One parent of a special needs child wants more to be done for persons with disabilities in Antigua and Barbuda.
Carmelita Archibald expressed the desire at the end of a two-week camp Friday which she organised for young people with special needs. Archibald, who has a daughter with special needs, has hosted Camp Exceptional for the past two years. This year, she partnered with the Community Development Division in the Ministry of Social Transformation and the Schools for the Deaf and Blind.
The initiative aims to give individuals a rewarding experience while exposing them to a new environment which it is hoped can further enhance their abilities.
This year approximately 34 young people participated along with 19 volunteers. The campers were involved in various activities like sports, art and craft and field trips to Sting Ray City, Wadadli Nature Zoo in Bethesda and the Interpretation Centre.
A number of organisations supported this year’s camp like Digicel, who was the main sponsor, Bike Plus, Christos, Dadli Designs at the Craft Market, Payless and Oasis Water.
Archibald would like to see greater opportunties open up for persons with special needs. She is hoping that the country will be able to establish a Diagnostic Centre for such individuals since it is costly to seek medical and other treatment for them like rehabilitation.
