The Location

Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord's Castle Resort & Spa
St. Philips, Barbados, West Indies
October 17 – 22, 2025

What We Do
The Caribbean Disability Network (CDN) will host its second annual regional conference in Bridgetown, Barbados, from
October 17 to 22, 2025. This year's conference will focus on the theme of inclusive education and is designed to bring
together a diverse group of stakeholders to share and discuss innovations, policies, and frameworks for equitable
access to quality education for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Caribbean.

Around 15% of the world’s population, or estimated 1 billion people, live with disabilities. They are the world’s largest minority.

Article 6 of the Inter American Democratic Charter gives the network authority to effect mandates of citizen participation for persons with disabilities. 

UNESCO defines inclusive education as the “process of addressing and responding to the diversity of needs of all children, youth and adults through increasing participation in learning, cultures and communities, and reducing and eliminating exclusion within and from education.
It involves changes and modifications in content, approaches, structures and strategies, with a common vision that covers all children of the appropriate age range and a conviction that it is the responsibility of the regular system to educate all children”.
The Objectives:
1. Promote best practices and frameworks for inclusive education in the Caribbean.
2. Highlight the voices and lived experiences of PWDs and their families.
3. Encourage inter-sectoral collaboration to build inclusive learning environments.
4. Develop a regional action plan and declaration to guide future initiatives.
5. Showcase innovative models through a poster presentation on best practices in inclusive education across the region.

Audience:
 Government policymakers and education officials
 Educators and academic administrators
 Disability advocates and disabled people’s organizations (DPOs)
 Researchers and development partners
 Students with disabilities and their families
 Regional and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
 International funding agencies
 Frontline service providers (police, nurses, first responders, etc.)
Conference PROGRAM
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PROGRAM

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Guest Speakers

Kerryann Ifill FB
The Most Honourable Kerryann Ifill FB is a trailblazer in leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. Losing her sight at the age of five, she became a symbol of resilience, first appearing on the 10¢ stamp during the International Year of the Disabled. At 14, she was the first totally blind student at Combermere Secondary School, later earning qualifications from the University of the West Indies, Durham Business School, and Erdiston Teacher’s Training College.
For over a decade, she championed the rights of persons with disabilities through the Barbados Council for the Disabled, leading advocacy, research, and assistive technology initiatives. Appointed to the Senate in 2008, she became its youngest President in 2012 — and the first woman and person with a disability to hold the post. She serves globally as Vice Chair of the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum, Chair of the CARICOM Advisory Panel on Disabilities, Director-at-Large for the World Blind Union North America–Caribbean Region, Vice President of the Barbados Council for the Disabled, and Public Relations Officer for the National United Society of the Blind Barbados.
Since 2019, she has served with the Rotary Club of Barbados South, advancing projects in inclusion and empowerment. Her community service also includes over 25 years of ministry and music with her church band.
Now an author and keynote speaker, Kerryann shares powerful messages on resilience, leadership, and equity. Honoured with the Order of the Freedom of Barbados (2023) and the Anthony N. Sabga Award for Caribbean Excellence (2024), she continues to inspire change across the world.

Hon. Kirk D. M. Humphrey M.P.
Hon. Kirk D. M. Humphrey, M.P.  is member of the House of Assembly for St. Michael South and the Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs.
Minister Humphrey holds an honors degree from the University of the West Indies and has attended both the London School of Economics, where he gained a Master’s degree in Social Policy and Planning for Developing Countries; and Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government where he received a Master’s in Public Administration with concentrations in Public Policy and Leadership and Leadership and Human Rights. The professional experience of Mr. Humphrey has been vast and has spanned both the public and private sector. He has worked in a number of senior posts in the Government of Barbados including Manager of the Child Care Board and directorships at the Bureau of Social Policy, Research and Planning and the Department of Constituency Empowerment respectively. Minister Humphrey was also for several years a part-time lecturer at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus in the Department of Government, Sociology and Social Work. During the period 2014-2018, Mr. Humphrey was a Senior Development Officer with the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) Barbados office.

Hon. Chad Blackman

Honorable Chad Blackman, Barbadian politician and former diplomat, he now serves as the Minister of Educational Transformation. He served as the Senior Advisor to the Director-General of the ILO, and as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, Vienna, and Rome, and Barbados’ Ambassador to Austria, Hungary, and Serbia. He is the former Chair for the Trade and Environment Committee and former Chair of the Trade and Development Committee, both in the WTO. He chaired the SIDS Group at UNCTAD, was the Americas Co-ordinator for the Government Group in the ILO, and is a UN International Gender Champion Global Board Member.Mr. Blackman holds a Law degree and a Master’s in International Trade Law from the University of Essex.

