Jamaica's Disabilities Act Is In Effect
The Disabilities Act was passed in the Jamaican parliament on October 10th, 2014 and on February 14, 2022, it finally came into effect. The Act seeks to makes provisions to safeguard and enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities in Jamaica and prevent discrimination against them. With the legislation intended to protect and promote equal rights for the disabled and to prohibit discrimination against them, The Yaad spoke to Dr. Christine Hendricks, executive director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD). She spoke to us on the process involve in passing the legislation, how the act will change the attitudes of Jamaicans toward persons with disabilities, the disability certificate that the Act allows and much more.
Notes
JCPD: Your Facts On The Act
JIS: Disabilities Act to Take Effect February 14, 2022
Jamaica Observer: Jamaica Welcomes Disabilities Act; Digicel Foundation CEO Speaks On Impact of Legislation
Jamaica Gleaner: Persons with Disabilities Encouraged To Join JCPD To Access Benefits
UNICEF: Situational Analysis of Persons With Disabilities in Jamaica
UNESCO: Disability and Education in Jamaica:Analysis of Policy and Praxis
ECLAC: Disability, Human Rights and Public Policy in the Caribbean
UNESCO Caribbean: The Meaningful Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the Caribbean
JCPD: Climate Change, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management for People with Disabilities
JCPD: Website