NASSAU, The Bahamas -- School students are being tutored in Disability Sensitivity, Advocacy, and Sign Language by representatives of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).

On Wednesday, Mr. Kendrick Rolle, Deputy Chairman of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and Special Projects Officer of the Disability Affairs Division, Department of Social Services, along with Mrs. Annette Lunn, NCPD Deaf Interpreter and Mr. Thorne Clarke NCPD Inspector, visited A. F.  Adderley Junior High School and hosted a Disability Sensitivity Workshop for some 50 students.

The students, a mix of all grade levels, were educated on the global and local statistics related to disability. They also learned the importance of disability sensitivity, the country’s responsibilities to the community of persons with disabilities, their personal responsibility, and disability etiquette.

Students were also taught the alphabet in Sign Language, blindfold games and had first-hand experience about living with a disability in a wheelchair.

Most importantly, they learned about inclusion, accessibility, equality and respect for the community of persons with disabilities.  Students thoroughly enjoyed the presentations, and were also quite enthusiastic about winning the gift certificates generously donated by local businesses.

The most enthusiastic received disability advocacy pins to wear at school daily, solidifying their commitment to uphold the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.

In attendance were Ms. Nalini Bethel, NCPD Chairperson; Mrs. Monique Olurin, President of Abilities Unlimited; and Mrs. Raquel Rolle-Munroe, Special Education Unit Officer and other faculty and staff of A. F.  Adderley School.

During the week, Mr. Rolle and his team also hosted workshops at C.C. Sweeting High School and Judith P.  Thompson (Centerville) Primary School.