Photos & Video: Motorcade To Celebrate IDPWD
[Updated with photos] There was a big show of support from the community today [Dec 3] as people lined the streets to cheer on the motorcade held celebration of the International Day of People with Disabilities.
Speaking just before the motorcade started, Clinical Director Intellectual Disabilities Morrisa Rogers said, “As Government’s largest agency serving Intellectual Disabilities, we are pleased to join the rest of the world today, Friday 3 December, in recognising International Day of People with Disabilities. We are marking the day with a motorcade, travelling between a number of our partner agencies. I am pleased to welcome Minister of Social Development and Seniors, the honourable Tinee Furbert to officially launch this event for us.”
Short | 2 minute video showing highlights of the motorcade
Minister of Social Development and Seniors Tinee Furbert said, “I am pleased to be joining you again this year for the second annual motorcade to mark the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
“Today as we celebrate the theme “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-Covid-19 world.” This theme must not be forgotten on us as the years pass. Leadership and participation are consistently needed for future progression and I look forward to all of us being responsible for the progression we desire.
“I would like to thank the staff and team MAWI who service our intellectually disabled population. Thank you for being there when the challenges get tough. Thank you for making your presence known and our beautiful clients’ presence known in our community. Thank you for the work that you are doing to advance the direction of inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
“The effects of the pandemic have been challenging for our people with disabilities as they have had to endure further limitations such as reduced connection with services and programmes, freedom of movement, and socialisation with family and friends.
“They have also been placed in a category of vulnerability, regardless if their health was stable. It is important that we recognise that not all individuals with disabilities are likely to be at increased risk.
“Risk may be related to group living, assistance and individual needs, ability to take precautions, and whether a person has coexisting health conditions that make them more vulnerable if they do get Covid-19.
Long | 25 minute video showing the motorcade traveling around the island
“We have seen the amplification of disruptions in education, employment, health care, and social services. Parents and staff took on full-time caregiving roles, while also stepping into new roles as special educators, and therapists, and more.
“To all of those who rose to the occasion to care for our disabled population, your dedication does not go unnoticed.
“Our disabled population are often not seen, and are too easily forgotten, so MAWI has created this amazing opportunity to utilise a motorcade to showcase them.”
“I am excited to participate again and I declare this motorcade officially starts now.”
Read More About
Category: All, News, Photos, Videos
