Organization
Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities(GCOPD)
Established in January 2009 and registered under the Friendly Societies Act, GCOPD is Guyana's main civil-society umbrella body for persons with disabilities, representing 24 member organisations across seven of the country's regions. It coordinates advocacy, skills training, and capacity building to promote the rights and independence of persons with disabilities at national level, including a Disability Manifesto 2025–2030.
About
GCOPD (Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities) was established in January 2009 and officially registered with the Ministry of Labour Cooperatives Division under the Friendly Societies Act on 15 September 2009. It is the principal national umbrella body representing the majority of organisations for persons with disabilities (OPDs) across Guyana, with 24 member organisations in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10. Guyana is a full CARICOM member and GCOPD is embedded in Caribbean disability networks.
What They Do
GCOPD coordinates advocacy for disability rights legislation and policy, implements skills-training programmes for persons with disabilities in partnership with government agencies, builds the capacity of member OPDs, and raises public awareness on disability inclusion. In 2025 it published a Disability Manifesto 2025–2030 setting out its policy priorities for the coming decade.
Who They Serve
Persons with all types of disability across Guyana's regions, channelled through 24 member organisations, with a focus on economic empowerment, legislative advocacy, and community inclusion.
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