Dr. Martin Baptiste
Dr. Martin Baptiste, a national of Grenada, is currently an Education Specialist at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Immediately before joining the CDB in 2008, he was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Grenada and prior to that, he held the posts of Chief Education Officer, and Senior Education Officer, Planning and Development.
Dr. Baptiste has been a part-time lecturer at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill and he was a member of the CARICOM Commission established by the Heads of Government to develop the CARICOM 2030 Human Resource Development Strategy. His professional interests include education planning and policy and educational development.
Dr. Baptiste holds a Ph.D. in Education Planning and Policy and a BA (Hons.) – English, from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus. In addition, he is a graduate of the International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP), Paris, France.​

Edmund G. Hinkson, S.C.
Edmund Hinkson, a 1979 University of the West Indies Scholarship winner and Senior Counsel, was called to the Barbados Bar in January, 1985, after completing his studies at the UWI Cave Hill Law Faculty and at Hugh Wooding Law School. After completing his Master’s Degree in Business Law at the University of Ottawa, Edmund established his general legal practice in Barbados. He has practised extensively in most areas of the law over the last 39 years. The MP for Saint James North between February, 2013 and April, 2025, he was the then Opposition BLP’s Shadow Education Minister between February, 2013 and May, 2018. He served as Home Affairs Minister between May, 2018 and July, 2020. A Former Director of the Council for the Disabled between 2013-2018, Edmund was the Deputy Chairman of the National Advisory Committee on the promotion of the Rights and Needs of Persons with Disabilities between 2003-2008 and the Chairman of the National Advisory Committee to Establish a Commission to Improve the Lives of Persons with Disabilities between June, 2022 and March, 2023.
​Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo is the Global Disability Advisor for the World Bank Group. Her work at the Bank focuses on disability-inclusive development under its twin goals to end poverty and promote shared prosperity. As Disability Advisor, she supports operational teams across the institution to ensure that Bank policies, programs, and projects are disability inclusive. She leads analytical product development and interprets Bank policy on disability and development.  
In 2011, as a well-respected human rights lawyer in disability and child rights, she was appointed by President Obama to lead USAID’s work on disability-inclusive development, including developing policies and country strategies for technical assistance for program implementation. Prior to this, she worked as a Senior Operations Officer at the World Bank in the East Asia Pacific and Africa regions. Earlier in her career, she was appointed by President Nelson Mandela as a Commissioner to the South African Human Rights Commission. She focused on social and economic rights, disability rights, and child rights. Charlotte also represented the National Human Rights Institutions during the negotiations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and was a member of the working group that drafted the Treaty. She also worked for UNICEF as a Child Protection Officer in the East and Southern African Office.
Charlotte holds multiple Law Degrees in International Law and Administration from the University of Warsaw, Poland, and Cornell Law School, Ithaca, New York. She has published various articles and works on different topics related to disability-inclusive development and human rights, including the right to food, disability rights, and children’s rights. She recently received an Honorary Doctorate from Stellenbosch University in South Africa and is a Rockefeller Fellow.  Charlotte is also a TEDx speaker; please see the link: https://youtu.be/cQg-jnOfHPQ.
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​​Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo

​​Richard Rieser

Richard Rieser is the managing director of World of Inclusion Ltd, Elected General Secretary of Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum and is an expert disabled international equality trainer, consultant, film maker and writer and teacher.
Richard Rieser, Consultant on Inclusive Education and Disability Equality. www.worldofinclusion.com. In United Kingdom
Training on Inclusion, Disability Equality and implications of the New SEN/Disability Framework for local authorities. For the last 30 years, Richard advised and led on the development of strategies and good practices for implementing inclusive education in London, across the UK and around the world. This included advising the UK Government as a member of the National Advisory Group on SEN, 1997-2002. Leading projects on what constitute reasonable accommodations in 41 schools, leading to 5 ½ hours of films sent to all English schools – The Reasonable Adjustment Project, 2003 -2006 for DFES Examining the implementation of policies and empowerment of young disabled people in 48 schools, 2008 for DCFS
Developing ways of raising awareness of disability in the curriculum from a social model perspective with 25 schools producing 9 films and developing curriculum materials for Curriculum and Assessment Authority, 2009-2010.
Worked with the Anti Bullying Alliance, 2014-2015 to produce resources for teachers and schools to challenge disabilist language and name calling. Made 6 films of two day student workshops, in 2 secondary and 4 primary schools, the materials developed and used, a guide for teachers and a guide to raising disability in the school curriculum. CEO of World of Inclusion since 2009.​​

​Dwayne Devonish

Dwayne Devonish is a Professor of Management and Organisational Behaviour and the Director of the School for Graduate Studies and Research at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.  Professor Devonish possesses a BSc in Psychology from the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill Campus) with First Class Honours, and MSc and PhD in Work and Organisational Psychology from the University of the Nottingham (United Kingdom) with Distinction. In 2020, he was promoted to the rank of Professor at the age of 36 – the second youngest person to attain this rank at the University of the West Indies.  He currently serves as the youngest professor at the institution.  His main areas of interests and specialisation include organisational behaviour and psychology, work-related stress, health and wellness, human resource management, and strategic planning.  He has published extensively on these subjects in both regional and international journals, conducted practical training workshops and engaged in diverse research-based consultancies in these same areas for various organisations.  He was the lead author of the National Workplace Wellness Policy of Barbados in 2019 (the only policy of its kind) and currently sits as a member of the National Committee on Workplace Wellness under the Ministry of Labour, Social Partnership Relations and the Third Sector. 

