prevent occupational disability resulting from pollution of the environment or armed conflict.
(b) Rehabilitation – The process of enabling persons with disabilities to reach and maintain their optimal physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric and/or social functional levels, thus providing them with the tools to change their lives toward a higher level of independence.
© Equalization of Opportunities – The process through which the various systems of society and the environment, such as service activities, information and documentation are made available to all, particularly to persons with disabilities. This concept of equalization of opportunities described is the main focus of this draft policy herein and is consistent with the Standard Rules.
The principle of equal right implies that the needs of each and every individual are of equal importance, that these needs must be made the basis for planning of society and that all resources must be employed in such a way as to ensure that every individual has equal opportunity for participation.
As people with disabilities achieve equal rights they should also have equal obligations. The process of equal opportunity should also make provision to assist persons with disabilities to ensure their full responsibility as members of society.
E. Areas of Focus
The draft policy focuses on several areas which are crucial to the successful achievement of the policy objectives described above. These areas though not exhaustive are identified to indicate the commitment of Government to explore different strategies and devices by which private and public sector agencies can collaborate to enable persons with disabilities in Antigua and Barbuda to achieve the goal of equalization of opportunities.
F. Legislation
In keeping with the specific objective of creating a legislative base to improve the life style of persons with disabilities and to eliminate discriminatory practices, an in-depth review of existing legislation should be undertaken.
Legislation which impacts on areas which directly concern persons with disabilities must be amended where necessary to eliminate discrimination and prejudice and to provide equalization of opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Legislation relating to housing and building codes particularly needs to be addressed as well as legislation relating to vehicles and road traffic, transportation, privacy of voting, employment and health care.
Specific instances include:
(a) The Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda provides in section 14, protection from discrimination on several grounds. The Constitution defines “discriminatory” to mean affording different treatment to different persons attributable wholly or mainly to their respective descriptions by race, place of origin, political opinions or affiliations, colour, creed, or sex whereby persons of one such description are subjected to disabilities or restrictions to which persons of another such description are not made subject or are accorded privileges or advantages that are not accorded to person of another such description.
The Constitution does not include in the definition of " discriminatory" protection from discrimination on the ground of disability. An amendment to the Constitution as the Supreme Law of Antigua and Barbuda to include protection of persons with disabilities would be an essential start to addressing the legislative changes that are necessary to ensure that persons with disabilities are afforded equal privileges as other persons in the society.
(b) Housing and Building Codes: This is an area which needs to be urgently addressed. The Land Development Control Act and the Town and Country Planning Act both make provision for obtaining planning permission to build on land but neither Act establishes a building code. There is therefore no legislation in Antigua and Barbuda relating to public buildings or public housing projects or schemes, which includes provision for or addresses the needs of persons with disabilities.
© Employment: The Antigua Labour Code governs the question of employment practices in Antigua and Barbuda. The Code however does not specifically address the issue of the adaptation of the working environment to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities, and because of this person with disabilities are not afforded optimal opportunities to participate in the work place.
(d) Education: The Education Act specifically provides for compulsory education for all children. The State has a responsibility to provide all children between the ages of 5 and 16 with an education. This Act provides the basic framework for education and further states that Government should where possible make special arrangements for the educational needs of children with special needs. While the legislative framework is in place in this area, there are very limited facilities actually available for children with special needs. The Act should therefore be amended to make it obligatory for facilities to be provided for this purpose. The Education Act also does not provide that where possible children with special physical needs who are not otherwise disabled must be integrated into the normal education system and that the necessary aids and support systems must be put in place to accommodate such children.
G. Public Awareness
Persons with disabilities would be better positioned to fully participate in all aspects of the society if all persons in the society were sensitized to their needs and capabilities. Sensitization will have the result of encouraging positive attitudes and acceptance by the society at large, as well as result in greater efforts at including persons with disabilities in all levels of the society.
Public awareness measures should therefore be undertaken on a regular on going basis for this purpose.
These measures include:
(a) Public awareness programmes on radio and television for the listening and viewing public aimed at sensitizing the public about disability issues. In particular those programmes should involve the active participation of persons with disabilities where possible.
