Capable Persons with Disabilities Being Included in Overseas Employment Programme
By: , May 30, 2024
Photo: Michael Sloley
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., makes his contribution in the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, on Wednesday (May 29). Seated behind the Minister is his sister and Member of Parliament for St. Thomas Eastern, Dr. Michelle Charles, and seated at right is Minister of State in the Ministry, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn.The Full Story
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has introduced a pilot programme for the employment of capable persons with disabilities in the Overseas Employment Programme.
This initiative involves partnering with the Abilities Foundation, engaging overseas employers, and establishing a support system to assist workers with disabilities during their employment.
“For the first time, we have a batch of three farmers who are persons with disabilities and will be participating in the Overseas Employment Programme in Canada starting June. This is groundbreaking; we are ensuring that no one will be left behind,” Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said.
He was making his contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 29).
Meanwhile, the Minister noted that the recently launched Accessibility Checklist serves as an important tool that provides guidelines to facilitate the accommodation of persons with disabilities in the built environment.
“This tool was used to audit the Ministry’s office at Heroes Circle, and I am pleased to report that the findings were favourable. We are moving further in our efforts to ensure that there is greater accessibility across all ministries,” Mr. Charles Jr. said.
Also, through the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), the Ministry will be partnering with the Faculty of the Built Environment, University of Technology (UTech) Jamaica, to conduct a peripheral Accessibility Audit of Ministries in the new school year.
“This exercise aims to ensure compliance with The Disabilities Act by assisting ministries to identify gaps and ensuring adherence to accessibility standards and reasonable arrangements to accommodate persons with disabilities,” Mr. Charles Jr. said.
The Accessibility Checklist is on the JCPD website (www.jcpd.gov.jm), and sensitisation sessions on how to use the Accessibility Checklist will be conducted across municipalities to promote accessibility in new buildings.