​​​Ganesh Singh

Ganesh Singh is a blind disability rights advocate who works at the national, regional and international levels to promote the rights of people with disabilities. He currently serves as the Chairman of the National Commission on Disability, programme manager of the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), and he also serves as a director for a number of statutory boards in Guyana including the Board of Industrial Training, and the Council of Technical  Vocational Education Training (TVET).
He also produces and presents two radio programmes and one television programme. Mr. Singh possesses a Post Graduate Diploma in Education with concentration in Higher Education, and a Master Degree in Social Work. 

​​​ Janice Gibbs

Janice Gibbs, an Educator for 40 years, 20 in mainstream and 20 in special needs education, Education Officer Special Needs for 11 years, now happily retired;
Still a teacher; now tutoring at Erdiston Teachers’ Training College Diploma in Special Education; & Barbados Prison Service Remedial English.
Holder of Bachelor’s Degree in Literatures-in-English (UWI) with First Class Honours (parttime) 2001, Masters’ Degree in Special Education, Inclusion and Disability Studies from Institute of Education, University of London, gained on the award of a Commonwealth Scholarship 2002.
Doctorate in Education from University of the West Indies: 2016;
Consultant on Special Education; CEO of JAJL Inclusive Education Consultancy
Married 39 years, with two daughters, and 1 grandson (Jadon) 8 years old
Have been a Christian since 1980. Currently attends Western Light Church of the Nazarene. 

Gale Mohammed-Oxley

​Gale Mohammed-Oxley is a seasoned educator, counselor, and theologian based in Trinidad, one of the islands of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. With a career spanning over 25 years, she has taught at the early childhood, primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. She holds a B.A. in Theology from the University of the West Indies (UWI), a B.Sc. in Elementary Education from Andrews University (Michigan), and a Certificate in Mathematics Education from UWI. Her postgraduate qualification includes an M.A. in Education with an emphasis in Special Education.
Gale has also served as an Assistant Examiner in Sociology (CAPE) and Social Studies (CSEC) with the Caribbean Examinations Council. She taught foundation courses at CREDI and has been an e-tutor with UWI's Online Campus for nine years. Her professional development includes training in peace education, curriculum design, online teaching, AI in education, and assessment.
Committed to community service, she has held leadership roles including President Emeritus of the Catholic Teachers’ Association, Chair of the TTUTA Special Education Committee, and Spokesperson at the IX Summit of the Americas for the sub region consists of USA, Canada and Caribbean.

Rene Lambert 

Rene Lambert was born in Jamaica. She's from St. Elizabeth, but was raised in Kingston for its resources and opportunities. At 17, she moved to the US with her family in 2017. Before the move, Rene attended S.T.E.P. Centre and Liberty Academy prep and high school. She completed high school at Manchester High School in Connecticut, graduating with honors in 2019. Rene recently earned an associate's degree at Manchester Community College and plans to study psychology and journalism. She's maintained high grades throughout her academic journey. Rene enjoys writing, reading, music, and socializing. She's a member of the Connecticut Persons with Disabilities Council, CT KASA, and BlessBackJamdown Missions, a nonprofit helping underserved Jamaican communities. Rene was awarded the 2025 Ryan Colburn award for community involvement and admitted to the University of Hartford's honors program in Spring 2025. She also published her first book, Uphill Climb - Cerebral Palsy Adventures. Rene continues to stay grounded and strives for excellence, balancing academics with fun and community engagement.

Honorable Jeremiah Norbert  

Honourable Jeremiah Norbert, thirty- five (35), is the youngest Minister in Saint Lucia’s current Cabinet and the first to hold direct responsibility for disability affairs.  A former Police Detective (2010- 2020), he entered active politics after resigning from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.  In 2021, he was involved in a tragic accident that led to the amputation of his right leg, an experience that has shaped his advocacy for inclusion and empowerment.    
Honourable Jeremiah Norbert served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly from 2021 to 2024 before being appointed Minister with responsibility for Home Affairs, Crime Prevention and Persons with Disabilities.  Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Minister Norbert is passionate about advancing policies that promote equity, accessibility and dignity for persons with disabilities.  His vision is to build systems that ensure independence and equal participation for all citizens in national development.

