Purple was the color shown off today at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute (MWI), the island’s only mental hospital, in support of the United Nation’s International Day of Disabilities.
Some patients from the institute were all smiles as they hopped on a train and participated in a special motorcade, which commenced from the hospital and proceeded down Palmetto Road and Happy Valley, going through the city of Hamilton and past KEMH via Point Finger Road before ending back at MWI.
Kicking off and leading the motorcade was the Honorable Minister of Social Development and Seniors Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, who had a few remarks at MWI following an introduction from MWI Clinical Director of Intellectual Disabilities Morissa Rogers.
“ Today as we celebrate leadership and participation of persons with disabilities towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world, the theme must not be forgotten as years pass,” Minister Furbert said. “ Leadership and participation are needed for future progression and I look forward to all of us being responsible for the progression that we desire.
She also highlighted some of the negative effects that the Coronavirus has had for people with disabilities; such as reduced programs at the institute and limited freedom of both movement and socialization with family and friends.
“ It’s important to recognize that not all people with disabilities are likely to be at an increased risk,” she said. “ Risk may be related to living assistance and individual needs, the ability to take precaution and whether a person has coexisting medical conditions which make them more vulnerable to COVID-19.”
She also sincerely thanked the MWI staff and team for being there for patients, even when times were tough and for trying their best to advance inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Parents and staff have taken on full-time caregiving roles while also stepping into new roles as special educators, therapists and more,” the Minister said.
“ To all of those who rose to the occasion to care for our disabled population, your dedication has not gone unnoticed . . . I am excited to participate in this motorcade again and I officially declare that it starts now.”————————————————————————Any content which is considered unsuitable, unlawful, or offensive, includes personal details, advertises or promotes products, services or websites, or repeats previous comments will be removed.
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