Significant Progress Made Since Implementation of Disabilities Act

Since the implementation of the Disabilities Act in 2022, Jamaica has made notable progress in several areas, including education, employment and accessibility.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., gave an update in a Statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday (February 11).

“In education, we have improved access to quality education for children with disabilities through the Early Stimulation Programme [which] facilitates children six and under. We have also supported and strengthened the Special Education Units within mainstream schools and provided support services and accommodations,” Mr. Charles Jr. said.

“In employment and economic empowerment, we have advanced initiatives promoting inclusive hiring practices and vocational training programmes, in collaboration with entities like the HEART/NSTA Trust, all with a view to reduce and eliminate discrimination in employment on the basis of disability,” he added.

Mr. Charles Jr. also informed that through the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities, grants have been provided to persons with disabilities to support their economic activities.

In addition, the Ministry has placed persons with disabilities on farms with the Overseas Employment Programme for 2024, paving the way for greater financial independence and participation in the workforce for persons with disabilities.

“We have two young ladies who came out of the Abilities Foundation agricultural programme and two men who are now doing very well in Canada and more to come,” Mr. Charles Jr. stated.

In terms of accessibility, the Ministry has partnered with the Bureau of Standards Jamaica to adopt the Accessibility Checklist, designed as a convenient source for identifying architectural, structural and communication barriers.

“This checklist is to be used by all, so that when you are building, you will be able to have that support in knowing what to do. So, this tool should be utilised to promote a higher standard of physical and operational accessibility,” Mr. Charles Jr. said.