Michele Francis​

Michele Francis, M.S. Exceptional Student Education Michele Francis is a distinguished educator and advocate with more than 35 years of experience in the field of special education. A native of Grenada and Petite Martinique, Ms. Francis has devoted her career to advancing inclusive education and empowering students with diverse learning needs. She holds a Master of Science degree in Exceptional Student Education and is a proud recipient of the prestigious PRECISE Scholarship, which recognizes her commitment to professional growth and excellence as she joins other skill interventionists in the field of special education. As the founder of QS Behavioral Services, Michele has spearheaded initiatives that provide vital resources and support for children with behavioral challenges. She is also the driving force behind the QS Sibling Workshops Nonprofit, which offers guidance and empowerment to siblings of children with special needs, ensuring that the entire family unit is supported. Ms. Francis is an active member of the Caribbean Disability Network, where she advocates for the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities. Her leadership transcends education, encompassing community advocacy, cultural ambassadorship, and disaster relief efforts, demonstrating her profound dedication to service and social equity. Throughout her career, Michele has been recognized for her ability to build collaborative partnerships with educators, parents, and organizations to create tailored strategies that promote student success. Her unwavering dedication and strong advocacy have established her as a respected voice for disability rights and inclusive practices. Michele Francis continues to champion empowerment, equity, and opportunity for students and families across Grenada, Carriacou, Petite Martinique, and the wider Caribbean region

Merphilus James
Merphilus James a prominent disability rights advocate from Saint Lucia and currently serves as President of both Disabled People’s International North America and the Caribbean (DPI NAC) and the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities Inc. (NCPD).  Born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, he has used a prosthetic leg since the age of four, drawing on lived experience to lead powerful, rights-based advocacy. Under his leadership, the NCPD has pioneered groundbreaking national initiatives that expand training, certification, and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, particularly in climate-resilient and innovative sectors.
Key achievements in Saint Lucia include: Establishing a state-of-the-art aquaponics facility operated by persons with disabilities, producing organic lettuce for major supermarkets and resorts. Opening a modern prosthetic leg manufacturing centre providing prosthetic legs at highly subsidized costs Launching a national mobility device distribution programme providing new, high quality mobility aids to persons in need. Merphilus consistently challenges the outdated perception of disability as an issue to be addressed with mere charity or token assistance, championing instead community-based rehabilitation and economic inclusion. Central to his advocacy is the conviction, demonstrated through his successful programmes, that when supported by an enabling environment and adequate resources, persons with disabilities can not only participate fully but also lead in society. Since his election as President of DPI NAC in 2019, he has been a driving force for equality and inclusion, speaking at regional and international forums, transforming systems, and reshaping perceptions through inclusive, human rights–based approaches.

Judy-Ann Auld  
Judy-Ann Allison Auld currently serves as the Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibility for Special and Inclusive Education at the Ministry of Education in Grenada. With over 30 years of experience in the education sector, she brings a wealth of expertise, particularly in the areas of inclusive and special education, where she has consistently championed equitable access and support for all learners.
Her academic journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing educational theory and practice. She pursued a PhD in Education at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. Her qualifications also include a master’s degree in Inclusive Education (with honors) and a Certificate in Inclusive Education from the University of Roehampton, London, as well as a bachelor’s degree in educational leadership and management (with honors) from the University of the West Indies. She also holds a Teachers’ Certificate in Elementary Education (with honors) from the T.A. Marryshow Community College/ UWI.
Throughout her distinguished career, Ms. Auld has served in various capacities that reflect her dedication to educational development. She spent 21 years as a primary school educator and 12 years as the principal of a special education institution. Currently, she is an adjunct lecturer in the Teacher Education Department at the T.A. Marryshow Community College and St. Georges University. She has also developed specialized courses in Educational Psychology and Inclusive Education for St. George’s University.
Her contributions extend into academic research and regional collaboration. She served as a Research Assistant with the Caribbean Education Research Centre at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill. An active member of both the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and the British Educational Research Association (BERA), she has presented her research at major international conferences in Chicago, Philadelphia, Tampa, Barbados and Canada.

Brent Holt 
Brent Holt is an Educational Psychologist with extensive experience in the educational remit both in the Cayman Islands and the U.S .  He has advocated for individuals and families at high risk for exclusion throughout his 40-year career.  He served as an Educational Psychologist, Head of Student Services, and Senior Policy Advisor – Inclusion for the Cayman Islands Ministry of Education until retiring from government service in 2013.  Chairing the Special Needs Foundation Cayman (SNFC) Board of Directors from 2010, Brent was designated Chair Emeritus status in 2016 prior to the transition of SNFC to Inclusion Cayman.  

