$100 Million Earmarked to Assist Persons with Disabilities

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles, has announced that over $100 million has been set aside in this year’s budget for activities aimed at further empowering persons with disabilities.
Making his contribution to the 2010/11 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (Oct. 12), Minister Charles informed that of the sum allotted, $15 million will go toward grants to the various voluntary organisations providing a variety of services for persons with disabilities.
Another $10 million have been allocated for grants to help disabled persons start their own small businesses, while additional resources will go towards skills training.
Minister Charles said that persons with disabilities represent an integral part of the labour force, many of whom have developed a wide range of competencies. He noted that the Ministry has been working to further assist them, particularly in terms of income tax exemptions.
“Each year, the Ministry has afforded employed persons with various levels of disabilities, the accommodation for income tax exemption. In 2009, 95 persons were granted income tax exemptions and 57 persons for this year, to date. This includes all categories of workers,” he informed.
In addition, the Abilities Foundation has strengthened its programme of vocational training for persons with disabilities to prepare them for the labour market, Minister Charles further informed, noting that more than 100 persons with disabilities are currently pursuing HEART Trust/NTA training courses at the Foundation.