A story in last Friday's Gleaner spoke about a blind police officer returning to active duty in Port Antonio last week.
The story also spoke about the return of another officer who is physically challenged to active duties. Both officers have been given tasks that will facilitate their disabilities.
This move must be commended. Not only has the Police Federation proven that there can be more for its officers even if they are injured, it also shows that the disabled in the society also have a role to play in the workplace.
While the federation was instrumental in getting the officers the new training required to function with the disabilities, and also in finding tasks for the officers to do, both policemen need to contribute to the society while being somewhat independent must have been an important factor.
There are several disabled people in society who would also want opportunities such as this, and, like the police officers, be allowed to give meaningfully to society while being independent.
It is sad that many of our disabled do not feel they have an equal chance at a job opportunity if they apply with several other able bodied persons.
But not giving them opportunities push them unto the streets to beg and live and be dependant on society.
There needs to be equal opportunities for all Jamaicans, able and disabled, so everyone can be independent individuals achieving their own goals.
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