“See Ability, Not Disability” is the slogan for a dynamic, inclusive promotional campaign engineered by major stakeholders to raise awareness of the mobility and social standards of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in society.
To this end, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Crime Prevention, Conflict Resolution and Persons With Disabilities is championing the cause, alongside several local agencies and other interest groups. The promotional campaign is primarily geared to challenge social stigma and foster greater inclusion across Saint Lucia.
A major highlight of the campaign is the selection of four (4) Ambassadors to portray the theme and objectives of this significant national initiative.
The initiative is focused on telling the success stories of these astute ambassadors, while driving home the point that PWDs must be regarded as individuals with equal rights in society.
“Our efforts are directed to promote greater awareness, understanding, inclusion and acceptance in our communities,” Chantal Lawrence, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and other portfolios declared, as she addressed the gathering at Monday’s press launch.
Furthermore, Lawrence said , “This campaign is much more than a slogan: it is about transforming lives”, and ensuring that Persons With Disabilities are counted for what they can achieve and recognized as productive citizens in the country.
The DPS added that it is imperative for persons to look at PWDs beyond their disabilities and barriers, and most importantly to embrace them as equals in society.
Defining the role of the “four extraordinary ambassadors,” Lawrence cited critical areas that they embody: potential, resilience, dignity, and contribution.
The four individuals selected as ambassadors for Saint Lucia’s “See Ability, Not Disability” campaign represent different areas of impairment:
- Christy Joseph – Representing visual impairment.
- Kevin Jn Baptist – Representing mobility impairment.
- Vanessa Louie – Representing hearing or auditory impairment.
- Dr. Delius Samuel – Representing developmental impairment.
These ambassadors will be sharing their personal stories of overcoming physical and social barriers to showcase the diverse capabilities and civic contributions of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Notably, the leadership for this national campaign is backed by Minister Jeremiah Norbert, a champion within the PWDs membership and staunch advocate for fighting the negative stereotypes and highlight the true potential of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“I am extremely happy to be at this particular juncture,” Minister Norbert said. He emphasized that the project aims: “To treat disability as a priority…and to change the perception. ”
The Minister emphasized that the campaign aims “to create a paradigm shift in the way society deals with Persons With Disabilities.”
A highlight of the media launch was the Premiere of the Official Campaign Soundtrack produced by a delighted and overly excited Joy Melody Stanley, a PWD student from the southern community, assisted by local Soca artist and youth mentor Arthur Allan.
Ultimately, the initiative focuses on showcasing real-life stories of individuals overcoming physical and social barriers, emphasizing community contributions over limitations.