Denise Daley, Opposition Spokesperson on Persons with Disabilities and Inclusion, delivered a powerful call in Parliament on Tuesday for stronger protections, inclusion, and support for Jamaica’s disabled community.

“The rights of persons with disabilities are not a special category, they are human rights, period,” Daley said, while pointing out the government’s failure to initiate the mandatory 2025 review of the Disabilities Act.

The People’s National Party (PNP), she said, is prepared to act. On assuming office, the party will:

• Establish a National Disability Fund backed by legislation and governed by an appointed board to support educational, developmental, and economic initiatives.
• Launch a public education drive to inform persons with disabilities about the Disability Rights Tribunal and their right to seek redress.
• Partner with the Ministry of Education to drastically reduce the waiting time for disability testing and expand access across all seven educational regions.
• Introduce testing protocols for “invisible” disabilities, including anxiety, depression, and autism, to ensure early diagnosis and customised support through Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

Daley also called out systemic inequities, including reports that disabled persons often receive lower wages and are passed over for promotions. “This cannot continue,” she said. “Inclusion is not a favour, it is justice.”

She further announced that inclusion will be embedded in the PNP’s ethical framework for governance, with a revitalised values and attitudes programme to tackle societal division, stigma, and discrimination.

“It’s time for a Jamaica where every citizen, regardless of ability, is seen, heard, and empowered,” Daley concluded.