(b) Provision and distribution of information to members of the public and to persons with disabilities on several topics including:
– causes of disabilities and preventable measures;
– disability categories and terms;
– organizations both public and private sector involved in disability activities;
– services available and methods of coping with disabilities;
– early identification of disabilities;
– nutritional needs.
© Incentives to private sector organizations to include disability issues in their activities where possible.
(d) Establishment where possible of a central information centre to be easily accessible by persons with disabilities, their families and professionals in the filed, and the general public, for the distribution of information on disabilities.
The Government Information Services will be specifically requested and mandated to participate in public awareness measures at all levels to ensure the widest possible dissemination of the relevant information.
H. Access to physical environment
The inability and difficulty of persons with disabilities to access the physical environment is a key factor in preventing full participation in the society. Every effort must therefore be made to ensure easy access to the physical environment. Positive change in this area requires the collaboration and involvement of several agencies including:
– the Government Information Service;
– the Media;
– non governmental organizations and service organizations ;
– national organizations or associations of persons with disabilities;
– the Legal Department of the Ministry of Legal Affairs.
Working together to enhance access to the physical environment for persons with disabilities these organizations would achieve the following:
(1) The establishment of a committee with the specific mandate to formulate an agreed code or regulations for planning and building construction, which enables persons with disabilities to access and use all public buildings;
(2) The drafting of legislation and provision of measures designed to allow persons with disabilities easy access to the physical environment;
(3) The ultimate modification of all existing public buildings including schools, health care facilities (both hospitals and clinics), and police stations, to allow access to persons with disabilities;
(4) Establishing specific time frames for upgrading existing facilities to allow access, and particularly to achieve in the short term such goals as provision of ramps and hand rails, and conversion of toilet facilities;
(5) The establishment of a public transportation system to adequately address the needs of persons with disabilities;
(6) The adoption of a policy relating to public transportation to be used in the school system that requires all such vehicles to be equipped to accommodate children with disabilities;
(7) Provision of incentives to owners of private vehicles who offer transportation service to the public to provide or allocate specific seats in their vehicles for persons with disabilities;
(8) Construction and adaptation of streets, pavements and pedestrian crossings to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities.
(9) The mandatory allocation of parking areas in both public and private facilities for persons with disabilities;
(10) Design and placement of public telephone booth in such strategic places as would facilitate persons with disabilities;
(11) Prominent display of the “access symbol” where appropriate, to indicate that provision is made for persons with disabilities and the provision of sanctions against persons who ignore or violate the symbol to the disadvantage of persons of disabilities.
I. Education and Training
Education is the basis upon which children develop into adults who make a meaningful contribution to the society. By means of education and training the society can realize the full potential of its citizens, and its citizens can enjoy the full benefits of the society. It is therefore important that all persons in the society, including persons with disabilities, have equal opportunity to education and training to facilitate their maximum potential. In Antigua children and young people with special needs already are given by the legislation (the Education Act) the right to compulsory education, in order to facilitate development to their maximum potential.
It is however necessary that this right which is already in the legislation is implemented to the fullest extent so as to make the right in the legislation becomes a reality not only for children and young persons but for all persons with disabilities.
The success of this goal requires the collaboration of several agencies including:
– the Ministry of Education and all Government institutions involved in education;
– non governmental organizations involved in education of persons with disabilities;
– all agencies involved in the conduct of employment or skills training programmes;
– institutes offering further or tertiary education.
The collaboration of the agencies mentioned above is necessary to achieve the measures listed below:
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Creation of opportunities for all children with special needs to be educated.
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Education of children with special needs in the least restricted environment possible with provision of adequate support services to allow for this.
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Inclusion as far as possible of children with disabilities in the regular school setting with provision for adequate and appropriate support services, from pre-school to tertiary levels.
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Construction of ramps, rails and other suitable structures in all schools so as to make them accessible to children with disabilities.
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Provision of appropriate teaching aids to enhance the capabilities of teachers of children with disabilities.
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Establishment of adequate mechanisms in schools for early identification of disabilities in children so that remedial or follow up activities could be commenced early.
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Provision of appropriate training to persons who work with children with special needs to allow effective interaction.
