NASSAU, The Bahamas – Various organizations and individuals received awards for their efforts and achievements to improve the lives of persons with disabilities at the 2022 Disability Awareness Icon Award Ceremony, Wednesday, December 14.

Now in its second year, the event is put on by non-governmental organizations and hosted to mark Disability Awareness Week (DAW) which was observed December 1st to 7th.  The ceremony was held in the Hearing Room of the Department of Physical Planning, Aventura Plaza, University Drive.  Disability Awareness Week is set aside to celebrate persons with disabilities, and promote the fundamental rights of persons with disabilities.

The winners are:

Special Achievement in Advocacy - Group of the Year - City Lumber
A supporter of the Training Centre for the Disabled

Board Member of the Year - Ms. Rosemarie Munnings (BaCADAS)

Educator of the Year- Zhen A. Rolle (Marjorie Davis School)

Volunteer of the Year- Loma Pratt (R.E.A.C.H)

Female Athlete of the Year- Vashni Thompson (Special Olympics Bahamas)

Male Athlete of the Year - Justin H. Miller (Special Olympics Bahamas), from Grand Bahama

Self-Advocate of the Year – Ms. Edvenna Major (BaCADAS)

Special Achievement in Advocacy - Individual of the Year - Italia Gordon (BSON)

Catalyst of Change of the Year - Bahamas Society of Ophthalmic Nurses (BSON)

Winners of 'Disability Awareness Icon' awards were recognized during a ceremony, December 14, 2022 at the Hearing Room, Aventura Plaza, University Drive.  They are pictured front row after receiving their prizes. Also shown, second row, from left: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development Joel Lewis; Chair of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities Nalini Bethel; and Technical Programmes Officer, Disability Affairs Unit/Department of Social Services, Kendrick Rolle.   (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)