Maria Holder-Small is a force of transformation—a champion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and a relentless advocate for inclusion. Her journey, marked by resilience and a great love for life, is one of rewriting narratives and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2005 after years of uncertainty, tests and misdiagnoses, Maria faced the life-altering reality of an acquired disability. But instead of retreating, she persevered against the odds, navigating the emotional and physical toll of MS with grace and purpose. As a wheelchair user, she understands firsthand the frustrations of inaccessible infrastructure, the sting of exclusion and the urgent need for systems and people that truly support PWDs. She has dedicated her life to this advocacy.
A former president of the Barbados Council for the Disabled and the MS Society, Maria has long been at the forefront of promoting disability rights. As a vibrant and engaging Change Artivist with the National Transformation Initiative (NTI) from its inception, she is a driving force behind its ongoing commitment to accessibility and PWD representation. Under her influence and the vision of NTI Director Dr. The Hon. Allyson Leacock, the NTI has been leading in digital accessibility, ensuring that PWDs can access online learning without barriers.
Maria’s advocacy is personal and action-driven. Through her Disability Etiquette Training, she equips organisations with the tools to foster and implement inclusion in their spaces. She relentlessly pushes for better infrastructure, workplace equity, and the recognition of the vast potential within the disabled community. She knows that a person with a disability on a team does not reduce capability; rather, it brings unique perspectives that drive innovation and strengthen any team. At the NTI, Maria is not just a valued team member, she is the heartbeat of our mission. There is no version of this team, no vision for transformation, that hasn’t been touched, shaped or influenced by her unwavering dedication to equality and inclusion.
In a world where accessibility is often treated as an afterthought, Maria stands firm in her mission: to create a Barbados where PWDs are seen, heard, and empowered to thrive. This International Women’s Day, as the world calls for accelerated action, Maria Holder-Small is living proof of what that truly means— not just opening doors, but rebuilding the very foundations so that no one is left on the outside. Access and Inclusion create equality. That is no longer an option it is an imperative.
