About Us - National Council for Persons with Disabilities
About Us
The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) serves as an advisory and advocacy body dedicated to promoting, protecting, and upholding the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities across the Cayman Islands.
Established under the Disabilities (Solomon Webster) Act, 2016, the Council supports the implementation of the Cayman Islands Disability Policy (2014–2033), working to ensure that its guiding vision—“Full inclusion and equal participation for all persons with disabilities”—is realised.
The Council advises both the public and private sectors on matters relating to disability, accessibility, and inclusion
Membership comprises representatives from government and the private sector, each bringing diverse expertise and lived experience. Members may be persons with disabilities, family members of persons with disabilities, professionals in disability services, or individuals engaged in organisations and initiatives that advance the well-being and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the Cayman Islands.
Our Vision
The NCPD is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Cayman Islands Disability Policy (2014-2033). The vision of the Policy is:
“Ensuring that persons with disabilities live with dignity, are respected, and have the opportunity to participate fully in society.”
Organisation & Functions
The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) was established under the Disabilities (Solomon Webster) Act, 2016, with the inaugural Chair and Members appointed in February 2017.
The Council operates as a national advisory body, guiding the public and private sectors on policies, practices, and initiatives that promote inclusion, accessibility, and equality for persons with disabilities.
In accordance with its mandate, the Council’s core functions are to:
- Promote and reinforce the recognition that persons with disabilities have the same inherent rights and freedoms as all other members of society;
- Uphold and advance the dignity, autonomy, and independence of persons with disabilities;
- Encourage full and effective participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life;
- Foster respect, acceptance, and positive attitudes toward persons with disabilities; and
- Support the implementation of the Cayman Islands Disability Policy (2014–2033)
Disability Council
- Dr. Annette Stephenson: Chairperson
- Shan Harriman: Deputy Chairperson
- Renee Howell: Member
- Kenneth I. Ebanks: Member
- Elizabeth Charles: Member
- Laurie-Ann Holding: Member
- Magda Embury Member: Attorney-at-Law
- Catherine Frazier: Member
- Roz Griffiths: Member
- Sloane M. Pharr-Strang : Member
- Faith Rochez (ńee Gealey): Ex-Officio Member, Health Representative
- Dr. Obinna Eleweanya: Ex-Officio Member, Health Representative
- Natasha Powell: Ex-Officio Member, Health Representative
- Leticia Rodriguez-Cupid : Ex-Officio Member, Education Representative
- Kimberly Voaden: Ex-Officio Member, Lifelong Learning Representative
- Danielle Roberts: Ex-Officio Member, Employment Representative
- Gina Lawrence: Ex-Officio Member, Executive Secretary
