by Tarita Davenock
As the chill in the air
envelopes us, we dream of warm destinations where we can relax and enjoy the
warmth of the sun. I think back to my travels to Barbados. My first visit to the
magical island was remarkable, as I felt like a princess! The people were so
warm and welcoming! I remember having a cooking demonstration with a local
woman who wanted me to see how she made curry! The best part of Barbados is the
people… continuously smiling!
I am happy to say that
Barbados understands wheelchair accessibility, and as mobileWOMEN, access is a
priority. Barbados has made vacationing easy by creating an initiative that
places them in the lead for ‘inclusive’ vacations for anyone with a mobility
challenge.
WHAT IS FAB?
The Fully
Accessible Barbados ‘FAB’ program is an initiative of the Barbados Council for
the Disabled. This program recognizes the importance of accessibility in order
to achieve the truly inclusive society, which is part of our vision. FAB
enlisted the support of a number of key stakeholders. These include
representatives from tourism, education and other service related sectors.
Moving forward, the
program will require even greater support in order to achieve its stated
objectives. The support therefore of the
United Nations, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Social Care,
Constituency Empowerment and Community Development and other related agencies
is critical as FAB is based upon the principles enshrined in the recently
ratified Convention on the rights of Persons with Disabilities. With the UN’s
backing in terms of project direction and the ability to convene other members
of the community, the Fully Accessible Barbados has a strong future.
The achievement of
any long-term goal is never easy; changing the landscape of an entire community
is a monumental and somewhat daunting task.
The realization of the goals and objectives for the Fully Accessible Barbados
program encompasses a dream to see a Barbados which fully appreciates the needs
of its citizens and visitors with challenges. Fully Accessible
Barbados encourages all persons to act now and make a difference for yourself,
your country and the entire human race.
The Island of
Barbados
Barbados is a coral
island, pushed out of sea by volcanic activity in a faraway time. On the West
Coast of Barbados, coral shore beaches of fine white sand stretch along a
blue-green sea. Coral reefs fringe the Barbados shoreline to provide excellent
snorkeling and Scuba Diving. Along the East Coast, a lively surf is blown
briskly by the strong and constant trade winds and the waves pound against a
rocky shore. The constant breeze of the trade winds gives Barbados a mild and
pleasant tropical climate.
When you visit Barbados, you
will see it is mostly a flat coral island with excellent beaches, but there are
rolling hills and many deep ridges and gullies, with an interesting
distribution of flora and fauna. Within the Barbados coral core there is a vast
array of caves and underground lakes which provide an excellent supply of
drinking water that is amongst the purest in the world. Geologically, Barbados
is unique, being actually two landmasses that merged together over the years.
This and other anomalies make this Caribbean Island quite phenomenal, and there
are geological structures that you will find only in Barbados.
One of the most
distinguishing features of Barbados is its relatively flat terrain. It's the region's
only non-volcanic landmass. But once you're here, you'll soon discover
Barbadian life is far from flat. From the rugged beauty of its rocky eastern
shoreline, to the calm, serene waters of its "Platinum Coast,"
Barbados packs plenty of punch into 430 sq. km of Caribbean paradise.
While the island's 350-plus
churches are filled to the brim come Sunday morning, Barbadians still know how
to have a good time, as evidenced by a thriving nightlife scene and a full
calendar of festivals.
Steeped in English tradition
while embracing its historic past, Barbados is often characterized by the
welcoming warmth of its proud and confident people. The island's rich heritage
is complemented by its international flair and sophistication – a combination
that makes it one of the most diverse destinations in the Caribbean.
Accommodations here are as
diverse as the choice of island experiences. From the elegant surroundings of
the most popular luxury properties in the Caribbean to family-oriented
properties and romantic retreats, you're bound to find a space perfect for you,
nestled by the turquoise coves of Barbados' west coast. But Barbados' appeal
goes far beyond its golden attributes of sea, sand and sun. The island serves
as a beacon for history buffs, adventure-seekers and those simply looking for
the peace and tranquility of a Caribbean vacation.
Barbados is a great place for
duty-free shopping, with global suppliers vending their wares at prices that
typically run between 30 to 50 per cent below North American retail prices.
In the capital city of
Bridgetown, you’ll find the best jewelry shopping along the main thoroughfare
of Broad Street. High-end jewelers found here include: Diamonds International,
Little Switzerland, Colombian Emeralds International, Cave Shepherd, Milano,
Harrison’s and many more.