Erice Reid
Erice Reid is an Inclusion Strategies Specialist and State Implementation Specialist with the New Jersey Department of Education’s (NJDOE) Office of Special Education. She is also a doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, where her research applies behavior change theory and postcolonial theory to examine the barriers and facilitators influencing Caribbean school leaders’ readiness to implement inclusive education. In her role at NJDOE, she partners with district leaders to strengthen teaching and leadership through inclusive instructional practices. Trained in implementation science, she supports New Jersey districts in applying implementation principles to improve outcomes for students with disabilities and to build sustainable systems for selecting, implementing, and scaling evidence-based literacy practices.
Erice is also the founder of Inclusive Schools Caribbean and cofounder of the Fortis and Friends Foundation. Both organizations are dedicated to building capacity for accessible, inclusive, and equitable learning environments in the Caribbean.
Dr. Josephine Claxton-Richardson Director, St Kitts Spectrum Services Centre Certified Autism Specialist | PLAY Project Consultant | ADOS-2 Certified | Mental Health Professional Dr. Josephine Claxton-Richardson is a leading advocate for inclusive education, autism support, and early childhood development in St Kitts and Nevis. She currently serves as Director of the St Kitts Spectrum Services Centre, where she leads initiatives to support children with developmental disabilities and their families. With over thirty years of experience in mental health and disabilities, Dr. Claxton-Richardson is a qualified nurse, graduate teacher, and approved mental health professional with expertise in mental health law. She holds a Master's degree in Education and Special Needs, and a degree in Social Work and Applied Social Sciences. Her research, Perceptions of Administrators Towards Inclusive Education in St Kitts and Nevis has informed practice across the education sector. Dr. Claxton-Richardson is a Certified Autism Specialist, ADOS-2 Certified (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), and a PLAY Project Consultant, committed to evidence-based interventions for individuals with autism. She conducts assessments, school observations, and provides strategic recommendations to educators and families, promoting engagement through the principles of PLAY and collaborative partnerships. Her work in early childhood development is particularly notable. Dr. Claxton-Richardson recently coordinated a cohort of professionals to deliver UNICEF Early Childhood Training for supervisors and parents, strengthening the capacity of the early childhood sector across St Kitts and Nevis. She continues to champion developmental support, learning readiness, and inclusive practices for children with autism. She has presented locally and regionally on autism, behavior, mental health, and developmental disabilities. Her specialized interest in supporting girls and women with autism has led to targeted training and counseling services, further expanding her impact in the field.

Dr. Josephine Claxton-Richardson

Dr. Lesvie Archer
Dr. Lesvie N. Archer is a Policy Fellow at the Government and Public Policy Institute of the University of The Bahamas, where she has served for the past five years. She holds a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies and brings an interdisciplinary background with degrees in Marketing and International Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Her work spans cost-of-living studies among working- and middle-class communities, as well as the management of international grants supporting conservation and sustainable development. In these roles, Dr. Archer often serves as a facilitator—creating neutral, constructive spaces that enable diverse stakeholders to engage in policy advocacy and development. Her work underscores disability inclusion as a core element of equitable policy and system design, ensuring that it remains central to building inclusive and resilient communities.
Beverly Leblanc is a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience across multiple sectors of the education system. Throughout her distinguished career, she has served as a classroom teacher, early childhood education supervisor, secondary education support teacher, Dean of the Faculty of Education, and Dean of Student Affairs. She is currently a senior lecturer and teacher trainer at the Faculty of Education, Dominica State College. Ms. Leblanc holds a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master of Science in Early Childhood Special Education, and a Master of Arts in Training and Development. She is presently pursuing a Doctorate in Public Administration with a concentration in Global Leadership.
Beyond her academic roles, Ms. Leblanc is deeply committed to advancing inclusive education and strengthening systems that support children and families with special needs. She is the Executive Director of Circle of Friends Inc., an NGO dedicated to advocacy, access, and family support, and the founder of the Achievement Learning Centre, a special education school providing specialized services to children with disabilities. In 2024, she spearheaded a regional collaboration through Circle of Friends, partnering with five disability organizations to host the side event “Enabling Inclusion: Addressing Disability Challenges” at the SIDS4 Conference in Antigua, amplifying Caribbean voices on disability inclusion.
Ms. Leblanc is also the founder of ECAAM (Education Consulting, Academic Advising, and Mentoring), an initiative that equips learners and institutions with the tools for academic success and organizational growth. In addition, she contributes to regional advocacy as a member of the Caribbean Disability Network, working to strengthen alliances that foster equity and opportunity for persons with disabilities.
Her work reflects a profound dedication to community impact and national development, as she continues to champion inclusive education, capacity-building, and leadership at the local, regional, and international levels.
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Beverly LeBlanc

Beverly LeBlanc

Lee Carter
Mrs. Carter has worked in the field of Special Education for the past twenty-eight years, demonstrating sustained commitment to educational excellence and student advocacy. Her professional qualifications encompass teacher certifications in General Education, Special Needs Education, and Psychometric Testing, complemented by training in Neurodiversity education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Innovation in Learning and Teaching.  Her scholarly work includes presenting research on neuroplasticity within the Barbadian educational context at the Sixth International Conference on Higher Education in 2018. Also, in recognition of her pedagogical contributions, she was awarded the Royal Fidelity National Distinguished Teachers Award in 2016. Mrs. Carter maintains active professional affiliations with the British Psychological Society. 
Currently, she functions as a Peripatetic Learning Support Teacher within Student Support Services at the Ministry of Educational Transformation. She is also a part-time tutor at Erdiston Teachers' Training College, where she facilitates the Neuroscience and Special Education course in the Post Grad Diploma in Special Education. She is also an ordained Minister.

