Full Inclusion For Persons With Disabiliites Under New Act
By: , April 27, 2022
Photo: Mark Bell
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Karl Samuda, makes his contribution to the 2022/2023 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, today, Tuesday (April 26).The Full Story
As the Disabilities Act comes into full effect, the Government is moving to entrench legislation to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) are protected.
According to Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Karl Samuda, entrenching the laws is the “next step forward” in the process of showing the Government’s “unwavering commitment” to the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Making his contribution to the 2022/2023 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, today, Tuesday (April 26), Minister Samuda said a new day has begun for persons with disabilities. Once the regulations are passed by the Parliament, it “will enhance the full and effective participation of PWDs in the Jamaican society”.
“Persons with disabilities have the same fundamental rights as any other person in the society, and as a government we commit to the effective implementation of this legislation, thus ensuring that Jamaica becomes progressively more inclusive,” the Minister told the House.
The Act was passed in Parliament in October 2014, and the Regulations affirmed by the House of Representatives in October 2021. It gives more authority to the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), which will no longer be a department of the Ministry but a body corporate, functioning under the Public Bodies Management Accountability Act.
Mr. Samuda said as the financial year progresses, more “deliberate efforts” will be made in the implementation of the Disabilities Act to ensure greater equality of participation and non-discrimination in the areas of education, employment, health, and justice.
“Public awareness and sensitisation about disability matters will become the main staple as we seek to decrease stigma and discrimination and increase inclusion and participation. I, therefore, encourage you, my fellow Jamaicans, to ensure that each person plays their part to make inclusion happen,” he said.
The Disabilities Act aims to ensure the full and effective participation of and inclusion of PWDs in the society. It is in keeping with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to which Jamaica is party.