2022 described as a ‘challenging’ year for DAPD

Executive Director of the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities (DAPD) Earnica Esprit has described 2022 as a challenging year for the association.

She made the disclosure during a recent interview with Dominica News Online (DNO).

According to Esprit the main challenges faced were financial.

“The year 2022 was challenging for us and although we had the extension of our multi-purpose centre with addition of our auditorium, we were planning on implementing new programs and also programs we already have in place for members, but because of financial challenges we had to scale down all our programs and activities,” she said. “So that was a disappointment for the Association in 2022.”

Esprit said although the DAPD have been faced with financial challenges the association was able to receive some income from the use of its auditorium.

“We have been getting interest in the use of our auditorium. We have had an increase of other people using it, so there we have been bringing in some income,” she explained.

Esprit went on to state that one of its major highlights for 2022 was honouring its longest serving pioneer, Nathalie Murphy during the association’s 39th Anniversary in October.

“The auditorium was named after her,” Esprit stated.

She said the DAPD is looking forward to better things in 2023.

This Esprit said includes; the reintroduction of training programs for its members, “ITC programs, educational programs” among others.

She thanked the benefactors and social partners for their contribution.