By Yanalla Dalrymple
In observance of National Disability Week, which is aimed at promoting an understanding of disability issues and mobilising support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, a two-day workshop was held at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre.
In an effort to improve resources acquisition so as to diversify and provide quality service that was more efficient and effective, the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) equipped those persons with the necessary advocacy tips and tools to recognise stereotyping and familiarised them with appropriate language, etiquette, and disability culture when communicating and interacting with people with disabilities.
The development workshop saw 23 organisations that are members of the Council participating under the theme “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all”.
The goal is to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities into every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
According to GCOPD Public Relations Officer Ganesh Singh, the workshop saw heads from different organisations in the disability community coming together to establish action plans to improve current human resources for persons with various disabilities.
One of the participants of the workshop, Utame Kumar noted that more emphasis should be placed on persons who are intellectually challenged, hence the need for recognition of the work and efforts.
He pointed out that the psychological effect of living with the reality of the loss of a limb, which plays a vital role in day-to-day activity of an individual, could trigger depression, social withdrawal, and even psychological consequences.
Moreover, Kumar said that the community was willing and ready to move forward as long as participants become more aware of their environment with regard to access.
Among the activities lined up are police sensitisation, a disability march, blind cricket and domino competition and finally, the International Day For Persons With Disability observance on December 3.
