In an overwhelming show of support, citizens of the Virgin Islands (VI), took part in a disability awareness march and fun day aimed at bringing attention to the struggles of differently abled persons living in the territory. Photo: VINO

The road march held yesterday April 12, 2019, also brought attention to Autism as a large number of persons pranced through the streets of Road Town, Tortola, starting from the Autism Centre and ending at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park. Photo: VINO

With a majority of the participants being children supported by their parents and loved ones, persons living with autism and other challenges also joined the match. Photo: VINO

Present were teachers and even Governor of the VI, His Excellence Augustus J. U. Jaspert, who expressed delight at the support for the event. Photo: VINO

The road march, held yesterday April 12, 2019, also brought attention to Autism as a large number of persons pranced through the streets of Road Town, Tortola, starting from the Autism Centre and ending at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park.

Children take the Lead

With a majority of the participants being children supported by their parents and loved ones, persons living with autism and other challenges also joined the march. Present were teachers and even Governor of the VI, His Excellence Augustus J. U. Jaspert, who expressed delight at the support for the event.

In the words of Gov Jaspert, “It’s important that we are celebrating persons with disabilities, celebrating the awareness of Autism, in the BVI we value everybody in society, we want the best for everybody and we want to support them to get their best and this is what this is about.”

He further said, “There are children who sometimes do have some extra needs, but how can we best support them, best recognize them and bring out the best in everybody in society here?”

Ms Lorna Dawson, Program Director of the Autism Center said that it is very important, the need to bring awareness to disabilities and that her organisation will never stop advocacy on the topic, “We are creating awareness and it’s especially important that we are working with the children because when children start accepting from young—persons with disabilities—they grow up learning to live and working with them.”

Accepting People

According to Ms Dawson, “Years down the road we expect our society to be looking much more different, being more accepting of persons with disabilities.”

Once in the Park, those supporting the movement had an opportunity to view to two educational purposes before mingling and celebrating with other participants living with disabilities.