Depending on the size and
circumstances of your purchase, arrangements can even be made to have your
goods delivered straight to the airport on your departure date. When shopping
for duty-free items, you must present your passport or airline ticket in order
to be eligible to make purchases.
With more than 1,500 rum
shops on the island, rum is undeniably a major part of Barbadian history,
culture, geography, and of course, the economy. It’s also a great way for
visitors to take home a bit of Barbados in a bottle.
While Mount Gay’s
award-winning collection of rums can be bought almost anywhere on the island,
the Mount Gay Distillery’s rum store sells premium brands at very good prices.
For a truly special rum
purchase, try St. Nicholas Abbey’s own handcrafted rum, aged to perfection in
bourbon barrels on the estate. Decorative bottles of 10-year-old and
12-year-old rum can be purchased at the Abbey.
The Barbados Museum and Historical Society
Housed in a former
19th-century British military prison at the Garrison, the Barbados Museum and
Historical Society is a must-see – and well worth the US$7.50 admission (half
price for children). The museum takes visitors through the key points of
Barbados’ history via natural history displays, Amerindian objects, historical
maps and a genealogy reference library.
Children get a
glimpse of what life was like for young Barbadians in the Yesterday’s Children
gallery, which provides an educational step back in time. Other exhibits
include replica furnishings from an 18th-century plantation house, as well as a
gift shop featuring West Indian literature, arts and crafts and handmade
jewelry. The museum is open Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and
Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Sun, Sand & Beach
When the Bath
facilities were re-opened, Barbadians were thrilled to find what a beautiful
restoration had been carried out at one of our country’s most popular beaches. Among
those whose spirits soared on seeing its inclusive design are Barbadians with
disabilities – especially those with mobility challenges. Spacious bathroom and
shower facilities for the wheelchair users were among some of the newly
installed fixtures along with the beautifully crafted and very accessible
gazebo. Sun, sea and sand for all!
Cricket
With cricket being
so dear to a West Indian heart, the administration of Kensington Oval has
ensured that cricket will be accessible to all! With ramped access to all
stands, Wheelchair users can sit among their friends on several levels with a
fully accessible bathroom just a few feet away. Highly trained volunteers are
on hand to assist wherever necessary all cricket enthusiasts with special
needs. The Hearing Impaired is also included with close captioning on
television screens and the Loop system to work with T-coil hearing aids.
Crickets will forever be being accessible at the KENSINGTON OVAL for everyone.
George Washington
House
Parts of our
history which connects Barbados to the United States can be experienced at this
refurbished plantation building which was home to “the first father of the US’
George Washington and his ailing brother for two months.
Clear pathways and
entrances make access very easy to view the rooms on the ground floor, which
captures most of what this site has to offer. George Washington House is a truly
inclusive and memorable visit.
If you are craving
some warmth and relaxation without worrying about ‘how to’ or ‘what if’, I urge
you to consider this amazing spot in the world- you will not be disappointed!
Accommodations
One of the many fully accessible resorts is the Radisson,
which is synonymous with outstanding levels of service and comfort delivered
with utmost style.
The folks at Radisson understand that accessibility is
important to every guest. The hotel has accessible rooms that may include the
following accessible features:
Ø
Amenities
within accessible range to reach
Ø
Controls
operable without grasping or twisting
Ø
Transfer
seat to tub
Ø
Wider
guest room and bathroom doorways
Ø
Wheelchair
accessible lobby
Ø
Wheelchair
accessible public entrance
Ø
Wheelchair
accessible public restrooms
Ø
Wheelchair
available – on request
Ø
Beach
Wheelchairs are available for rental
At age 29, Tarita was
diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis- Struck with the realization that her life
would never be the same. Knowing that her best way forward was to take hold of
that life and ensure that its direction was one of her own choosing, that the
MS was not going to control her future, she seized on a passion for travel she
had nursed since childhood. This once Social Worker became an entrepreneur in
an industry where she has been able to carve out a significant niche, based on
a personal philosophy that travel should be Inclusive and not exclusive.
Tarita has found her place as
an expert in creating dream vacations for those who thought dream vacations
were for other people. A Certified Special Needs Travel Advocate, a contributor
for the Huffington Post, and host of The Lonely Planet- Travel for All
Show-
Her company Travel for All
takes great pride in ensuring that, regardless of your level of mobility or
ability, you will have the experience of a lifetime.
For more
information about FAB, visit http://fullyaccessiblebarbados.com/.
Also visit http://barbados.org/.
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