Lorin Peters-Alexander

​Lorin Peters-Alexander is a dynamic leader and accomplished professional in higher education management, currently spearheading the School of Continuing Education as Dean at the T. A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC), Grenada, since August 2020. Her tenure at TAMCC is marked by a clear trajectory of increasing responsibilities, including prior roles as Associate Dean and Coordinator for Access & Professional Studies. In these capacities, she has been instrumental in core institutional functions such as curriculum oversight, operational direction, strategic budget planning, and leading faculty performance evaluations. Her noted expertise lies in Adult Education, Assessment and Evaluation, and building effective partnerships with external agencies, underpinned by strong proficiencies in Human Resource Management and team building.  Ms. Peters-Alexander’s influence extends beyond the academic sector into crucial areas of social advocacy and community impact. She currently leverages her leadership experience as a Director of QS Behavioural Services, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with behavioural needs and is an active member of the Caribbean Disability Network, underscoring her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which closely aligns with her work on TAMCC’s Gender Committee. 
​

Gale Carter

Mrs. Carter's commitment to education can be seen in her academic qualifications. She holds:-
- an Associate Degree in Education
- a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (1st Class Honours)
- a Post Graduate Diploma in Education Leadership (with Distinction)
- a Post-Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Valedictorian)
- Master of Education - Inclusive Practices for Special Needs
She is currently responsible for the early childhood development programme at the Child Care Board. Mrs. Carter has represented Barbados as an Early Childhood Development Leader at workshops with UNICEF and the OECS and has conducted several professional development sessions in Early Childhood Care and Development and Special Education Needs in both public and private childcare and educational settings across the island.
She is purpose driven and believes in positive and authentic interactions with others.  George Evans said “Every student can learn, just not on the same day or in the same way.” 
Hon. Ms. C. Sandra V. Husbands, M.P. is member of the House of Assembly for St. James South. In the Cabinet of Barbados, Husbands serves as Minister in the Ministry of Minister of Training and Tertiary Education
Minister Husbands holds a degree in Sociology and Law and a Master in International Trade Policy. She has pursued further training in Advanced Leadership in Singapore, Facilitation Training in the U.S.A., Training of Trainers, Business Process Management. Her background is in Human Resources Development with a blend of experience in the business community for twenty years spanning six fields of business endeavour, namely Management Consulting, Broadcasting, Sales, Market Research, Tourism. In her private capacity, she held the positions of President of the Barbados Small Business Association (BSBA), as its first female President and the only President to hold office over three consecutive terms. Chairman of the National Council on Substance Abuse; SBA Enterprises Inc. (SBAEI); Caribbean Association of the Small and Medium Enterprises (CASME) as one of the founding members. She was the First Vice President of the National Organisation of Women and first Vice-President of Caribbean Facilitators Network.

Hon. Sandra Husbands, M.P.
Fabian Bartlett is the National Coordinator of the National Financial Literacy Programme under the Ministry of Energy & Business, Government of Barbados. A seasoned finance professional, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker, he brings over two decades of experience from institutions such as Scotiabank, Sagicor, PwC, and Digicel. He holds degrees in Finance & Investments, Banking & Finance, and Financial Sector Management, and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Theology. Fabian also serves as an Ordained Minister and Elder at Sanctuary Empowerment Centre, where he leads initiatives in young adult ministry, wealth creation, and entrepreneurship. He is deeply passionate about national development, financial empowerment, and Kingdom leadership. Above all, he treasures his role as husband and father. 

Fabian Bartlett

Shelly-Ann Harper
Shelly-Ann Harper is a distinguished Early Childhood Development Specialist with over 34 years of experience advancing systems for quality education across the Eastern Caribbean. A Certified Early Childhood and Primary Educator with a concentration in Special Education Needs, she has dedicated her career to championing inclusive, equitable, and rights-based approaches to learning. For the past 17 years, Shelly-Ann has served with the UNICEF Eastern Caribbean Office, where she has led and supported transformative initiatives that promote access, inclusion, and quality education for all children— especially those with developmental challenges and disability. Her work centers on the fundamental rights of every child to good health, adequate nutrition, safety and protection, and nurturing relationships with responsive caregivers. A passionate advocate for disability inclusion, Shelly-Ann has advised governments and stakeholders on policy reform, inclusive curricula, and early intervention strategies that ensure no child is left behind.

PARTNERS

SPONSORS

Our Committee Partners

Sorana Mitchell
Sorana Mitchell is a media professional based on the island Grenada. She is an active member of the Friends of the Mentally Ill, which is a non-profit organization that helps persons living with mental illnesses and their families. 

Sorana is also a mother and author of the memoir, “Still Smiling” found on Amazon.

The singer-songwriter enjoys socializing, laughing, reading, and creating/telling stories and poetry. ​

Regina Snowden
​Emeritus Founder and past Executive Director of Partners for Youth with Disabilities, Inc. (PYD).
​
Since the founding of PYD in 1985, Regina has played a major role in the creation of many first program designs for youth with disabilities, in Boston, MA, nationally and inter
nationally.  She helped to provide youth with disabilities in overcoming barriers by providing mentoring, education, career readiness, health, recreation and cultural opportunities.  These firsts in program designs, launched PYD to be selected to replicate our program models as the awareness of these types of programs became the focus of the nation.  Her efforts to make inclusion of youth with disabilities for all youth programming locally and nationally continues to be replicated.

