OUR GENESIS
DAPD Inc. was established in 1983 by nine disabled persons with the late Reginald Rolle being the Founder. As a cross disability, consumer based movement, our philosophy has been self-advocacy, self-help, self-reliance and self-representation.
OUR INITIAL OBJECTIVES WERE:
- To act as an advocate in all matters concerning the holistic development and welfare of persons with disabilities in the society.
- To promote and undertake programs to enable the full participation and equalization of opportunities by all persons with disabilities at all levels of society.
MISSION STATEMENT
DAPD is committed to creating opportunities and to the promotion of effective measures whereby Persons with Disabilities can actively and equally participate in their country’s socio-economic development through education, training, rehabilitation and employment.
VISION STATEMENT
The Vision of DAPD is to achieve an “all-inclusive society” and enhance the dignity and status of Persons with Disabilities, through legislation, policies and administrative measures to be initiated by the State.
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
We feel proud to have achieved the following:
- Construction of our Multi-purpose Development Centre/Headquarters
- Lobbying the Government of Dominica to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD)
- Production of a documentary on Vision 2020: The Right to Sight featuring persons with impaired vision and three (3) interesting features.
- Undertaking of Regional Exchange Programmes
- Organising of several Sign Language Programmes.
- Production of three (3) educational videos addressing Access, Education and DAPD’s advocacy work.
- Establishment of a Cricket for the Blind Team
- Organising of ICT training workshops to ensure that Persons with Disabilities become computer Literate especially Persons with Impaired Vision
- Partnering with the St. Lucia Blind Welfare Association to establish the Windward Islands Cricket and other Sports Association for Persons with Impaired Vision (WICSAPIV)
- Organising of two Disable People Queen Pageants and Mr. DAPD Show
- Establishment of a Speech and Hearing-Impaired Dance Group
- Showcasing of Persons with Disabilities creative and artistic abilities with the organizing of several Cultural Shows
- Greater awareness raising for access to the physical environment and public buildings
- Introduction of Cricket for the Blind to Dominica
- Public demonstrations and awareness raising of the White Cane used by persons with impaired vision.
- Increased public awareness about the creative abilities and capabilities of persons with disabilities.
- Train dozens in independent living, income generating and leadership skills
- Acquire assistive devices, aids and equipment for persons with disabilities who are unable to afford.
- Assist Persons with Disabilities to build their confidence and self esteem
- Empowered Persons with Disabilities to be their own advocates.
- Work effectively regionally and internationally on the status of persons with disabilities.
OUR DEVELOPMENT WORK
As a non-profit organization, DAPD's undertakings are of a patriotic, charitable, philanthropic, social and educational nature.
We offer skills development programmes aimed at assisting persons with disabilities to become productive and contributing members of the society.
We also organize special events so as to provide recreation, leisure and socialization, since we view disability as part of human diversity.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
DAPD’s Public Education programmes are directed primarily at the non-disabled community. It is designed to promote awareness about the issues of disability and to share information on the capabilities and achievements of persons with disabilities.
Activities that are organised include: observance of Blind Awareness Month, World Sight Day, White Cane Day, and International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
Consultations, Seminars, Rallies, Dinner in the Dark are organised on an annual or biennial basis. Information disseminated all help to improve the status of persons with disabilities.
Short-term Courses in Sign Language are conducted to enable more hearing persons to communicate with persons who are speech and hearing impaired.
TRAINING and SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
DAPD also conducts skills development programmes with the main being Information and Communication Technology.
Given the potential that ICT has for creating employment, and based on the growing interest of persons with disabilities to become computer literate, these ICT programmes enable persons with disabilities to maximise the opportunities that can be derived from modern technology.
Sessions are also conducted in leadership and management, all in keeping with human resource development.
SOCIAL INTERACTIONS
Social development and recreational activities are important in the life of persons with disabilities and this DAPD also organises. They are meant to expose, showcase and enhance the talents and creative abilities of persons with disabilities and provide them with the opportunity to participate in the social life of the island.
Special events such as variety concerts, pageants and sports have been the main activities.
In the area of sports, Cricket for the Blind and Wheel-a-walk-a-thon take the spotlight.