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Development of special programmes or modules in the pre-school, primary and secondary school levels to install in young children respect for, and acceptance and tolerance of the differences among persons.
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The development of special facilities for children who cannot be integrated in regular schools.
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Training and certification of persons in special education to be employed in administrative capacities to co-ordinate and manage institutions with children with special needs.
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Establishment of vocational programmes suitable to the needs of persons with disabilities.
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Involvement of parents, parent groups, and organizations of and catering for persons with disabilities in the education process at all levels.
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On going training and refresher courses for medical personnel, social workers, teachers and day care providers working with persons with special needs.
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The establishment or where already established, the modification of adult education programmes to ensure the participation of persons with disabilities at the appropriate levels, and where programmes do not exit or are not appropriate, the organization of regular special courses.
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The creation of vocational skills and training opportunities for both young persons and adults with disabilities.
J. Employment
Equal opportunity for employment is often denied to persons with disabilities despite the fact that they may be adequately trained and qualified for available positions. Qualified persons with disabilities should be subject to the same terms and conditions of employment as other persons, including access to retention of and advancement in available positions. Compensation, privileges, perks, benefits, incentives and allowances such as are available to other persons should be equally available to persons with disabilities.
In order to facilitate the productive and gainful employment of persons with disabilities and to eliminate discrimination in the work field the co-operation of various sectors of the society is necessary. These sectors include:
– the public sector;
– the private sector;
– trade unions and other organizations and persons representing employees;
– non governmental organizations.
Several measures may be used to achieve the objective of equal employment opportunities including:
(1) Ratification by Antigua and Barbuda of the International Labour Convention No. 159 which emphasizes the need for active community involvement in the provision of social rehabilitation services and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities;
(2) Establishment of a public sector employment policy which promotes the integration of persons with disabilities into open employment and which will create a favorable working environment with appropriate support mechanisms such as personal assistance and interpreter services;
(3) Introduction of a quota system to reserve employment for suitably qualified persons with disabilities, such system to be phased out after the public is sensitized by public awareness programmes about the capabilities and contribution of persons with disabilities, and designed to eliminate negative attitudes and prejudice against workers with disabilities;
(4) The targeting of sheltered employment such as production workshops and self employed schemes for persons who are unable to compete effectively in the open market;
(5) The reconsideration by banking and financial institutions of policies and loan schemes which do not adequately address the special needs of persons with disabilities to have unimpeded access to credit facilities;
(6) The establishment of a resource or skills bank for the collections of data on the skills and abilities of persons with disabilities to be compiled into a “Register of Persons with Disabilities”;
(7) The encouragement of employers to retain wherever possible into their work force persons who become disabled while on the job, and to retrain if necessary such person for alternative positions in the same working environment;
(8) Encouragement of the active participation by the private sector in the promotion of the welfare of persons with disabilities, by provisions of sustained educational opportunities to private entities which employ persons with disabilities.
K. Housing
Inadequate housing and inappropriate facilities is a very real barrier to those persons with disabilities who may wish to acquire their own houses or to live independently. The disadvantages created by the existing situation can be addressed by input from several government ministries and organizations who are involved in building or planning including among others:
– the Ministry of Planning;
– the Central Housing and Planning Authority;
– the Development Control Authority;
– the private sector
Collaboration between these agencies would result in achievement of the following measures:
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Allocation in new housing developments of a quota of houses specifically adapted for persons with disabilities.
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A nation wide assessment of housing needs of persons with disabilities and their ability to own or otherwise acquire housing or land.
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The establishment of hostels or other facilities to house persons with disabilities whose families many be unable due to financial, health or other constraints to adequately meet the costs and caring needs of the family member with a disability.
L. Income Maintenance and Social Security
The State has a responsibility to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with social security protection and income maintenance schemes. In order to achieve the objective of offering realistic protection for persons with disabilities in this area the following measures are suggested.
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The mandatory development and implementation by both private and public sector organizations of disability benefit programmes for employees who become disabled.
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A review of existing social security legislation to assess the adequacy of provisions for this purpose and where necessary to amend the legislation or restructure any programmes to ensure that the needs of persons with disabilities are met.
