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Human Rights Commissioner Kerry Ann Ifill has challenged scout leaders to radically shift their perspective from merely managing physical limitations to fostering genuine, everyday social inclusion.
Speaking at the Barbados Boy Scouts Inclusive Training Programme hosted at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex on Saturday, Ifill said individuals with disabilities share the same desires, capacities, and aspirations as the rest of society.
As part of a workshop exercise, participants were asked to simulate aspects of living with disabilities; some were blindfolded, others used wheelchairs, and some wore earplugs to limit their hearing. Reflecting on the activity, Ifill said that such brief experiences cannot fully capture the complexity of living with a disability.
She contended that people should be recognised for their identity and citizenship, rather than defined by physical challenges.
“I’m not just a blind person. I’m not just a woman with a disability. I’m not just a person with a disability; I’m a woman too, with the same needs, wants, desires, abilities, capacities, and capabilities as the rest of the women in this room. I’m a citizen of Barbados, just like all of the rest of you.”
To illustrate her point, Ifill shared that later that evening she would be attending the 41st installation dinner of her Rotary Club at the Savannah Beach Hotel, where she would officially become the club’s new president.
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She humorously revealed that she had to consult an artificial intelligence assistant that morning to find out what the traditional presidential collar actually looks like, highlighting how even the most supportive, well-meaning networks can occasionally overlook the unique perspectives of accessibility.
With Barbados facing a rapidly ageing population and a high prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases, Ifill warned that the reality of dealing with physical impairments will eventually touch almost everyone in the country. She urged the leaders to ensure young scouts are prepared to accept and adapt to these differences, rather than viewing them as insurmountable obstacles to participation.
“The work that you do through this project is change-making,” Ifill said as she praised the scout leaders for their dedication.
(RR)
