Persons with disabilities included in overseas programme

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has introduced a pilot programme for the employment of capable persons with disabilities in the Overseas Employment Programme.

This initiative involves partnering with the Abilities Foundation, engaging overseas employers, and establishing a support system to assist workers with disabilities during their employment.

"For the first time, we have a batch of three farmers who are persons with disabilities and will be participating in the Overseas Employment Programme in Canada starting June. This is groundbreaking; we are ensuring that no one will be left behind," Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, said. He was making his contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

The minister said that the recently launched accessibility checklist serves as an important tool that provides guidelines to facilitate the accommodation of persons with disabilities in the built environment. Also, through the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities, the ministry will be partnering with the Faculty of the Built Environment, University of Technology Jamaica, to conduct a peripheral accessibility audit of ministries in the new school year.

"This exercise aims to ensure compliance with The Disabilities Act by assisting ministries to identify gaps and ensuring adherence to accessibility standards and reasonable arrangements to accommodate persons with disabilities," Charles said.