From the left, President of the Barbados Council for the Disabled Kerry-Ann Ifill, President of BARP Marilyn Rice-Bowen, Public Relations Officer of the BCD Christopher Gilkes, Deputy of BARP Dame Billie Miller, at the hand over of the fully accessible certificate presentation
By Shantelle Legall-Gibson on Wednesday, 23 March, 2022 at 08:04 PM
The Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) is placing greater focus on improving the livelihoods of people living with disabilities.
President of BARP, Marilyn Rice-Bowen, made this disclosure on Wednesday, March 23rd, during the official unveiling and presentation of BARP’s fully accessible Barbados certificate, presented by the Barbados Council for the Disabled (BCD).
Rice-Bowen stated the organization is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have safe access to function properly in business places.
"This activity demonstrates our national and social commitment to the rights of the differently able to live, work, and exist in spaces where they can experience a sense of safety and security in any area they elect to do business."
Touring the facility, there is evidence of BARP’s commitment and dedication to being fully accessible.
Public Relations officer of the BCD, Christopher Gilkes could be seen maneuvering easily, even in reverse, on the newly renovated ramp, which operations manager of BCD, Roseanna Tutor, called "one of the best ramps on the island".
Sections in front of the office and bathrooms were adjusted in height and width to facilitate people with disabilities. The infrastructure also has a state-of-the-art chair lift, which comfortably transported Gilkes to the second floor in his wheelchair, accompanied by one other person, with adequate space to accommodate more.
President of the Barbados Council for the Disabled, Kerry-Ann Ifill, says the presentation of today’s certificate recognizes BARP’s commitment to providing a more inclusive space. She noted the BCD's relationship with BARP will also strengthen as BARP will become a cooperative member of BCD’s board of directors.
There are currently approximately 30 facilities in Barbados that are accredited as fully accessible. Ifill mentioned that there is a need for more businesses to come on board towards the goal of a Fully Accessible Barbados (FAB).
"I'd love to see at least a 50 percent increase in buildings accredited by the end of this year so that we can start our accreditation process with the various companies. We are going to do some more awareness-raising so people are aware of what it means to be FAB so that they can come on board and bring the process forward. "