Who We Are

Get to know who we are and what we do.

What We Do

The Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) was established in January 2009 and was officially registered with the Ministry of Labour Co-operatives Division under the Friendly Societies Act on September 15, of the same year. The organisation serves as the umbrella body for the majority of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), across Guyana, with a present membership of 24 OPDs from Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10.

The Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) is the main civil society advocacy body for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) at the national level, working to promote the rights of PWDs. GCOPD works in partnership with the National Commission on Disability (NCD) and other agencies to change the negative culture towards PWDs that exists in Guyana. The organization also partners with the government, the private sector, and funding agencies to implement various projects and initiatives to benefit the disability community.

Over the years, GCOPD has implemented projects in the areas of leadership and capacity building of PWDs, advocacy, skills development of PWDs, empowerment through education for PWDs, and independent living skills camps for children with disabilities, among other areas.

GCOPD is managed by an executive body elected by the general assembly comprising one representative from each member agency. The daily operations of the organization are managed by a programme coordinator. The projects in the various areas are implemented by competent instructors and facilitators.

Our Mission

To create a forum through which organisations representing persons with disabilities can support each other through advocacy, awareness raising, education, information, skill training, and other means, in order to assist them to build their capacity and to achieve their full potential.

Our Vision

To be the full representative of organisations that represent persons with disabilities, with an authentic voice at the national and international levels, functioning on a partnership basis with legislative support in a safe and comfortable environment.

Our Core Values

Inclusion: GCOPD believes in the full inclusion and participation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in all aspects of society.

Empowerment: GCOPD believes in empowering PWDs to advocate for their rights and independence.

Collaboration: GCOPD believes in working collaboratively with other civil society organizations, the government, and the private sector to promote the interests of PWDs.

Capacity building: GCOPD believes in building the capacity of PWDs and DPOs to promote their independence and improve their quality of life.

Sensitization: GCOPD believes in sensitizing all stakeholders about the rights and abilities of PWDs and the issues that affect their productivity and independence.

Education: GCOPD believes in providing educational opportunities for both children and adults with disabilities to promote their inclusion and participation in society.

Advocacy: GCOPD believes in advocating for the implementation of policies and laws that promote the rights and independence of PWDs, such as the Guyana PWD Act and the UNCRPD.