November 19^th, 2007

TO:        PRESIDENTS & MEMBERS

NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS, GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS, INSTITUTIONS, FAMILIES and FRIENDS of   PERSONS with DISABILITIES

Re:        DISABIILITY AWARENESS WEEK & TWO-DAY CONFERENCE

Let us give thanks to our God for the wonderful coming together of various organizations that are dedicated to improving the lives of persons with disabilities.

It is with a deep sense of togetherness that I bring you up to date on the Awareness Week and Conference.   Some fourteen organizations have met from time to time to plan the activities.   I am very pleased to inform you that the Minister of State for Social Development, the Honorable Loretta Butler Turner has committed her Ministry to partner with us.

Much gratitude and appreciation is extended to Minister Turner for so willingly pledging to provide transportation and accommodation for our family island delegates.

This is to remind you that our Special Week is Wednesday, November 28^th, 2007 to Tuesday, December 4^th, 2007.    Our theme is “Enabling Full Participation Through Effective Legislation”.   All are being urged to participate in as many of the week’s activities as possible.    This week is particularly geared for persons with disabilities to make their input.   In the words of the Vice President of the Bahamas National Council for Disability, “It provides a window of opportunity to express yourself.  

The activities are as follows:

Wednesday        November 28^th, 2007                               Talk Show (Gems Radio Station)

Thursday &

Friday                November 29^th & 30^th, 2007                      Visit to Schools

Saturday            December 1^st, 2007                                 Fun, Walk & Push @ 9:00 am.

                                                                                    Fun Day (immediately following)

                                                                                    with lots of Games & Entertainment

Sunday December 2^nd, 2007                                Worship Service

(Zion Baptist Church)

Monday &          December 3^rd, 2007                                World Disabled Day and Opening of

Tuesday             December 4^th, 2007                                 the   Two Day Conference

(Sandals Royal Bahamian Hotel)

Please be advised that the Opening Ceremony will take place on   Monday, December 3^rd, 2007 at   9:30 a.m. at   Sandals Royal   Bahamian Hotel.   We are still awaiting confirmation from the Prime Minister who has been invited to officially open the event.

There will be many interesting sessions during the Conference which include:

1. Finding   and Utilizing the Talent of the Disabled
2. The Legislation
3. Panel Discussion on Accessibility
4. Housing
5. Needs Assessment

We will also be graced by our Minister who will also speak.   There will be an opportunity of cause for organizations to network.  

The week will climax with a concert on Tuesday, December 4^th, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. under the theme “Let’s Laugh”.   You are invited to participate in this evening of fun either through song, dance, poetry – whatever.  

Oh!   There is an eighty dollar $80.00 REGISTRATION FEE for the Conference.   This provides you with   light refreshments at the coffee break and lunch for both days.

Here’s looking forward to as many of you as possible to be in attendance.

God’s Blessings and Guidance.

Sincerely,

Sheila Culmer (Mrs.)

Chairperson

Conference Committee