JCPD Responding to Needs of Persons with Disabilities

The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting members of the disabled community affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Since the passage of the storm, the Council has been working closely with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) to identify, assess, and respond to the needs of individuals who have been impacted.

Executive Director of the JCPD, Dr. Christine Hendricks, said that this coordinated approach is designed to ensure that accurate information is collected, so that affected persons may be considered for appropriate relief and social support interventions.

She is encouraging persons with disabilities and their families to report directly to the Ministry.

“Self-reporting is a critical step in enabling the Government of Jamaica to compile verified data and mobilise relief in an efficient manner,” Dr. Hendricks pointed out. With the support of its partners, the JCPD conducted field visits to Catherine Hall in Montego Bay, St. James, and several other communities across multiple parishes.

Dr. Hendricks said that the visits provided direct support, guidance, psychosocial training, and referrals to persons in need, ensuring that no eligible individual is left behind in the recovery process.

For individuals who suffered housing damage, the JCPD has advised that assistance may be accessed through existing government mechanisms where applicable.

These include the National Housing Trust (NHT), for eligible contributors who meet the relevant criteria, and the Labour and Social Security Ministry, which provides social assistance and disaster-related benefits based on assessed need.

The JCPD has pledged to continue working in partnership with government ministries, agencies, and civil society stakeholders to support persons with disabilities impacted by Hurricane Melissa and to promote resilience within communities.

Persons are urged to submit their information via the MLSS website at www.mlss.gov.jm.