Antigua and Barbuda today joins the global community in observing International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities, a day dedicated to raising awareness, championing equal rights, and advancing a world where accessibility and dignity are universal.

This year’s United Nations theme — “Fostering Disabilities Disability-Inclusive Society for Advancing Social Progress” — underscores a powerful message: progress for persons with disabilities is progress for the entire nation.

President of the Antigua and Barbuda Association of Persons Living with Disabilities, Bernard Warner, told Antigua.News that true inclusion cannot be achieved through legislation or goodwill alone. Instead, he said, it must be built through cooperation across all levels of society.

Church Service on Sunday to Officially Start Week of Activities

“A disability-inclusive society is not created by law alone nor by good intention,” Warner emphasized.

“It is built through active participation among governments, communities, families, and individuals working together to remove barriers and secure equal rights.”

Warner stressed that when people with disabilities have full and equal access to education, healthcare, employment, technology, and transportation, the entire nation becomes stronger.

“When we ensure that people with disabilities have full access… we strengthen the entire nation,” he said.

He noted that this year’s theme challenges Antiguans and Barbudans to imagine a society where accessibility is standard, not an afterthought, and where people with disabilities contribute fully, without stigma or limitation.

“A world where stigma is replaced with understanding and exclusion is replaced with opportunity,” Warner said, calling it a vision that requires collective commitment and action.

The Association hosted a series of activities leading up to today’s observance, beginning with a church service on November 30.

On December 1 and 2, members participated in workshops designed to provide safe, empowering spaces for dialogue, support, and personal development.

Workshop on Monday

Today, December 3, members of the disability community will take to the streets of St. John’s in a march aimed at amplifying their visibility and reminding the nation that many still face daily challenges.

“We will be marching through the city of St. John’s to bring awareness that the work has not ended,” Warner said. Adding, many of us are still struggling and still having difficulties all around us.”

The march begins at 4pm from Bend Down on Market Street.

Warner thanked the advocates, caregivers, policymakers, and allies who continue to push for justice, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all people living with disabilities. But he also delivered a sober reminder that the fight is far from over.

“Even so,” he said, “the work is not over.”

As Antigua and Barbuda reflects on this global observance, today’s message is clear: inclusion is not optional—it is essential. And building a society where every person can participate fully and proudly is not only achievable, but necessary for true national progress.