Digicel Project at Des Barras

Digicel’s relationship with the special needs community continues to thrive as an alliance with the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) saw the commencement of the Digicel Ramps and Rails project that will benefit many disabled families around the island.

The Digicel Ramps and Rails Project is a nationwide venture which enables Digicel and the NCPD to meet families who are in great need.  A young, intelligent and warm hearted Sheldon Nelson was the joyful young man who got the ball rolling with this worthy project.  Confined to a wheelchair, he and his family found it difficult to traverse in and out of their home on a daily basis.  His mother, who suffered a stroke a few years ago, also has limited mobility and has found it difficult to get in and out of her home.

Not having a ramp with sturdy rails can cause such strife to a disabled individual as it impacts their daily functioning. Residential wheelchair ramps help give people the freedom to go anywhere. When homes are equipped with ramps, those in wheelchairs can come and go freely. This is essential as everyone should not only have access to the interior of their homes but also the wider world on the outside. These were some of the main reasons Digicel has decided to work with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities to help eradicate this issue.

After several site visits to the house of young Sheldon at Des Barras it was now time to have the project commence.  Contractor, Kerwin Peter, upon completion of the ramp and rail provided the Nelson family with an unanticipated surprise of a refurbishment of their dwelling.

“It was my way of sharing a smile to such a well-deserved family,” he said. “The need presented itself and I simply jumped at the opportunity to provide a fresh start for this family.”

“I am happy Digicel has chosen me to be part of this new initiative as there was a great need for a better entrance for me and my mother.” said Sheldon.          “The installation of the new ramp and rail will allow for a more pleasurable escape to the fresh air and beautiful scenery of the outdoors especially the view of Grand Anse beach. We will both benefit from this and look forward to seeing the other families chosen to be on the receiving end.” he further exclaimed.

As commented by Digicel’s Marketing Manager Kerchelle Jn Charles: “It is important to identify the needs of the special needs community through the Ramps and Rails project.”  She further added: “No matter how small or great the task, giving those individuals the gift of freedom and mobility now opens their world to more possibilities and less limitations.”

Digicel has assisted many organizations and groups who have made it their life’s work to better the quality of life for special needs persons.  The NCPD has come on board to help alleviate the lack of proper access to homes for persons with limited or restrictive mobility including those who are wheelchair bond.  More persons from various communties will soon benefit from this project.