Jamaica is actively prioritising inclusivity within public-sector agencies, moving beyond mere physical accessibility, such as ramps and elevators, to comprehensive, people-centred approaches. “We have to challenge each other to now move beyond the visible markers of accessibility to confronting the deeper truth, which is that inclusion is not merely about the concrete or the walls, or the equipment; it is...

Born out of the love of a father for his child, the Jamaican Association on Intellectual Disabilities (JAID) has evolved from a small initiative into a critical organisation that has empowered thousands through advocacy and education and training. Its journey began in 1955 when devoted father and founder Randolph Lopez, driven by the need to assist his daughter with Down’s...

The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) has partnered with several international organisations to advance the rights and development of persons with disabilities, post Hurricane Melissa. To this end, Executive Director Dr. Christine Hendricks, tells JIS News that the JCPD is working with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to develop a framework for inclusive disaster...

As Jamaica marks Earthquake Month in January, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is assuring citizens that it is prepared to provide relief, welfare and recovery assistance in the event of a disaster. As chair of the Humanitarian Assistance Committee, the Ministry fulfils its social protection mandate through shelter management, the provision of relief supplies, and the disbursement of...

Turning 100 years old has not dimmed Joyce Dixon’s rhythm or love for life. The beloved resident of Albion, St. Thomas, who was born on January 3, 1926, `shocked many at her recent birthday celebration when she rose to her feet and skillfully danced along to Stevie Wonder’s 1980 hit, ‘Happy Birthday’. “I’m a good dancer,” the centenarian, affectionately called...

When the first batch of Jamaicans departed the island on January 6 for Canada, under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (SAWP), among them was first-time participant Andre Hollinzed from Clarendon. The 24-year-old, who spoke to JIS News at a farewell event at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Overseas Employment Centre in Kingston, said he was aiming to make...

The Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD) is working in earnest to improve the employability of deaf Jamaicans through public and private-sector partnerships. Founded in 1958, the CCCD operates three residential schools in Kingston, Manchester and St. James as well as the Jamaica Deaf Village in Manchester. Acting Executive Director, John Meeks, whose substantive role is that of Social...

Blondie Edwards’ journey has been shaped by personal loss and serious health challenges that resulted in the amputation of her left leg in 2022. Prior to her illness, the Lionel Town, Clarendon resident lived an extremely active life and often rode motorcycles, drove, worked and managed daily tasks independently. Ms. Edwards tells JIS News that illness and stress changed her...