At the initiative of the Office of the Secretary of State for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities (BSEIPH), people with special needs, have been properly present at the National Carnival of Cap Haitien and enjoyed, as everybody, of carnival festivities.

With a meringue specific to the theme of social integration of disabled persons, entitled "Andikape yo nan kanaval", which is already very popular with the public, disabled people were able to launch their own messages. A booth has been reserved to them during the three days of the carnival festivities.

According to Othniel Etienne, Communication Advisor at BSEIPH the carnival booth is a sure way to grant this disadvantaged group in our society, the opportunity to enjoy and showcase their talents. "Our meringue and our video, broadcast in the Haitian media is a first in the history of Carnival in Haiti. This is an opportunity for us to educate the Haitian population to the cause of people with disabilities, by encouraging a strong presence of these people on the path of Carnival," stressing that the BSEIPH had taken steps with the committee of carnival, for a musical float, but unfortunately, this request could not be granted.

Disabled dancers of the dance troupe of the Organization of Disabled Children Deprived and Haiti (OEDHH) have executed of show, which have attracted the large crowd of revelers, if we believe the many comments posted on the facebook page of BSEIPH. This participation to the National Carnival, promises to be a real success.

In addition, remember that Friday, February 8, over a hundred people with disabilities have marched through the streets of Jacmel, with the slogan "Yon Anviwonman Adapte pou Moun Andikape", Mr. Forjeas Administrator of the Disabled Children Centre (Pazapa), said that with this show, he intended raise awareness the people of Jacmel on the integration of these people into society. "Started in 1996, this traditional parade, supported by the carnival committee of Jacmel and the BSEIPH is an awareness and motivation activity [...] with a Queen Sagine Brutus, a teenager with a disability aged 15."

HL/ HaitiLibre