PYD awards include Children's Hospital, Boston, Harvard School of Public Health, The City of Boston, The White House, The National Organization for Persons with Disabilities, Boston Public Schools, The Red Cross, The National Vocational Rehabilitation, The President's Committee on The Employment of Persons with Disabilities, Global award for PYD's Access to Theatre, The National Endowment for the Arts, and more.   PYD's collaboration with UNICEF created a white paper to show what youth with disabilities globally want to feel they can succeed.  This paper was presented at the Civil Rights Convention for Persons with Disabilities, The United Nations.  The youth and mentors of PYD have been featured and honored for their success, nationally and globally. 
PYD has been featured in many local and national media venues. 
A favorite phase of Regina:

"If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be."    Maya Angelou

Leonid Johnson
​Leonid Johnson is a committed community leader and volunteer. He is active in the community and serves on various nonprofit boards and committees including Authentic Caribbean Foundation as a Board member. Leonid Johnson is a CEO & President and Founder of the CommUnity of the Deaf, Inc, who believes in the right of the D/deaf community in the Caribbean to use sign language to congerates on issues important to them and to have its interest represented at all levels in the society.

​I am currently a committee member of the American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association event and past subcommittee of the United Nations Civil Society Conference in Support of the Summit of the Future in Nairobi, Kenya.  He completed Education Advocates Training from National Association of the Deaf. The Certificate of Completion of Gwinnett Enterprise Center Business Basic Program from Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners in Georgia. The advocacy scope of the CommUnity of the Deaf, is to board a lifetime  and impact future generations in the areas of early intervention, education and  youth leaders and more in advancing early deaf and disability childhood policies and programs.

Peter George Smith
​Hailing from Jamaica, Peter George Smith is the managing consultant of Jonstar Consulting Group, a boutique management consulting firm in South Florida, where he currently resides. He is also an adjunct faculty and doctoral study chair at California Intercontinental University and Walden University in the United States. He has vast international experience from studying and working in several countries, including France, Belgium, the USA, the UK, The Bahamas, and Jamaica.

His previous professional roles include six years as a commercial attaché at the Jamaican Embassy in Brussels and deputy trade commissioner at the Jamaican High Commission in London, promoting trade and foreign direct investment for Jamaica. He also worked for several years in the FinTech industry as Vice President of Money Transfer Services at Fidelity Bank in The Bahamas, as Marketing Manager for the Caribbean at Western Union, and as Head of the Caribbean for MoneyGram in their regional offices in Florida.
He is a proponent of volunteerism and actively gives service through several nonprofit organizations. A Paul Harris Fellow, he is a founding member and director of the Rotary e-Club of Raleigh International, whose primary focus is an ongoing, long-term project with the Lister Mair/Gilby High School for the Deaf in Jamaica. He is also vice president of the University of the West Indies Alumni Association Florida Chapter, serves on the Executive Council of the Morant Bay High School Alumni Association in Jamaica, is vice president of the Jamaican Diaspora en France organization, and volunteers as a university student mentor with Global Mentorship Initiative.
Peter is fluent in French and Spanish and received a BA from the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, an MA from the Université Grenoble Alpes in France, and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. He also holds a DBA from Walden University in Minnesota, with a concentration in International Business.
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He is big on life and people worldwide and practices this passion by traveling to the most remote places to experience different and unique cultures first-hand. He enjoys reading and doing a bit of writing whenever time permits. His blog, Through My Periscope, combines stories about his life adventures and writing passion.

Keith Jones
​Keith Jones Keith Jones is the President and CEO of SoulTouchin’ Experiences LLC,. It is an organization aimed at bringing a perspective to the issues of access inclusion and empowerment, which affect him as well as others who are persons with and without disabilities. To achieve this multicultural, cross-disability education and outreach efforts he collaborates and conducts trainings with the purpose of strengthening efforts to provide services and information for people with disabilities.

​The issues he tackles are wide ranging from immigration, criminal justice reform, health care and environmental justice just to name a few. Paralleling with his policy and social justice work Mr. Jones is a multitalented artist who along with Leroy Moore and Rob Temple founded Krip Hop Nation which is an international collection of artists with disabilities. Krip Hop Nation is currently celebrating 14 years with the recent Emmy Award winning success of their title song for the Netflix documentary of the Paralympic Games, Rising Phoenix and its critical acclaimed sound track.

Stafford Grant
Stafford Grant a retired soldier of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Chairman of the Jamaica Diaspora NE Citizen Security Sector, 1st vice President of the Bethlehem Township Lions Club and Founder and President of the Jamaica Ex-servicemen and Women Foundation USA.
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I am very Passionate about helping others, "Volunteering". In 2022 I founded the Jamaica Ex-servicemen and Women Foundation Inc. USA with the vision of engaging in community development through fundraising activities that will enhance educational, social and civil activities fostering the principles of good citizenship. 
Taking great pride in collaboration with a focus on The Disabled, Elderly and youth community, gives me great joy of satisfaction to be volunteering for the Diaspora Disability Conference.

I love these two quotes:   Martin Luther King Jr. "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: "WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR OTHERS?"
 
Horace Jackson Brown, Jr - "Earn your success based on service to others, not at the expense of others."

