DPI NAC donates books for and about disability to the Antigua Public Library

In response to an increasing need for the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda to become more knowledgeable of, sensitive to, and respectful of the rights and capabilities of persons with disabilities, Disabled Peoples' International  North America and the Caribbean (DPI NAC) donated 30 books for and about disability to the Antigua Public Library on Friday, June 27, 2008 at the DPI NAC Regional Office. 

The long-term intention is to create a Disability Resource Centre at the Library.  The Office is working with Chief Librarian, Mrs. Dorothea Nelson to establish a well-rounded collection of disability-related books for many different potential readers, including adults, children, parents and teachers.  The goal is to increase public awareness of disabilities, and therefore improve attitudes toward persons with disabilities, through access to literature.

Peace Corps Response Volunteer, Mindy Nissenberg in her capacity as the DPI NAC Regional Office Project Development Officer, applied for the books for and about persons with disabilities from the American non-profit organization, Darien Book Aid.  The books cover a wide range of topics including  information about specific disabilities, biographies of famous individuals with disabilities, and effective teaching methods for working with students with disabilities.

These books, together with the Library’s existing assortment of disability-related titles, will provide a strong platform for a vibrant and comprehensive Disability Resource Centre, but we are eager to augment the growing collection with additional materials, especially those aimed at children and teens. 

The DPI NAC Regional Office and the Antigua Public Library welcome any interested individuals and corporate partners who would like to collaborate with us on this venture.  The Office would like to see materials that teach youth that persons with disabilities are capable, competent, and worthy of the same respect afforded to others included in the Resource Centre.

Mrs. Nelson thanked Mr. Leslie A. Emanuel, DPI NAC Regional Development Officer (RDO) for the contribution of books that will hopefully raise interest in what the Library has to offer.  Mrs. Nelson is a strong advocate for disability rights, and has been working tirelessly to ensure that future library programmes and services are fully accessible to persons with disabilities in Antigua and Barbuda.

Mr. Clifford Clark, a Peace Corps Volunteer attached to the Antigua Public Library was also on hand to receive the books.

PHOTO: (left to right) Leslie A. Emanuel (Mr.), Clifford Clark, Dorothea Nelson and Mindy Nissenberg