$4M Grant Aid for Persons with Disabilities

Nearly 30 persons with disabilities, islandwide, are to receive empowerment grants, totaling approximately $4 million, from the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD).
The funds are being provided to assist persons who have either started a business or in the process of doing so, to further develop their engagements.
Additionally, the recipients will receive training in book keeping and capital management, which will be administered in partnership with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), and Manpower and Maintenance Services Limited.
The Council also plans to introduce quarterly training for persons with disabilities who already have established businesses, as a means of facilitating continuous improvement of their management skills.
Executive Director of the JCPD, Christine Hendricks, told JIS News that the grant and training provisions are aimed at better enabling the beneficiaries to operate their businesses successfully.
She also said the assistance underpins the Council’s mandate of supporting the economic development of persons with disabilities, who often encounter challenges in securing employment.
“We know that many times these persons do not get into the regular job market… and so self-employment is the way to go for them. For some, they cannot work, and this (JCPD support) offers them (with) an opportunity for their caregiver or somebody in the family who can manage the business on their behalf, to do so,” the Executive Director said
To qualify for JCPD grants, persons must first register with the agency by submitting an application, which will be reviewed for approval by the National Advisory Board’s sub-committee.
Persons can access up to $150,000, while groups can get a maximum of $450,000.
Grant aid is also provided to purchase equipment or musical instruments that will make them more independent.