Consultations for Code Of Practice for Disabilities Community Begin Monday

With the passing of the National Disabilities Bill, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security will begin its islandwide consultations to gather information for the drafting of Codes of Practice and Regulations for members of the community.
The sessions, which are being organised by the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), will begin in Western Jamaica on Monday, November 17 at 10:00am the Burchell Baptist Church Hall in Montego Bay, St. James.
In addition to St. James the session will also benefit the parishes of Westmoreland, Trelawny and Hanover.
The second consultation is set for the Eastern parishes of St. Ann, St. Mary and Portland. This will be held at the St. Mary’s Anglican Church Hall in Port Maria, St. Mary beginning at 10:00am.
Topics to be discussed at the stakeholder meetings include: the JCPD and the Disabilities Rights Tribunal, education and training, employment, health care and facilities, housing and premises, and public passenger vehicles.
The Codes of Practice are minimum standards that are expected to guide interactions with, and participation of persons with disabilities in order to prevent discrimination.
The Regulations include fines that will be charged to persons or entities which discriminate against persons with disabilities.
Persons who are unable to attend the sessions are being asked to send their comments to the JCPD via email at jcpd@mlss.gov.jm

Other consultations are being planned for Southern and Central parishes. The Disabilities Bill was passed in the Senate on October 10, 2014. The Act establishes the JCPD as a Body Corporate with additional functions to ensure, promote, and protect the rights and fundamental freedoms of persons with disabilities.