Michelle Brathwaite
​The heights that great men and women reached and kept, were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upwards in the night’
Michelle Brathwaite, from Grenada has been the principal at the School or the Deaf for more than sixteen years. The institution serves as a resource center and provides support to students who are deaf within the mainstream schools. She is also the Founder and President of Advocacy Grenada Inc. A non-Governmental Organization supporting persons with disabilities.

Michelle holds a master’s in special education/Inclusive Education, from Roehampton University, London and Associate Degree in Teacher Education from University of the West Indies - TA. Marryshow Community College.
As part of her attainment she has achieved certificates in Human Rights; Global Education, Hearing Health Care, audiology, Quality assurance for Higher Educational Institutions in blended learning, Master Trainer in Inclusive Education, strategic planning, Referee for Boccia game and Project Management.

Michelle is an active member of the Grenada Paralympic Committee. She is an excellent facilitator in advocacy and awareness, special/inclusive education. Presently she is an adjunct lecturer for an online undergraduate degree in special education through a Caribbean University.
In her self-care time she loves, travelling and dancing. Travelling has taken her to China, Seychelles, Honduras, Belgium, Germany, Prague, The Netherlands, England, United States of America, Spain and many islands within the Caribbean.
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Her mantra is ‘ALL MEANS ALL’. The provision of education for All students.

Erin Brown
Erin Brown, (she/her) is a blonde-haired, black female who identifies as a limb difference mother of three and adaptive athlete amplifying the voices of people with disabilities globally. Erin's diagnosis of bone cancer in 2004 resulted in an above-the-knee amputation. Her disability enables a diverse journey of destroying stereotypes worldwide and leading Paralympic development as the first Para triathlete Paralympic hopeful. Erin, Disability Inclusion Consultant  is the founder of the first disability-led consultancy business Erin Brown Connects, Disability Advocacy and Inclusion Management  in The Bahamas. Currently at The University of The Bahamas in The Office of Disabilities and Compliance Erin ensures diversity, equity and disability inclusion in educational platforms and policies and procedures increasing access, inclusion and opportunities for all stakeholders with disabilities. 
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Andrew Sharpe
Andrew Sharpe is the founder and CEO of Authentic Caribbean Foundation Inc. (ACF), Boston, Massachusetts.
He is a Jamaican-born, festival, tourism, radio talk show host and non-profit Professional. The “Caribbean Diaspora Connect”, talk show host is on a mission to ensure members of the abilities community in the US and Caribbean are included in fun, festivities and economic empowerment activities.  Andrew is passionate and determined to ensure people with disabilities are empowered to achieve financial independence, protect themselves and manage the impact of climate change on their livelihoods as well as live a full and happy life.
Ensuring children of Caribbean heritage are connected to their roots is another of his passions and for that he created “Pickney Time  Story Time”, an after school programme currently being delivered virtually to young Caribbean diasporans in the USA.

Mr. Sharpe is a philanthropist, who is passionate about theatre and performing Caribbean drama and theatricals. He has performed the works for Louise Bennett Coverley “Miss Lou” and Paul Keens-Douglas to Caribbean audiences in Jamaica, The Cayman Islands and Massachusetts.

His passion for tourism, culture and acting led him to create both My Caribbean One World Expo and the Caribbean Rum and Food Festival each of which attracts a diverse audience of Caribbean and New Englanders annually. Andrew is also the convener of the Afro-Caribbean Black History Gala in Massachusetts.
Andrew holds a diploma in Tourism and Business Management. He has led Authentic Caribbean Foundation to being the recipient of  several Proclamations & Resolutions from the Governor of Massachusetts and the Cities of Boston, Brockton, Cambridge and Randolph for its outstanding efforts in promoting the upliftment and education of the disabled.  He plays a key role in creating and increasing awareness throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as it relates to the recognition and honoring of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month.

Janeil Odle
​Janeil Odle is a National Advocate for Persons with Disabilities in Barbados, a certified instructor in Accessibility and Universal Design, and the first blind Attorney-at-law in Barbados. In spite of challenges faced as a blind person in Barbados, she was the first person in Barbados to sit the Common Entrance Examination in braille in 2007 and later moved on to the Barbados Community College, where she subsequently became the 2014 valedictorian and earned a Barbados Exhibition in the same year. Janeil graduated in 2017 earning a first class honours in her Bachelors of Laws degree from the University of the West Indies Cavehill Campus, and then received her Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2019. She is  also a holder of a Masters Degree in Public Law.
 
From June 2022 to March 2023, Janeil sat on the National Advisory Committee to Improve the Lives of Persons With Disabilities in Barbados where she helped conduct research and provide ideas for the national policy and legislation to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. Following this tenure, she then developed the drafting instructions for the legislation which was later approved by cabinet.
Janeil’s passion to help persons with disabilities saw her obtaining the post of National Advocate for Persons With Disabilities in December 2023. This post will allow her to do more of what she loves, advising the government of Barbados on how to implement the policy in order to improve the lives of all persons with disabilities in Barbados.

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