Members of disabled community looking to entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is a useful tool towards gaining financial independence and members of the disabled community embraced this fact during a ‘Journey Towards Inclusion’ workshop on Monday.

Coordinated by the National Disabilities Unit, several persons with disabilities gathered in the auditorium of the National Union of Public Workers Dalkeith Headquarters for the first day of a two-day seminar to hear presentations on how to choose the right business, develop business ideas and business plans, access funding, and the delivery of good customer service.

The talks were conducted by representatives from the TVET Council, the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation, and the Small Business Association. Meanwhile, today the event continues with persons from the National Initiative on Service Excellence and FUNDACCESS, while a special presentation is to be done by Pastor Dale Haynes.

“Armed with the knowledge that we all have gifts and abilities, the aim of the symposium is to equip those with disabilities with the knowledge and strategies needed to become self-sufficient,” said Tracey McCollin of the NDU at the opening, while urging those gathered to take advantage of opportunities available.

Acting Director of the NDU Waple Brathwaite stated that the workshop was based on the fact that there as a “need for persons with disabilities to be given the opportunity for integration and participation in all aspects of community life and that includes entrepreneurship.”

“For persons with disabilities, this is a journey where you would be taught the rudiments of entrepreneurship and its sustainability. Maybe you have a dream of owning your own business, here is an opportunity for you to find out how it can be done and the tools you will need to succeed,” she insisted.

She further said that the NDU was committed to developing programs for the vulnerable and socially disadvantaged, and creating an equitable society for the disabled community. (JMB)