JAID Celebrates 70 Years of Advocacy

The Jamaican Association on Intellectual Disabilities (JAID) will be celebrating 70 years of advocacy for persons with intellectual disabilities and their families in 2026.

Speaking at a JIS Think Tank on Wednesday (February 25), Executive Director of JAID, Marilyn McKoy, said the association’s journey reflects decades of resilience, pioneering work, and a steadfast commitment to inclusion.

Mrs. McKoy further noted that the milestone anniversary will not only celebrate JAID’s legacy but also reaffirm its mission to empower individuals and families through education, advocacy, and community support.

A series of commemorative activities will be staged throughout the year, beginning with an anniversary church service on March 8 at the St. Andrew Parish Church.

Also, from March to November, the public will be invited to open days across JAID’s five schools of special education – Edgehill School of Special Education in St. Ann’s Bay, Woodlawn School of Special Education in Mandeville, Windsor School of Special Education in Spanish Town, Randolph Lopez School of Hope in Kingston, and Llandilo School of Special Education in Westmoreland.

In addition, two walk-in-the-park and public-education sessions are scheduled to take place at Emancipation Park in New Kingston and Turtle River Park in Ocho Rios, St. Ann in March and July, respectively.

On April 15, the association will convene its 70th Annual General Meeting, which will feature the premiere of a documentary chronicling JAID’s historical journey.

The year-long celebration will culminate in December with an awards ceremony recognising outstanding contributions to the field of intellectual disability and honouring individuals and partners who have supported the organisation’s mission.

Reflecting on JAID’s impact, Mrs. McKoy stated that the association has been a beacon of hope for thousands of families, advocating for dignity, equity, and opportunity.

“This anniversary is not only about looking back at our achievements but also about charting the way forward. We remain committed to advancing inclusion and ensuring that persons with intellectual disabilities are empowered to live full and meaningful lives,” she said.

Founded in 1955 by Randolph Lopez, a parent of a child with Down syndrome, JAID emerged at a time when Jamaica had no formal support systems for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Originally named the Jamaican Association for Mentally Handicapped Children, the organisation broke new ground by establishing special education services for children and youths, later expanding to include adults.

In 2010, the association was officially renamed the Jamaican Association on Intellectual Disabilities, a change that sought to eliminate stigma and derogatory connotations once associated with the term ‘mental retardation’.