About the Council

Image of Harambee House the home of the Barbados Council for the DisabledOUR VISION

The realization of a society that values, respects, empowers, accepts and includes all persons with disabilities and the recognition of the council as a catalyst in this process.

OUR HISTORY

The Barbados Council for the Disabled was established in 1976 and continues to be governed by its original objectives. These objectives are borne out in our mission which states:

“Barbados Council for the Disabled is the non governmental umbrella body partnering with all sectors of the community and International Agencies to effect change and champion the rights of all persons with disabilities, ensuring their full and effective integration into society.”

MEMBERSHIP

At present, there are seventeen (17) organizations and four (4) associates affiliated to the Council. These organizations cover a wide cross-section of persons, both disabled and non-disabled. One organization such as the Albert Cecil Graham Development Centre (Formerly the Children’s Development Centre) represents individuals from birth to eighteen (18) years old. Other entities represent adults with disabilities of all ages and other persons working on behalf of persons with disabilities.

The membership therefore encompasses hundreds of persons.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The Board of Directors are elected biennially from among the Council’s affiliate organisations. The current Board is headed by Ms. Kerryann Ifill , the board comprises the following: Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relations Officer, six (6) elected Directors and three (3) ex-Officio Directors representing the ministries of Health and Education, as well as the National Disabilities Unit. The Board is responsible for overseeing the management of the Council’s affairs, and the creation of policies.

The Secretariat is manned by four administrative persons; the Operations Manager, the Administrative Officer, The Finance Administrative Officer, and the Administrative Project Officer. The Secretariat oversees the day-to-day operations of the Council’s affairs. Additionally, the staff compliment also includes, two bus drivers, a bus attendant, a general worker and a caretaker.