The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) hosted its ‘I Am Able Initiative’ panel discussion under the theme ‘Fostering an Enabling Environment, Building an Inclusive Jamaica’ on Friday (February 14), in an effort to encourage a society where all Jamaicans work together to empower persons with disabilities.

Dennis Zulu, United Nations (UN) resident representative to Jamaica, stated that disability inclusion is a fundamental aspect of human rights, social equity, and sustainable development.

“We take note and welcome that Jamaica continues to make meaningful strides in the disability inclusion. However, there is more to be done, and we are on our way to getting what we want,” said Zulu in his address.

He emphasised that Jamaica has demonstrated a strong commitment to disability rights at home and on the global stage.

“Firstly, Jamaica’s legal framework, the Disability Act 2014, represents a significant milestone in Jamaica’s legislative history, providing legal protection and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities. Additionally, in the ratification of international treaties, Jamaica’s continuous commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) underscores its dedication to global disability rights frameworks,” he said.

“Jamaica also boasts strong institutions such as the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disability (JCPD), which has been instrumental in implementing the Disability Act, delivering services, and championing advocacy efforts to improve the lives of persons with disabilities,” Zulu added.

He highlighted that the UN remains steadfast in supporting disability inclusion through strategic initiatives such as the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy, which partners with Jamaican agencies.

“The UN Disability Inclusion Work Plan 2024/25 has localised the global strategy and is strengthening disability inclusion with UN agencies in Jamaica. Some key actions that have been taken include the new nondiscrimination employment statement, a joint UN approach to procurement in HR policies, and helping to evaluate how persons with disabilities are included in humanitarian needs, assessment preparedness, and responsibility.”

Additionally, executive director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities, Christine Hendricks, in her remarks, reflected on the historical journey of disability inclusion in Jamaica and the ongoing efforts of the JCPD under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

She stated that it is a journey that has seen remarkable strides in the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities. “From the grassroots activism of the 1970s to the passage of the Disability Act in 2014 and its coming into effect in 2022, this journey has been both challenging and inspiring.”

“It has been a journey of advocacy, policy change, and the empowerment of persons with disabilities,” Hendricks continued.

However, she noted that while much has been achieved, the journey is far from complete in an effort to ensure that persons with disabilities are treated fairly. “We have much work to do, and so we must continue to push for the full implementation of the Disability Act, combat stereotypes, and create a society where persons with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of life.”

“Together we can build a Jamaica that truly upholds the dignity, rights, and independence of every individual regardless of their ability,” she noted.