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The establishment of programmes that provide incentives for persons with disabilities to seek employment with a view to enhancing their income earning capacity and to achieving a greater measure of independence. Programmes of this nature could contain components directed to the development and financing of vocational training, and placement services.
M. Family Life
The life of a disabled person is significantly affected by the family of that person as the family is critical to the adjustment of and to the independence of persons with disabilities in the society. The full participation of persons with disabilities in the family environment is therefore a desired goal which could be achieved and spearheaded through the efforts of the Government Ministry with responsibility for Social Development and Family Life. Through these the following can be facilitated.
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The provision of family care services, financial and other assistance, inclusive of counselling and information services and respite case, intended to enhance the capability of families to respond to the needs of their disabled members.
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Recognition and respect of the rights of persons with disabilities to start families and experience parenthood.
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The provision of assistance to family planning organizations so as to facilitate the accessibility of family planning information, advice and services to persons with disabilities.
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The encouragement of the establishment of support groups for families of persons with disabilities.
N. Recreation Culture and Sports
Persons with disabilities are often deprived of the right to equal opportunity for recreation and participation in sports, hotels, beaches, and sports arenas. Support from the relevant Government Ministries will be necessary to achieve the following objectives.
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The encouragement of persons with disabilities to utilize their artistic an intellectual potential for their own benefit and the enhancement of their communities.
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The adaptation of all public entertainment areas to facilitate accessibility to persons with disabilities.
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The adaptation of private entertainment organization of their facilities to accommodate persons with disabilities.
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The expansion of adequate opportunities, facilities and equipment for sporting activities.
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The provision of appropriate sport equipment in schools where feasible to accommodate children with disabilities.
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The organization by travel agencies, hotels and tourist authorities for recreational activities and travel opportunities for persons with disabilities.
O. Access to Information and Communication
Information is essential to the growth and development of an individual and as such every effort will be made to ensure that information is accessible to persons with disabilities to enhance their opportunity for personal growth and fulfillment. The Department of Social Welfare will de designated to function as a National Information Centre to facilitate the collection and dissemination of data on disabilities and related issues. Collaboration is encouraged between several agencies for the purposes mentioned.
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Libraries and public offices - to present information in a manner which is accessible to persons with disabilities using effective tools and aids like Braille, large print or tapes for the visually impaired, and similar appropriate technologies to provide spoken information for persons with auditory or comprehension impairments.
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Telecommunication services - to install special telephone devices and units for the hearing and visually impaired and to ensure commercial availability of these devices.
The Media -
*To present information in a manner accessible to persons with disabilities - news broadcasts and public service announcements to be done with the use of sign language and the use of captions in movies and documentaries;
*To present material depicting persons with disabilities in situations which highlight their potential.
P. Technical aids and equipment
Technical aids are vital tools for persons with disabilities as it assists in enhancing the level of independence with which persons with disabilities can live their daily lives. These aids also assist such persons in exercising their rights.
The following measures will be encouraged to assist persons with disabilities to access assistive devices.
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The use of local resources to produce simple inexpensive devices.
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Removal or reduction of taxes on the importation of personal aids prosthetic devices and training material and equipment, and the establishment of monitoring methods to prevent abuse of the concessions.
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The provision of soft loans or related measures to enable persons with disabilities and/or their families and rehabilitation Centres to acquire assistive devices.
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Liaising with relevant foreign agencies for assistance in obtaining equipment and assistive devices in cases where such devices are unavailable or expensive on the local market.
Q. Research
The need to undertake studies related to issues which affect the lives of persons with disabilities and their families is pressing. Research efforts will be undertaken and encouraged in these areas with a view to establishing a comprehensive data bank providing data in the areas listed below, and the relevant government departments will be mandated to assist in these efforts.
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Causes, types and incidents of impairment
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Economic and social conditions of persons with disabilities and their families
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Development of assistive devices for persons with disabilities
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Assessment of the needs skills and potential for training of persons with disabilities
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Available services and programmes
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Open labour market participation rate of persons with disabilities
A national survey on persons with disabilities will be conducted to determine the exact numbers affected and also to obtain information on the different types of disabilities. The data obtained from this survey will be used to assist Government in formulating policies in the future. Additional data will be collected periodically on an ongoing basis through the Department of Statistics which has responsibility for conducting the national population and housing census.
