The Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD) will host the 7th annual “Voices That Count” policy forum entitled “Turn Voices Into Votes.” This event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on St. Croix, Oct. 4 and 5, at the UVI campus, Northwest Wing Great Hall. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on St. Thomas, Oct. 7 and 8, at the Windward Passage Hotel.
This event brings individuals with disabilities, service providers, advocates and Virgin Islanders who are running for public office together to discuss issues that affect people with disabilities and promote systemic change. The morning of the first day will focus on formulating questions to ask legislators and the afternoon session will be a forum for the delegate and gubernatorial candidates.
On the second day, the candidates for the V.I. Legislature will have an opportunity to answer questions developed by the disability community. There will be four focus areas: education-transition, employment, ADA accessibility and visit-ability.
There is no fee for the event, but space is limited on both islands. Persons can register by contacting Dr. Sandra Ross on St. Croix at 692-1919; they can contact Andrea Plunkett at 693-1173 or Maritza Swan at 776-9200, ext. 2334 on St. Thomas.