Gallimore Commends Entities for Contribution to Disabled Community

Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Andrew Gallimore, has commended a number of private sector entities for their continued support to the disabled community through the Abilities Foundation.
Mr. Gallimore, who was speaking at the launch of the Abilities Foundation’s sidewalk and signage projects at the organisation’s offices on Constant Spring Road on Wednesday (Dec. 3), stated that the contributions made by these entities was a step in the right direction and have helped to uplift the lives of disabled persons.
“I want to recognise and thank …the Canadian High Commission, who has built one of the nicest sidewalks you will find in Jamaica. It is a contribution that they had no obligation to make. It is a contribution that lifts the face of the Abilities Foundation and makes a difference to the persons with disabilities. The Island Grill food chain must be thanked as well for their contribution financially and otherwise, and also the NCB Foundation, which has taken a hands-on investment in the Abilities Foundation,” the State Minister remarked.
“Through their dedication, the lives of the students here at the Abilities Foundation have been improved. These contributions will help to build a momentum,” he added.
The sidewalk project, sponsored by the Canadian High Commission, will improve access to the campus for visually impaired trainees and those with physical disabilities. Island grill provided the Foundation with a sign and one scholarship and the NCB Foundation donated two computers and two scholarships.
In the meantime, with December 3 observed as International Day for Persons with Disabilities, the State Minister used the opportunity to call on other entities and Jamaicans in general, to be more receptive to the disabled community.
“This day is a special day for persons with disabilities. The theme this year speaks to dignity and justice for all of us, but.we are a far way from where we need to be in order to accomplish dignity and justice for everyone. I am calling on Jamaicans all over to pause and reflect on the issues that are affecting persons with disabilities and to be more accommodating,” he urged.
He noted that “persons, who don’t have disabilities, rarely envisage that one day their loved one might have a disability. It is important that we look at things that don’t affect us today and say what if it affects us tomorrow, would this be the Jamaica that we would want to live in? How would we navigate that Jamaica? How much dignity and justice would we find in that Jamaica? And if you’re not pleased with the answers, then it is your responsibility to do what you can to [change the situation].”
Mr. Gallimore also used the opportunity to reaffirm his passion and commitment to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
“As the State Minister with responsibility for the disabled. I will do everything to ensure that persons with disabilities are allowed to take their rightful place in society and contribute, because we have great potential that is untapped. We are on a drive to tap this potential and allow these persons to participate in every sphere of national life,” the State Minister asserted.