Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, announced in the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday, February 11, that Jamaica will commemorate the third anniversary of the Disabilities Act on Friday, February 14.

The Act, which came into effect on February 14th, 2022, provides a comprehensive framework for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in our country.

Charles Jr states that the primary objective of the Act includes promoting the individual dignity, freedom, and independence of persons with disabilities, ensuring that they are not discriminated against. “Preventing discrimination based on disability ensures that we foster respect for the differences that they may have as integral members of our diverse population and ensures their full and equal participation in all aspects of life. This includes access to education, employment, healthcare, housing, transportation, and participation in political and public life,” he said.

He outlined that these rights align with Jamaica’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, of which Jamaica was proudly the first signatory on March 30, 2007.

In an effort to ensure that persons with disabilities are empowered, valued, and respected, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) recently developed a public education campaign called the I Am Able Initiative. “This aims to advance the rights of persons with disabilities, promoting the capabilities of persons with disabilities and improving their integration across all aspects of life,” Charles Jr added.

He also outlined that as a result of the Disabilities Act, the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) came into effect. “The JCPD has played a critical role in advising the government and the disability sector, advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities, maintaining a confidential register, which is important, raising public awareness, conducting research, monitoring implementation, and providing legal assistance to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are upheld.”

He exclaimed that more than 17,000 individuals have been registered at the JCPD, which forms a positive step towards formal recognition and support for clients with disabilities.

Additionally, he stated that since the implementation of the Act, the Ministry has made notable progress in several areas, including education, employment, and accessibility. “We have improved access to quality education for children with disabilities through the Early Stimulation Programme that facilitates children under six years old. The MLSS also supported and strengthened the Special Education Units within mainstream schools and provided support services and accommodations.”

He added, “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 reducing and eliminating discrimination in employment on the basis of disability.”

Charles Jr further exclaimed that the Act created the Disabilities Rights Tribunal, which provides a formal mechanism whereby complaints of discrimination toward persons with disabilities can be addressed. “The tribunal provided a pathway for redress whenever persons with disabilities rights are violated. The tribunal also distinguishes Jamaica regionally and carries us to international standards.”