The Authentic Caribbean Foundation (ACF), in partnership with the Generation Grenada Foundation, the Government of Grenada, and the Caribbean Development Bank, is set to host the first Caribbean Disability Conference from October 9 to 13, 2024, in Grenada. This conference’s theme will be “Community Access, Empowerment, and Inclusion,” and aims to unite various stakeholders to discuss critical issues related to disability and inclusion within the Caribbean region.
A key focus of the conference will be a global report commissioned by UNICEF, which emphasizes the necessity for effective program designs tailored for youth with disabilities. ACF and its collaborators will engage deeply with the findings of this report to ensure that the Caribbean aligns with international initiatives aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities. The agenda will cover a range of topics, including advocacy, awareness, education, legislative measures, and the obstacles to inclusion. Preparatory discussions are already taking place among various online groups that have committed to participating in the conference.
According to a 2023 report from the World Health Organization (WHO), around 16% of the global population—approximately 1.3 billion individuals—live with disabilities and frequently encounter significant barriers to accessing healthcare, rehabilitation, and specialized support services, leading to premature mortality for many.
ACF has contributed to the enhancement of the lives of individuals with disabilities in the Caribbean, by its ongoing initiative to supply medical equipment and the recently launched Futuristic Learning Through Youth Involvement program in collaboration with the Generation Grenada Foundation (GGF).
“I am so excited about bringing the region together on the serious topic of disability as we seek to amplify the voices of our people including civil society,” stated Andrew Sharpe, Founder and CEO of ACF. “We are moving as one Caribbean; no one is being left out.”
The discussions will be facilitated by representatives from community organizations, regional government bodies, international advocacy groups, educational institutions, and subject matter experts. A detailed white paper will be produced during the conference and presented to Caricom and regional governments, providing essential insights and recommendations to further the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Additional collaborators for the conference include the Grenada Tourism Authority, Advocacy Grenada, CommUnity of the Deaf, the United Nations, Soul Touchin Experiences LLC, the Jamaica Ex-Servicemen and Women Foundation, JONSTAR Consulting Group, Tim’s Big Heart Foundation, Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, and Sorana Mitchell Worlds.
Your caption below the picture says St. Vincent.
ADMIN: This was the caption provided by the organization. They operate in the Caribbean not just Grenada.