Abilities Foundation Resolute in Helping Persons with Disabilities

The Abilities Foundation remains resolute to its mandate of providing more than training opportunities to persons with disabilities (PWDs), but also preparing its graduates for success.

Formed in 1992, the institution has been leading the charge in giving hope to PWDs through its quality education and training.

Managing Director, Abilities Foundation, Susan Hamilton, tells JIS News that the institution is unique, because it caters to persons with all disabilities and also to those with mild mental disorders.

A range of disciplines certified by the HEART Trust/NTA are offered to students to prepare them for independent living and the world of work. These include: housekeeping, data operations, furniture making, design and décor, and horticulture and landscaping.

“In addition to those skilled areas, we offer support services in job placement, job coaching and mentoring, professional development seminars, remedial English and Mathematics as well as functional and independent life skills. At the end of their two-year programme, we should feel confident in having those young persons transition to the world of work or transition to life,” adds Miss Hamilton.

The institution was this year recognised by HEART Trust/NTA as the best institution that provides training to PWDs.

The Abilities Foundation recently received a grant of over $10 million from the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank, through the Jamaican Government, for its Workforce Inclusion Project that is managed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

The aim of the project is to enhance training delivery, upgrade staff capacity through professional training and development. It has also strengthened the institution’s capacity to place students in jobs, provide on the job coaching and mentoring and do follow-ups with graduates for at least one year. It also helps with acquiring assistive aids for students.

Miss Hamilton hails the project, which is in its last phase, as a major success. “With the first round we had 70 per cent full certification of our students. We also find that students on the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) who receive a stipend, are attending classes regularly as the stipend assists with their lunch and transportation. They are also more responsible, as they come to training on time, hand in their assignments and maintain passing grades,” she says.

The Workforce Inclusion Project began in March 2014 and is expected to end in 2017.

The Managing Director adds that some graduates have retained their jobs for more than one year. She also says the project will provide useful information for research for analysts through its tracking mechanism.

In terms of society’s behaviour toward PWDs, Miss Hamilton says Jamaica has come a long way, especially with the recent passage of the Disabilities Act, but adds that more needs to be done to debunk some myths and perceptions.

“I think we are more open, people are talking about it. There is greater awareness and social media is even there to assist persons on how to treat PWDs,” she tells JIS News.

Miss Hamilton says that along with the acceptance of PWDs, there must be increased employment of those persons, while thanking both public and private sector organisations that have partnered with the institution in employing its graduates.

Miss Hamilton is also praising the National Youth Service (NYS) which, through its summer job and apprenticeship programmes, have helped to find employment for its students.

The Abilities Foundation predominantly caters to PWDs within Kingston and St. Andrew. However, there is growing demand for similar institutions in other parishes.

Miss Hamilton tells JIS NEWS that it is hoped that within a few years, another facility will be built in another parish.

“We would like to see another centre established in the western side of the country to cater to PWDs and we would want corporate Jamaica and other stakeholders to make this a reality,” she says.

An average of 70 students graduate from Abilities Foundation each year and Miss Hamilton informs that for the first time there is a waiting list. She attributes this to more parents and caregivers seeking out opportunities for PWDs.

Registration begins during May each year, but students are generally accepted up to August for the September start of the two-year programme. Successful applicants are required to register with the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities, and in cases where persons have intellectual disabilities or mild mental disorders, an assessment is required.

The fee is waived for PATH beneficiaries; for those not on PATH, the cost is $20,000 per year.

Miss Hamilton is urging corporate Jamaica to adopt a child and pay their tuition as the funds will help the institution to continue to provide valuable services to the students. She is also encouraging parents of PWDs to seek help for their children and to maintain a positive attitude.

“When you have a child with disabilities, it takes more emotionally, financially and physically and we have institutions like Abilities Foundation that is here to assist you in the process. Do not give up,” she urges.