Continuing its work to empower persons with disabilities and remove barriers to independence and education, the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) hosted a Handing-Over Ceremony for the Assistive Aid Grant and the Margaret Moody Scholarship at its Head Office on Ripon Road.

The ceremony underscores the Government of Jamaica’s continued commitment to empowering persons with disabilities through increased access to assistive technology, educational support, and opportunities for personal and professional development.

During the event hosted on Tuesday, December 16, five beneficiaries received assistive aids aimed at enhancing mobility, independence, and overall quality of life, with the purchase of assistive and adaptive aids and accessories and therapy services to support them in living a normal life. This grant is valued at $300,000.

Two outstanding students with disabilities were awarded the Margaret Moody Scholarship in recognition of their academic excellence and financial need. This grant was established as a support facility for persons with disabilities resulting from the proceeds of a bequest of Ms Margaret Moody, a friend of the community of persons with disabilities. The value of this scholarship is $350,000.

Combined, the total value of the grants issued amounted to $2,200,000. Additionally, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security committed fulsome support to ensure beneficiaries would receive fulsome solutions.

In delivering his address, Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr reaffirmed the government’s dedication to inclusive development.

“This ceremony represents more than the distribution of grants and scholarships; it is a clear statement of this government’s commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully supported, empowered, and given every opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Through targeted interventions such as these, we are strengthening independence, expanding access to education, and reinforcing our promise that No Jamaican will be left behind.”

Through these initiatives, the JCPD continues to advance inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunity, while reinforcing public trust in programmes designed to support persons with disabilities. The event also recognised the vital contributions of partners, donors, and stakeholders whose continued collaboration is essential to the success and sustainability of disability-focused initiatives across Jamaica.

In closing, Minister Charles Jr reiterated, “Today’s ceremony is a reminder that empowerment is not achieved through words alone- it requires action, investment, and partnership. This means that accessibility can no longer be an afterthought; it must be a fundamental part of national development.

Whether it is disaster recovery, infrastructure upgrades, social programmes, or technological advancements, we are committed to designing a Jamaica where persons with disabilities can move, work, learn, and participate without obstacles. Our goal is not just to rebuild structures, but to rebuild systems, communities, and opportunities that are accessible to all, ensuring No One is Left Behind.”

The JCPD remains steadfast in its mandate to advocate for and implement policies and programmes that enhance the social and economic participation of persons with disabilities, in keeping with national development goals and international best practices.