The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), on Wednesday, reaffirmed its commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible nation as Jamaica observed the International Day for Persons with Disabilities under the theme “Rebuilding an Accessible Jamaica for All.”

Speaking at the national public forum hosted at the Summit, in Kingston, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, underscored that accessibility must no longer be treated as optional or charitable, but as a fundamental right, a central component of human development, and a driver of national prosperity.

“Today, we affirm that accessibility is a right, a national priority, and a core pillar of sustainable development. Creating an accessible Jamaica is not the work of just one ministry; it is the work of a nation. When we remove digital, physical, and attitudinal barriers, we expand opportunity for every Jamaican,” Charles Jr stated. “Our commitment is clear: Inclusion by design.”

With approximately 15 per cent of Jamaica’s population representing persons with disabilities, the Minister emphasised that their full inclusion is vital to achieving the goals of Vision 2030.

Minister Charles Jr noted that inclusion is not only a moral responsibility but also an opportunity to unlock significant national talent, innovation, and economic potential.

The Forum was moderated by Dr Christine Hendricks, Executive Director of the JCPD, who steered the conversation through key national issues related to accessibility, policy implementation, and disability rights advocacy.

“Today’s public forum is not just a conversation; it is a national call to action. Universal Design must guide every decision we make as we reconstruct physical spaces, strengthen digital systems, and modernise public services. Accessibility is not an accommodation, it is a fundamental requirement for national development”.

Panellists included Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., Minister of Labour and Social Security, Ms Sana Williams, Architects Association of Jamaica, Mr Alistair McLean, Office of the Prime Minister and Mrs Marilyn McKoy, Executive Director, Jamaica Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.

Key National priorities announced include:

1. Digital Inclusion: National adoption of WCAG 2.1 AA standards for digital accessibility, digital accessibility audits of key government platforms, and expanded assistive technology training for blind, low-vision, deaf, and hard-of-hearing communities.

2. Accessible Physical Infrastructure: Stricter enforcement of the 2023 Jamaica Building Code, retrofitting existing facilities using the JCPD Accessibility Checklist, and advocacy for modernisation of public transportation to ensure inclusive mobility.

3. Improved Service Delivery & Communication: Expansion of certified Jamaican Sign Language interpreters, promotion of plain language standards, and disability sensitisation training for government frontline staff.

The International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed annually on December 3 and seeks to promote understanding, rights, and well-being for persons with disabilities worldwide.