The Opportunity Workshop was renamed the K Margaret Carter Centre yesterday in honour of the late activist.

Ms Carter, who would have turned 76 yesterday, was the founder and long-time chairwoman of the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association. The initiative’s mission is to promote service delivery that is dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities.

It aims to do so by preparing and providing them with work experience in an integrated community, or extended employment through vocational, rehabilitation and supervised work experience.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I am immensely proud to rename the Opportunity Workshop after an icon of advocacy for the rights of all people,” said Jeanne Atherden, the Minister of Health, Seniors and the Environment.

“This permanent recognition of a woman who transcended her physical disabilities will serve as a constant reminder of her life’s work and contribution to this society.”

Ms Atherden explained that today celebrated an exceptional woman who refused to be confined by her physical disability.

“Margaret Carter brought spirited advocacy to the cause of human rights,” Ms Atherden said.

“Her unique perspective, which defied the times in which she was raised and lived, makes her story that much more incredible.”

Ms Atherden also spoke about Ms Carter’s legacy, in particular the ramps in the City of Hamilton, a residence for the physically disabled to live independently and the landmark inclusion of protection from discrimination in the Human Rights Act.

“More than these things, however, Margaret Carter changed the way we think about people with disabilities,” Ms Atherden added.

“Today, men and women with physical challenges serve on the front-line in our public service and in the private sector.

“This facility now comprises a merged programme that provides a wider range of services to a greater number of clients.

The rationale in support of this change was complemented by the adoption of a new model of care called the industrial model of service delivery.”

She added that this model provides meaningful employment for people with disabilities through the production of goods and services for both the public and private sectors.