- Suite 12, 115 Hope Road, Kingston 6
- hello@opendoorjamaicafoundation.org
The Open Door Jamaica Foundation finds its roots in the unwavering passion and commitment of its founder, Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid. Her lifelong dedication to inclusivity, unwavering advocacy for those living with physical disabilities in Jamaica, and a profound belief in the potential of every individual have been the driving force behind the foundation’s inception.
Terri-Karelle’s enduring journey to foster inclusivity transcends mere intention; it is a core value, ingrained in her daily life and professional endeavours. Her heart and actions consistently reflect a deep-seated desire to support and uplift the various communities of people living with disabilities in Jamaica. This commitment to inclusivity has propelled the creation of the Foundation, making it a catalyst for positive change in the lives of children and young adults with physical disabilities.
Terri-Karelle’s vision, supported by her passion for inclusivity and tireless advocacy, has laid the foundation for the organisation’s impactful work in fostering a brighter, more inclusive future in Jamaica.
Together, let’s open doors to a brighter, more inclusive future for people with physical disabilities in Jamaica.
On September 25, 2021, Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid delivered her TEDx Talk entitled “Untapped Conversations With Kids” at Aston University in Birmingham, UK. She highlights the importance of inclusion of persons with disabilities and how language can be harmful to the community. This was the first time a Jamaican woman delivered a TEDx Talk in that territory. It was also one of the few TEDx Talks that was held in-person during the pandemic. Her presentation was published on the TEDx platform in January 2022.
The Open Door Jamaica Foundation is committed to enhancing the lives of children and young adults living with physical disabilities in Jamaica. Our mission is rooted in the belief that every individual, regardless of physical ability, should have the opportunity to reach their full potential. We recognize that achieving this goal requires providing the essential resources and support to those who may face disadvantages due to their physical conditions.
Our vision is to create a more inclusive and compassionate society where children and young adults with physical disabilities are empowered, embraced, and enabled to lead fulfilling lives. We aspire to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and open doors to opportunities for personal growth, education, employment, and overall well-being.
The efforts of the Open Door Jamaica Foundation is centred around the following core values.
We champion the principle that people with a disability, have different circumstances and require the necessary resources and opportunities to reach an equal outcome as others.
We seek to empower individuals with physical disabilities, enabling them to take charge of their lives, make choices, and achieve their aspirations.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and can contribute to the betterment of society.
We advocate for the rights, needs, and concerns of children and young adults living with physical disabilities, both within the community and at a broader societal level.
The Open Door Jamaica Foundation is committed to enhancing the lives of children and young adults living with physical disabilities in Jamaica. Our foundation's impact is evident in the lives transformed, the barriers overcome, and the dreams realised by the children and young adults we support.
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