R. Review and Evaluation
Government undertakes to ensure that the appropriate machinery will be put in place to enable continuous review and evaluation of programmes pertaining to persons with disabilities to ensure that they are relevant and beneficial to such persons. This review and evaluation will be done with a view to effectively meeting the policy objectives.
Activities
All activities we instigate or participate in are designed to improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities in Antigua and Barbuda which in turn will benefit the whole society.
Our Activities
In December of each year, ABAPD and its members celebrates the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (Dec. 3) by conducting public awareness programmes via the print and electronic media, visiting of schools and corporate businesses, and other exciting programmes that are fully inclusive of persons with disabilities.
ABAPD hosts a Social Event at various locations throughout the year to combine persons with disabilities and the general community in a comfortable atmosphere for an evening of games and interesting conversation.
We hold General Meetings in the fourth week of every month where ABAPD full and associates members, and the public discuss and decide on steps to take to bring about change.
We stage a Fund-Raising Event annually to celebrate our Anniversary. This Event is also used to raise awareness about disability in Antigua and Barbuda.
DIRECTORS
The Directors of the Association must be persons with disabilities as stipulated by its Constitution and By-Laws, and are eligible for reelection every 2 years.
The Directors elected on January 23rd, 2007 at a Special Extraordinary General Meeting were:
Bernard Warner, President
Bradford Joseph, Vice President
Ingrid Elliott, Secretary
Gillian Brazier, Treasurer
Melvin Browne, Assistant Secretary Treasurer
Louise Herbert, Public Relations Officer
Kemoye Joseph, Executive Member
Shirley Austin, Past President
Plan Ahead
One of our major objectives is to provide rehabilitation that will enable persons with physical, mental, sensory and/or intellectual disabilities to reach their full potential and assist them in getting the required skills to direct their own life. To achieve this, we desperately need help in two areas.
a) Since persons with disabilities in Antigua and Barbuda, and most developing countries around the world, are invariably below the poverty line, it is almost impossible to acquire much-needed basic assistive equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc., or even more expensive and high-tech pieces such as assistive software and computers. Any corporation, foundation or any other charity willing to assist, PLEASE contact us;
b) A Centre, to be possibly called ABILITY CENTRE for PERSONS with disABILITIES, designed to include assessment programmes and all types of skills training adapted to each person’s specific ability. The facility will be 100% accessible. This is a long-term goal of the Association; however, our most immediate need is for funds to establish offices to be the focal point of the Association from which other projects and programmes can be implemented.
The self-contained structure will host:
- Antigua & Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities Offices;
- Offices to be rented to (a) Other Organizations of/for Disabilities, (b) Businesses;
- Conference and meeting rooms;
- Recreational facilities;
- Woodwork/Upholstery department;
- Garment construction department;
- Agricultural department to include projects for growing and processing;
- Printing department;
- Bookbinding department;
- Facilities for making and repairing orthopedic appliances/prostheses and repairing wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, etc.;
- Facilities for remedial education, independent living skills training and counseling for persons with disabilities (especially children & women) as well as parents and families of persons with disabilities;
- A Computer Centre fitted with the most modern assistive equipment; We have already received vertebral confirmation of assistance for this department from the National Cristina Foundation.
- Therapy rooms to facilitate (a) Speech therapy, (b) Occupational therapy, © Physical therapy to include a water pool for Hydro therapy;
- Services specifically for the Mentally Challenged and/or Ill;
- Services specifically for the Intellectually Challenged;
- Services specifically for the Hearing-impaired/Deaf to include hearing aids, sign language, etc.;
- Services specifically for the Vision-impaired to include spectacles, Braille, canes, etc.;
- Doctors’ offices (orthopedic, neurologist, urologist, ophthalmologists, etc.) to administer therapy/treatment in the above-mentioned was areas;
- Accommodations to facilitate (a) Overnight/fortnight facilities for persons receiving therapy/treatment, (b) Overnight/fortnight facilities for persons attending workshops, seminars, conferences, meetings and/or Training programmes from within the Caribbean and abroad.
