Noticeable Shift in Awareness of Capabilities of Persons with Disabilities

The passing of the Disabilities Act three years ago has resulted in a noticeable shift in societal awareness regarding the capabilities of persons with disabilities and the challenges they face.

In reaffirming Jamaica’s commitment for inclusivity, there has been a renewed pledge by the Government to advance the rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The Disabilities Act mandates non-discrimination in education, employment, healthcare, and public facilities.

Its purpose is to foster an environment where individuals with disabilities have equal access to opportunities and are treated with the same dignity and respect as all other citizens.

Jamaica’s commitment is aligned to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), for which the country was the first signatory in 2007.

Approximately 200,000 Jamaicans are living with some form of disability.

Executive Director of the Combined Disabilities Association (CDA), Gloria Goffe, tells JIS News in an interview that with the passing of the Act, she has observed significant strides in the recognition of challenges, which in turn has influenced attitudes and policies in both the private and public sectors.

“Society’s growing awareness of the Disabilities Act has resulted in more individuals and organisations understanding their responsibilities towards people with disabilities. Being more aware has begun to yield results, particularly in the private sector, where a noticeable, albeit modest, increase in employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities has been observed,” Ms. Goffe says.

She points out that businesses are actively seeking to comply with the Disabilities Act by making necessary changes to their physical infrastructure.

As a result, many companies are now requesting the Disability and Accessibility Checklist to ensure compliance.

The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) has been playing a crucial role in advising the Government and the disability sector, advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities, maintaining a confidential register, raising public awareness, conducting research, monitoring implementation and providing legal assistance to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are upheld.

Ms. Goffe points to initiatives such as the Ministry of Justice’s ‘Justice Across the Island’ programme, which has been providing direct support to individuals with disabilities, further highlighting the Government’s commitment to inclusion.

The Justice Ministry has been at the forefront of providing accessible services, arranging transportation, meals, and hosting various agencies that offer free advice and services to persons with disabilities.

This approach significantly reduces the barriers that individuals typically face when seeking assistance.

In addition, the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ ‘New Limb New Life’ programme, which provides prosthetic limbs, illustrates the expanding support for individuals requiring specialised health solutions.

Employment opportunities are also on the rise.

According to Ms, Goffe, “One of the more exciting developments in employment is the expansion of the HEART/NSTA Trust employment programme.

Previously limited to the Kingston Metropolitan area, the programme is set to be extended to other parishes, opening up new pathways for employment.”

Companies such as Digicel and CB Chicken have been commended for taking steps toward diversifying their workforce by hiring individuals with disabilities.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security opening the overseas farm-work programme to persons with disabilities is being described as “history being made” by Ms. Goffe.

“Although participation numbers remain small, the CDA is optimistic about expanding these opportunities, as reports indicate a successful pilot initiative,” Ms Goffe asserts.

The establishment of the Disability Rights Tribunal marks a major step towards addressing discrimination.

With a panel of adjudicators named, the tribunal is poised to handle reports of alleged discrimination, signalling a commitment to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities under the law.

Ms. Goffe also points to significant improvements in the electoral process, as through advocacy the Electoral Office of Jamaica has relocated 90 per cent of polling stations to ground-floor locations to facilitate ease of access.

This accessibility is complemented by an increase in the training of electoral staff on how to better engage with persons with disabilities, and the training of persons with disabilities to become Election Day workers, ensuring that everyone can participate in the democratic process.

No longer do visually impaired individuals need assistance to distinguish between the various notes, promoting greater independence in managing personal finances.

The National Commercial Bank has also initiated trials with accessible ATMs, providing users with disabilities the ability to conduct transactions with ease.

“The visually impaired community has expressed their immense appreciation for the new currency denominations equipped with tactile symbols, facilitating easier identification of different bills.” Ms. Goffe says.

She, however, pointed out that while noticeable progress has been made, there are areas in need of improvement, particularly in employment, transportation, and public infrastructure.

For example, there is a dire need for strategic planning to enhance accessibility on roadways without obstacles, such as improperly parked vehicles, and the positioning of light posts and signage that impede movement.

The CDA, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), is also advocating for the adoption of policies to formalise codes of practice related to the Disabilities Act and is urging Parliament to move swiftly towards tabling and enacting these crucial regulations.