Magna Motors Donates US$10,000 for Wheelchair Lift at Intellectual Disabilities Association
By: , July 27, 2016The Key Point:
Photo: Michael Sloley
From left: Acting Executive Director, Jamaica Association on Intellectual Disabilities (JAID), Christine Rodriguez; President of JAID, Sonia Jackson; After-sales Manager, Elis Jimenez; and Supply Chain Director, Erick Gutierrez, hold the US$10,000 cheque donated to the special needs institution towards the installation of a state-of-the-art wheelchair lift. The cheque presentation ceremony was held on July 26 at JAID’s 7 Golding Avenue address in St. Andrew.The Facts
- Magna Motors After-sales Manager, Elis Jimenez, presented the cheque to President of the JAID, Sonia Jackson, during a brief ceremony held at the organisation’s 7 Golding Avenue address in St. Andrew on July 26.
- “This school transcends academic instruction to provide the children with a rich sense of community, allowing them to see the world through a prism of optimism. I would like to commend JAID for the outstanding work over the years, which has allowed our children to thrive and make a way for themselves,” he said.
The Full Story
The Jamaica Association on Intellectual Disabilities (JAID) has received US$10,000 from Magna Motors Dealership Limited to go towards the installation of a state-of-the-art wheelchair lift.
Magna Motors After-sales Manager, Elis Jimenez, presented the cheque to President of the JAID, Sonia Jackson, during a brief ceremony held at the organisation’s 7 Golding Avenue address in St. Andrew on July 26.
Ms. Jackson expressed gratitude for the donation.
“You are supporting us in fulfilling a long-term dream,” she said.
She informed that the installation of the wheelchair lift is part of improvements to the main building of the Randolph Lopez School of Hope, which houses JAID. The works are expected to be completed in time for the start of the new academic year in September.
Ms. Jackson noted that the lift will provide ease of access to the building for students with physical challenges.
She said it will also bring the organisation in line with the Disabilities Act of 2014, which makes provision to safeguard and enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities across Jamaica and to ensure full and effective participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Ms. Jackson thanked the many private- and public-sector entities that continue to support JAID, including the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund; National Health Fund (NHF); and the Kiwanis Club of Constant Spring.
Mr. Jimenez, in his remarks, said the donation signifies the beginning of a partnership between the Hyundai exclusive dealer in Jamaica and JAID.
“This school transcends academic instruction to provide the children with a rich sense of community, allowing them to see the world through a prism of optimism. I would like to commend JAID for the outstanding work over the years, which has allowed our children to thrive and make a way for themselves,” he said.
“We want to play a role in reshaping the narrative of intellectual disabilities, ensuring that the kids do not become victims of limitations,” he added.
JAID is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and a registered charitable organisation that operates five special-education schools in Jamaica.
These are the Randolph Lopez School of Hope, Windsor School of Special Education, Woodlawn School of Special Education, Llandilo School of Special Education, and Edgehill School of Special Education.