Guernsey Disability Alliance appoints its new chairwoman
The new chairwoman of the Guernsey Disability Alliance has said she wants to modernise the charity.
Toni de Kooker, 26, has become the youngest chairwoman in the GDA’s history, having been involved with the charity for the past two years. She was elected at the charity’s AGM at Les Cotils last Monday.
‘To have the support of members makes me happy, and I want us to continue our momentum by raising awareness and campaigning using our communal voice,’ she said.
The past year has seen the GDA playing a part in helping to develop the legislation for the Prevention of Discrimination ordinance, which takes effect in October.
Miss de Kooker said that the ordinance was an important policy development for disabled people on the island.
‘I think many people are unaware of the difficulties that individuals face without legislation there, so it’s going to be a big step,’ she added.
Another of Miss de Kooker’s immediate priorities is to take stock of the GDA’s funding and resources and work out its next steps.
‘If we can, we would like to get more people involved. There are so many things that the GDA can do for disabled people on the island,’ she said.
One way Miss de Kooker hopes to increase involvement is through making the GDA more modern and transparent. The charity now has a digital accounting system, which she was keen to set up due to her previous role as charity treasurer, as well as her background in finance and accounting.
The GDA website is also updated regularly, and recently a GDA LinkedIn page was made. Miss de Kooker said she wanted to continue to increase the charity’s presence online.
‘I would like to create a digital way of running the charity, and use our social media pages to keep people up to date with what is going on.
‘I think that is how we will generate more interest from young people especially, and gain momentum.’
