JCPD Urges More Persons With Disabilities To Register

Executive Director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), Dr. Christine Hendricks, is encouraging more persons with disabilities across the island to register with the Council, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusion and expand access to essential services.

Presently, 15,888 persons are registered with the JCPD. However, reports indicate that approximately 41,800 persons with disabilities reside in Jamaica, leaving a gap of more than 20,000 individuals who are not yet registered.

The Council notes that this gap may be attributed to factors such as relocation migration or death, but remains committed to locating and engaging those who have not yet come forward.

To support this effort, partnerships will be pursued to assist in the registration process.

Dr. Hendricks told JIS News that registration is vital to advancing the rights, promoting inclusion, and safeguarding the well-being of persons with disabilities.

“We want to ensure that every person with a disability has access to the benefits, programmes and resources available through the Council. Registration is the first step in that process,” she said. A major step forward in this effort is the launch of the ‘I Am Able: My JCPD’ digital platform, which modernises the delivery of services.

The platform provides a secure, user-friendly space where persons with disabilities can register and access support. It reduces the need for repeated in-person visits, enhances access to benefits and referral pathways, and strengthens evidence-based planning to inform inclusive policy-making.

Dr. Hendricks underscored that digital transformation is central to empowering persons with disabilities. Through the ‘I Am Able’ platform, individuals gain greater control over how they access services, thereby promoting independence, dignity and equity.

She is urging all persons with disabilities who have not yet registered to take advantage of the ‘I Am Able: My JCPD’ digital platform, or visit any Ministry of Labour and Social Security office islandwide, as well as the JCPD Head Office at 10 Ripon Road, Kingston.

To register, individuals may access the digital platform at www.jcpd.gov.jm or visit any office to complete the registration form.

Applicants are required to submit two passport-sized photographs, stamped and signed by a Justice of the Peace (JP), along with their birth certificate, medical eligibility report and Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN).

For additional information, persons may call 876-515-9069 or 876-447-0444, or visit the JCPD website.