JCPD to Host Sensitisation Sessions Nov. 1 & 2

The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) will host sensitisation sessions on Disability Assessment in Jamaica, on November 1 and 2.

This will be done in partnership with the University of the West Indies (UWI), at UWI Regional Headquarters, Kingston, and Montego Bay Convention Centre, St. James, respectively.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) commissioned a study to assess the situation of persons with disabilities in St. Lucia, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica.

This was undertaken by researchers at UWI, and the Jamaica component of this study was supported by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), the JCPD and other disability stakeholders.

Executive Director of the JCPD, Dr. Christine Hendricks, said that the assessment was carried out using a mixed-methods approach: quantitative research (a household disability survey) and qualitative research (a desk review, an institutional assessment, and focus group discussions).

She pointed out that a household survey was conducted in 2023 and the qualitative research was carried out in 2021.

The institutional assessment was conducted by the researchers of the project.

It consisted of elite interviews with representatives from various ministries, disability associations, and private-sector organisations.

The focus group discussions were conducted with adults and children with disabilities.

According to Dr. Henricks, the study highlights the needs and concerns of persons with disabilities as well as the efforts of stakeholders in creating an inclusive and accessible environment for persons with disabilities.

Furthermore, it also provides recommendations for areas that need to be addressed or strengthened across various sectors to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind as the island works towards the fulfilment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Vision 2030.

During the two sessions, the researchers will propose some short-term, medium-term, and long-term solutions for the improvement in the quality of life of persons with disabilities.

The public is invited to attend the sessions and provide feedback.