In the face of societal barriers, the Disabilities Act (2014) is an important tool in ensuring that persons with disabilities (PWDs) have equal rights, access and opportunities as other citizens. The legislation, which came into effect on February 14, 2022, stands as a testament to the commitment by Government to safeguard and enhance the welfare of the disabled community. It...

The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) provides a range of pensions and benefits to contributors of all ages and circumstances. The Scheme is funded by taxpayers through compulsory National Insurance contributions and is the source from which pensions and other benefits are paid. All persons between the ages of 18 and 70 who earn an income are required to be registered...

The spending power of Jamaicans at various levels of the economic spectrum has been increased by virtue of several government programmes and policies over the last three years.   The Government has increased the national minimum wage, reviewed the compensation packages of public-sector workers, increased rates for National Insurance Scheme (NIS) pensioners and introduced a new pension programme.   The latest measure...

Blind Montego Bay-based journalist Robert Blake is a tireless advocate for the rights and inclusion of the disabled community. As an executive member of the Cornwall Combined Disabilities Association (CCDA), and host of 'Disability Beyond Borders' on the community radio station, MORE FM 91.7, he platforms disability issues, highlighting the various challenges and pushing for change. His mission is to...

Fundraising Coordinator for the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) ex-Soldiers Association Western Chapter and ex-serviceman, Sylvester Needham, is thankful for the organisation. Not only has he benefitted from it as a veteran. The organisation has also afforded him the opportunity to give back to his colleagues who have fallen on hard times through the annual National Poppy Appeal Drive, which is...

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that an estimated 1.3 billion people globally, representing 16 per cent of the world’s population, experience significant disability. Jamaica has on record about 46,000 persons who have started the process to register as having a disability, of which some 15,000 have completed the process of becoming registered members of the Jamaica Council for...

Implementation of the National Identification System (NIDS) is expected to facilitate seamless access to benefits for persons with disabilities. Executive Director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), Dr. Christine Hendricks, says the NIDS will allow for the international access sign for persons with disabilities to be placed on it. She explains that this will enable them “to...

More individuals and entities are seeking information and advice on how best they can treat with persons with disabilities since the Disabilities Act came into effect over a year ago. Executive Director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), Dr. Christine Hendricks, tells JIS News that persons have been reaching out to the organisation and requesting sensitisation sessions....

Persons gathered inside the Apostolic Church of Jamaica’s Bethel Temple in Kingston rose to their feet in applause at the end of seven-year-old Andrae Forrester’s valedictory speech during the Early Stimulant Programme (ESP) 2023 graduation ceremony on Tuesday (July 18). The youngster, who was born with cerebral palsy, delivered an inspiring presentation on behalf of his peers, in which he...