In order to meet this objective, we need the skills of architects, designers and builders. However, to establish & run such a facility we will need funding and the services of businesses, professionals and individuals.
Time and money are needed to accomplish this, so if you can help, please write or e-mail us and help us realize these crucial goals!
ABAPD Archived Events
ABAPD’s 10th Anniversary scaled-down, but the secondary school essay competition a success! Details
Ms. Lisa Hixon represented the interests of persons with disabilities in Antigua and Barbuda at a “Forward Together Conference: Civil Society Dialogue with CARICOM Heads of Government” on the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) in Guyana from July 2-3, 2002. Following this event, ABAPD became a full-fledged participant in the activities in what is now known as the Nonprofit NGO Network, or as we call it “The Network.” Click here to see a listing of its members.
ABAPD sent a delegate to the DPI 6th World Assembly in Sapporo Japan! Details
The Vocational Training Programme undertaken by ABAPD with the financial assistance of the Stanford International Bank Ltd., the Antigua Barbuda Investment Bank Ltd., and the Bank of Antigua Ltd., came to a successful end in December 2002!! Click on their names to read their four-month progress report for Rhonda Stevens and Bernard Warner and click here to read the final report on the completion of the project and view pictures of the newest skilled persons with disabilities in Antigua and Barbuda.
The Antigua & Barbuda Centre for Dyslexia Awareness (ABCDA) conducted a Post Graduate Certificate Course in Dyslexia and Literacy that started in May 2003 and was made possible by an Organization of American States (OAS) grant. The year-long distance learning course is being facilitated by the Dyslexia Institute of the UK and is validated by the University of York in the UK. The grant provides scholarships for 16 teachers in Antigua to participate. This course is the first step in reaching our goal of having one teacher per school who is trained to work specifically with children that have learning difficulties and/or dyslexic tendencies. Contact information about ABCDA is available on the members page and more information about the organization will be posted to the site soon.
ABAPD celebrated its 8th Anniversary by turning the soil!! Click here to see pictures of the event and learn what ABAPD has done so far toward fulfilling this crucial immediate goal of constructing a building to host its offices, independent living center and meeting areas.
Carolyn Greenaway attended the Caribbean Sustainable Economic Development Network (CSEDNet) Environmental Economics Workshop for Civil Society.
Shirley Austin attended the Disabled Peoples’ Organizations of the Caribbean (DPOC) Strategic Planning Meeting and Annual General Meeting.
Bernard Warner attended a Regional Sports Disability Workshop for coaches facilitated by the Australian Caribbean Community Sport Development Program in Nevis from Nov. 10-13, 2003. Details soon.
ABAPD collaborated with the Department of Sports to stage the first-ever “Sports Festival for Persons with Disabilities” on Dec. 3, 2003 at the Antigua Recreation Grounds to celebrate the International Day of Disabled Persons (IDDP).
Two persons with disabilities from Antigua get their first opportunity to sail the high seas on the tall ship TENACIOUS and even get a chance to race! Click here for details.
DEAF MAN HIT BY CAR
Caribbean Ministerial Conference on Disability in Jamaica, May 11-13, 2004. No representation for Antigua and Barbuda!! Click here to read the resolutions from the Conference.
ABAPD celebrated its 9th Anniversary on May 20th, 2004. Click here to learn more about the activities undertaken to mark another milestone.
ABAPD immediate past president appointed as regional development officer.
The new Government has invited representatives of the Antigua & Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities to sit on two (2) of its boards, the Board of Education and the newly instituted National Economic and Social Council of Antigua and Barbuda. Details soon.
Youth for Christ and Hands That Speak stage “EXPRESSIONS: A Dance Festival”
Antigua and Barbuda representative joined other Caribbean delegates at the DPI World Summit 2004
Contact us:
Antigua & Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities
P.O. Box W123, Woods Centre
St. John’s
Antigua, W.I.
Phone: (268) 461-7260
Fax: (268) 561-1272
E-mail: info@abapd.org