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Damarie Thomas’ story

At 12 years old, Damarie Thomas was concentrating on utilising his skills to keep possession of the football when he felt a hard tackle from behind which hurled him to the ground. In an instant, his world changed. Though his injuries did not result in paralysis, they were extensive enough to drastically affect his movement. It was the last time he would play football. 

Now 19, Damarie uses a wheelchair to travel far distances. Despite relying on his wheelchair, he proudly claims that he can take five steps unaided after initially being limited to two. He calls them “mountain steps”. 

Physiotherapy, which has helped his mobility, is now curtailed due to limited resources. However, he is hopeful that he will be able to resume the treatment soon. 

“It’s not what happened, it’s how you go back from it.”

Damarie Thomas

This kind of trauma would have broken many, but Damarie is not broken. 

“It’s not what happened, it’s how you go back from it,” he said.

After his injury, Damarie excelled in his primary school exams and gained a placement at Jamaica College (JC), one of the top-rated high schools in the Corporate Area. At that time, however, the school was not equipped to grant efficient access to a physically disabled student. As a result, he accepted a transfer to Cumberland High near his home in Greater Portmore, St Catherine. 

JC has since become more accessible and accommodating for students with disabilities.

THE ABILITIES FOUNDATION STRIVING TO EMPOWER THE DISABLED

Damarie is now enrolled in an Information Technology course at the Abilities Foundation, proudly proclaiming his improving abilities in learning coding. The Foundation is a multi-disciplinary training centre that provides Damarie with an opportunity to chase new dreams. 

Under the guidance of Executive Director Susan Hamilton, the Abilities Foundation says it strives to empower persons with disabilities through skills training. It is one of the partners in the RISE Life Enabling Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Project funded by the European Union. 

Despite the challenges, Damarie speaks positively and makes statements such as: “I have no challenges, I have motivation.”

SUPPORT: FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND ULTIMATELY, JAMAICA

Damarie professes to be deliberate in surrounding himself with people who have a positive energy, like his friend Trishanna and his uncle who also has a disability. His friend has a free spirit that he admires and is considered a role model.

“I never see that man down,” said Damarie, speaking in admiration of his uncle.

Similar to an old soul living in a teenager’s body, he speaks passionately about not allowing the opinions of others to influence him negatively, even though it is clear that it’s not always easy for him.

“Accept persons with disabilities for who they are and put their skills to the test. Give them a chance to prove themselves… to support themselves and their families.”

Damarie Thomas

“I do not want them [society] to see me as a poor thing because I have a disability. We are all human beings. What happened to me could happen to you. So, with every breath that you take be grateful,” he said.

With his back straight in his chair and jaw set firmly, he gave some advice to everyone, including Jamaica’s leadership.

“Accept persons with disabilities for who they are and put their skills to the test,” he said.

“Give them a chance to prove themselves… to support themselves and their families,” he continued as he highlighted Vision 2030 which focuses on making Jamaica the place of choice to live, raise families, and do business.  

BUDDING ENTREPRENEUR WHO WILL EMPOWER THE DISABALED COMMUNITY

Damarie is adamant that he wants to start a business focused on empowering other persons living with disabilities as well as inner-city communities. He feels that entrepreneurship is an area that the inner-city needs more support in. 

“I see myself making a change in the world,” he said.

“I want to start a Foundation called UPRISE, to break down some of the barriers society has placed on them because of their address or their disability,” he said, referring to people with disabilities and people who hail from inner-city communities. 

“People see you in a wheelchair and they use that stigma to put you one side,” he continued. 

Though entrepreneurship is at the forefront of his mine, he is keeping his options open where future career paths are concerned. He has his sights set on law, motivational speaking, and real estate. 

DISABILITIES ACT A SIGNIFCANT MILESTONE AND SUPPORTS PEOPLE LIKE DAMARIE

The Disabilities Act is one such tool that was implemented to promote the individual dignity, freedom of choice and independence of persons with disabilities. The Disabilities Act came into effect on February 14, 2022. This followed the act’s approval in 2014 and the affirmation of the Disabilities Regulations in 2021. As a result, this week marks the one year anniversary since the act came into effect.

The passing of the act is a significant milestone as it opens up a world of opportunities for persons like Damarie. His success story has only just begun. We shouldn’t be surprised if Damarie adds prime minister to his list of career paths in the future.

Damarie’s story is one of many being shared under the Enabling Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Project, which is implemented by RISE Life Management Services with funding from the European Union to highlight the many ways in which the disabled are unstoppable when given equal access to resources and opportunities.