Executive Director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities Christine Hendricks is calling for urgent action from organisations and institutions in Jamaica to increase accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities, so they can make their rightful contribution to society.

The call comes amid recent reports that the parent of a disabled student, whose grades for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exam guaranteed her a place at Merl Grove High School, was told that her daughter could not attend the institution, because it did not have the necessary facilities to accommodate her child.

While the education ministry has denied allegations that the student was rejected and gave assurance that steps are being taken to accommodate the student, Hendricks said the incident highlighted the need for institutions and organisations to foster inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities, especially in schools.

“When we are talking about accessibility, it is not just allowing for the physical ramp or the elevator to be in place but also to ensure that when the children are in the classroom, the lesson-planning and the way that the lesson is brought across [ensures] that all the children are able to participate,” Hendricks told Our Today.

She noted that persons with disabilities have bright minds and can contribute greatly to society, and as such, they should be awarded the same privileges as any member of society.

The disabilities advocate further lobbied for the teaching and regular use of sign language in organisations and institutions to increase accessibility for persons with disabilities. Additionally, she said more information is needed on persons with disabilities, so that society can better acquaint themselves with members of the disabled community.

The Disabilities Act (2014), implemented in 2022, states that institutions and organisations have two years to comply and put the necessary facilities in place. In recognition of this, Hendricks urged these institutions to refrain from waiting until the last minute to implement changes.

“Everything is not going to happen all at once, but we want persons to have in mind and to have a definite plan as to how their building, and environment will be made accessible for everybody,” she said.

Accessibility checklists for persons with disabilities are available at the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities. The checklist outlines the various facilities needed to create an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities.

Hendricks is, therefore, urging institutions and organisations to get a copy of the document and start the implementation process.

“Persons with disabilities should be a part of the development process because they, too, are valuable members of the society. They have a part to play in its development, and they should be afforded all the rights and privileges as any other citizen of Jamaica,” she stressed.

DON’T LOCK THEM AWAY

Additionally, she is urging parents and community members to do their part in ensuring early stimulation for persons with disabilities.

She noted that often people tend to hide their relatives with disabilities and keep them locked away from the outside world. As such, she believes this approach has hampered Jamaican’s urgency to create spaces for persons with disabilities.

“Sometimes the barrier starts at home with parents or caregivers also believing the ingrained negativity that comes along with having a child with a disability,” said Hendricks.

“Allow them to participate in community activities, don’t keep them at home, don’t lock them away, and not even the neighbour knows that they exist. Allow them to play with other children, allow them to go to church and Sunday School, Sabbath School, and to the movies so the society gets used to having persons with disabilities around,” she added.

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. The act makes provisions to safeguard and enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities across Jamaica.