A group of disabled visitors now have treasured memories and tons of photographs to show their friends the good time they had at several scenic spots across the island.
The 23-member Boca Area Post-Polio group out of Boca Raton, Florida, arrived on the Celebrity Equinox yesterday, as part of the Ministry of Tourism/Barbados Council for the Disabled???s Fully Accessible Programme (FAB).
Co-founder of the Group, Maureen Sinkule, said this was the first visit to Barbados and she was pleased that the Barbados Council for the Disabled, was able to make the trip possible with the provision of vehicles with lifts to accommodate the members.
???What is nice is that I am on vacation just like everybody else. These vehicles are more beautiful and more accessible that I ever imagined. We have seen it all as we go through the Caribbean???Life is not perfect???but these vehicles are perfect. They certainly fulfill our needs and more,??? she added.
Mrs. Sinkule also praised the FAB programme and noted: ???So many times people think that people with disabilities don???t have the money to spend. However, if you can get us there, we can spend the money. But, if we cannot get there, we can???t spend the money. So, this is fabulous that you have such wonderful vehicles and people to work with,??? she quipped.
Meanwhile, Tourism Development Officer, Maureen Bridgeman, said the purpose of the FAB programme, was to raise the quantity and quality of services available to persons with disabilities. It is also designed to promote a barrier-free environment for all service recipients.
The Group visited the Mount Gay Visitors Centre, Holetown, Speightstown, St. Lucy???s Parish Church, Rockley, the Richard Haynes Boardwalk and Carlisle Bay.
julie.carrington@barbados.gov.bb