Participants in the just concluded AccessAbility: Pathways to Independence Programme have been challenged to continue believing in their abilities and pursuing opportunities as they transition into the next phase of their personal and professional development.
Speaking at today’s closing ceremony for the eight-week initiative, Programme Manager of the People Development Implementation and Monitoring Unit, in the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector, Erika Watson, praised participants for investing in themselves through learning, skills development, and community engagement.
Ms. Watson said the programme provided valuable opportunities to strengthen employability skills, improve financial literacy, support independent living, and build advocacy and leadership capabilities. She noted that personal development remained a critical component of workforce readiness.
“The ability to believe in yourself can be transformative. The ability to communicate effectively opens doors, and the ability to persevere through challenges can create opportunity. These are not just soft skills; they are important life skills and tools of empowerment,” she added.
Emphasising the importance of social justice and inclusion, the Programme Manager stressed that Persons with Disabilities must be empowered not only to access employment, but also to thrive within the labour market.
“Persons with disabilities must not simply be allowed to participate in the labour market, but they must be empowered to thrive within it and realise their full potential. A truly inclusive labour market is one where ability is recognised over assumption, talent is valued over stereotype, and opportunity is determined by capability and not prejudice,” she stated.
She further noted that one of the greatest obstacles facing persons with disabilities was often society’s perception of their abilities.
“One of the most significant barriers faced by persons with disabilities is not physical; it is perception. Too often, society focuses on limitation rather than capability,” Ms. Watson said.
She highlighted several Ministry initiatives aimed at increasing opportunities for persons with disabilities, including the JobStart Plus programme and a second programme specifically for young persons with hearing impairments, scheduled to commence in August.
She gave the assurance that the Ministry would continue supporting graduates of the AccessAbility programme as they pursue employment opportunities.
Ms. Watson also outlined ongoing efforts to engage employers, human resource professionals, and occupational safety and health practitioners in disability awareness and accessibility training, while promoting inclusive workplace practices and universal design principles.
“Disability does not define potential. Talent exists in every community, and given opportunity, people will not simply participate, they will excel,” she said, adding that programmes such as AccessAbility: Pathways to Independence help challenge outdated narratives and create meaningful opportunities for inclusion.
The AccessAbility: Pathways to Independence Programme was implemented through a partnership involving the Rotary Club of Barbados South, the Barbados Council for the Disabled, and the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector.
The initiative provided participants with practical training in several areas, including workplace readiness, financial literacy, digital skills, accessible agriculture, and professional development.
