From left at the head table, Mr. Ewart Cummings, Mrs. Barbara Lawrence, Mr. Charles Miller, Ambassador John Jones, Dr. Shellon Bovell and Mr. Arthur Lewis.

The occasion was aimed at creating and promoting an awareness of the possibilities the centre can endow in the beneficiaries at its ‘B’ Field, Sophia, Georgetown location.

Jones said help for such persons is something that each government must consider and, during the day, two students, Naomi Cyrus and Adonica McDonald gave a power point presentation on ‘The hard facts about soft drinks.’

Facilitator using sign language to convey the proceeding to the deaf trainees of the centre

Among the stakeholders present were Director of the Ministry of Health’s Rehabilitation Services, Mrs. Barbara Lawrence, who confirmed the programmes are to train the target group to become able workers.

Centre Manager, Mr. Arthur Lewis attested that the disabled are capable of undertaking many things, even more than some able persons.

Peace Corps Programme and Training Officer, Mr. Charles Miller agreed that theirs is a rewarding task to teach technical skills to a promising group.

He lauded the work of Peace Corps volunteer, Mr. Chase Chisholm, who is posted at the centre.

Chisholm told the Guyana Chronicle: “It is encouraging to know that we have the support of various organisations as, with more support, our initiative can go a long way.”

He alluded to two projects that the centre has embarked on to boost awareness and empower persons with disabilities.

In one, trainees are expected to complete a twelve-week attachment with public or private entities and this helps to showcase the capabilities of disabled persons and the other is partnership with schools, primarily in a twin programme where disabled youths are paired with others in the public school system to facilitate tutoring sessions among other activities.

However, the overall objectives include:

* integration and reintegration of persons with disabilities in the working life and society;

* improvement of life conditions for persons with disabilities from a social viewpoint;

* reduction of poverty for persons with disabilities;

* reduction of the unemployment rate amongst them;

* ensuring their achievement, retention and advancement in suitable employment;

* creation of a community network;

* professional training and, most importantly,

* raising public awareness about the rights and capacities of persons with disabilities.