NASSAU, The Bahamas -- The Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and other non-governmental organizations for Persons with Disabilities held a press conference on November 28, 2022 announcing the launch of Disability Awareness week.

Disability Awareness Week, officially launched in 2010, is a week dedicated to celebrating persons with disabilities while promoting the fundamental rights of persons with disabilities.

According to the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, taking pause to highlight the life experiences and accomplishments of persons with disabilities all over the country is important.

“We have made disability a priority and we will continue, as best we can, to include all the disabled, lift their integrity, create confidence, and ensure that the nation appreciates who you are, what you are, your capacity and your ability. It’s fundamental,” he said.

Under the theme “United We Stand, Together WE Can,” the week is slated to be filled with various activities including: Corporate T-Shirt day, an Icon Awards ceremony, a motorcade, Family Day,  a concert, rally and church service.

Another major event taking place during Disability Awareness Week is the official launch of an accessibility app for mobile devices.

The launch of an accessibility app will introduce a new initiative where the app will already be installed on all devices purchased from Aliv, according to CEO of Aliv, John Gomez.

“Anyone who gets a device can get the app available to them to use so they can communicate with everyone,” he said.

Encouraging the public to support the events for Disability Awareness Week, Minister Wilchcombe said that the focus on harmony and celebration, in line with the theme of unity, will allow for set goals to be met as it relates to those living with disabilities.

“We can, together. We cannot do it separate. The government is not alone in this. We’re all part of a community. And if we do and work together, the things we can achieve are just beyond measure,” he said.

Disability Awareness Week will be observed December 1st to December 7th, 2022 along with the recognition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd, 2022.

The Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, brings remarks at a press conference announcing the launch of Disability Awareness Week 2022.  Disability Awareness Week is an initiative introduced by the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, in conjunction with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and representatives from various non-governmental organizations for Persons with Disabilities, to celebrate persons with disabilities and increase public awareness. The press conference was held at Stapledon School, November 28, 2022.  (BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)