London, October 1. – With the presence of the Cuban Ambassador in London, Ismara Vargas Walter, the Cuba-United Kingdom Disability Network was launched at De Montfort University (UDM), in the British city of Leicester.
Led by Dr. Rosi Smith, from the UDM, researchers from the universities of Nottingham and Sheffield Hallam have established partnerships with the University of Granma and with the Cuban associations of people with disabilities —ACLIFIM, ANSOC, ANCI and ACPDI. The network aims to consolidate academic links with the active participation of people with disabilities, allowing for cultural and academic exchanges, and to share, compare and learn from participatory, cultural and community practices between both countries.
The practical cooperation actions that have been carried out include, among others, the development of resources to support employment for people with learning disabilities, support for workshops for mobility and accessibility equipment repair, the development of inclusive parks and the writing partnerships for international publication.
The Cuban diplomat highlighted the importance of cooperation in the academic field and work with people with disabilities in Cuba, who are particularly affected by the harshening of the US blockade and sanctions against the Caribbean nation.