December 10th 2011
The NCPD MINUTE

I awoke in a flurry as my senses were assaulted by the overly sterile odour of antiseptic and the almost painful glare of bright fluorescent lights. A darkened figure stood over me, while two shapely white figures puttered about in the background...

I stared into nothingness while the doctor revealed my fate: life’s vivacity being drained away with every word spoken. Due to the foolishness of a drunk driver who had rammed into my car while swerving carelessly on the highway, I would never walk again; I was now nothing more than an invalid who would rely on others from now on. For the rest of my days I would be confined to a wheelchair doing nothing but awaiting my impending death. I continued in self pity for three months and grew into a bitter shell of a person.

My life was transformed instantly one day when I met a man who is a Field Officer from the National Council of & for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD). He spoke to me about the great things that persons with disabilities are doing to improve their economic stability in the country community and also to enlighten the community on the rights of persons with disabilities.

Let me take a minute to pass on my newly acquired knowledge. The NCPD was established in 1981 at the start of the United Nations “Decade of the Disabled” and has since then been the umbrella body which promotes policies, programs, practices and procedures for persons with disabilities.

The NCPD also provides assistance in the forms of mobility aids, physiotherapy services and advocacy to the disabled populace. Much is being done by this Council but yet not many persons are aware of this. NCPD spearheads many projects which assist persons with disabilities in becoming entrepreneurs for example many projects such as Honey Production and Carving & Sculpting are currently being undertaken. Hundreds of food parcels and mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, are being donated yearly to persons with disabilities who cannot otherwise provide for themselves.

This year the NCPD celebrated 30 years in existence and today, Saturday December 3rd, 2011 was commemorating International Day of Persons with Disabilities, under the theme; “Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development.” This will be celebrated in grand style with a Talent Show at the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School. Tickets will be sold at the door, there will be a raffle and food and drinks will be on sale. Come celebrate the achievements of persons with disabilities with us. A good time is definitely in store for you.
Look out for another article next week. Until then, keep reaching out to your neighbour in whatever way that you can!

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