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(FP)

The spotlight will be on persons with disabilities this month as Barbados commemorates the Month of the Disabled.

To mark this annual event, the National Disabilities Unit (NDU), the Barbados Council for the Disabled (BCD) and the Learning Centre have come together once again to host a number of activities which aim to promote An Inclusive Society for All.

The month of activities will commence with a church service hosted by the BCD this Saturday, March 3, at the Breath of Life Seventh Day Adventist Church, White Hall, St. Michael, at 11:00 a.m.

On Monday, March 5, a Badminton tournament will take place at the Learning Centre, Orange Hill, St. James, and will continue on Monday, March 12. Road tennis will also be played at the Centre on Thursday, March 8 and Friday, March 9. On Wednesday, March 14, the activities continue at the Learning Centre with a football match, while lawn tennis and table tennis will be played at that location on Thursday, March 15 and Friday, March 16, respectively. Matches will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day.

To further bring awareness to the month, Acting Director of the NDU, Lloyd Springer and Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Kerry-ann Ifill will deliver presentations at a lecture hosted by, and held at, the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, on Friday, March 9, from 1:00 p.m. Mr. Springer will discuss The Services of the National Disabilities Unit, while Senator Ifill will speak on the Barbados Council for the Disabled and Its Affiliates.

Additionally, a Fun Walk hosted by the Special Envoy for Persons with Disabilities, Roslyn Hurley is scheduled for Sunday, March 11. Participants will move from the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation’s car park, Princess Alice Highway, St. Michael, at 4:00 p.m., and walk to the Hastings Beach Facility, Christ Church.

On Thursday, March 15, the Barbados National Organisation on Diabetes (BARNOD) will stage a presentation on Diabetes at Harambee House, The Garrison, St. Michael, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Activities will climax on Sunday, March 17, when the Glaucoma Department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) hosts a Glaucoma Awareness Walk from the QEH to Accra Beach, Rockley, Christ Church. Also that day, Special Envoy Roslyn Hurley, in collaboration with the NDU, will host the annual picnic. This year the event will be held at the Farley Hill National Park, St. Peter from 10:30 a.m. Buses will leave the Fairchild Street and Princess Alice Bus terminals at 9:00 a.m.

On Friday, March 23, the NDU will open its doors to the public. Persons are invited to visit the Unit at the National Union of Public Workers Headquarters, Dalkeith, St. Michael to observe the services which are offered there, and get firsthand information on the Unit’s technology programme.

Persons with disabilities will also read the Devotions which will be aired daily on CBC TV 8, from Sunday, March 18 until Saturday, March 31.

Persons are encouraged to come out and support the events.

sharon.austingill-moore@barbados.gov.bb

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