To enhance access to justice for all, 24 individuals, including attorneys from the Legal Aid Council (LAC), have successfully completed a rigorous training program in sign language facilitated by the Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD).
Spanning over seven weeks, the training encompassed both online and face-to-face sessions, providing participants with a deep understanding of Jamaican sign language and fostering awareness about deaf culture.
Expansion plans
Dian Watson, the Executive Director of the LAC, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative’s success and revealed plans for two additional cohorts scheduled between July and August.
Watson aims to train at least 80 individuals this year, underscoring the commitment to inclusivity and social justice.
Empowering vulnerable communities
The training of lawyers forms part of the broader Social Justice (SO-JUST) Project, designed to extend access to justice services to the most vulnerable members of society.
Spearheaded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and generously funded by Global Affairs Canada, SO-JUST endeavors to champion the rights of all individuals, ensuring equitable access to justice.
Transforming legal services
The overarching goal of the SO-JUST Project is to revolutionize legal services, particularly for individuals with hearing impairments and children in contact or conflict with the law.
By collaborating with both state and non-state partners, the project seeks to streamline justice services, making them more accessible and comprehensible to every Jamaican.
Gratitude and acknowledgment
Watson expressed profound gratitude to the UNDP and Global Affairs Canada for their unwavering support and sponsorship of the training program.
She emphasized the positive reception from the legal fraternity, highlighting the invaluable insights gained into deaf awareness and culture.
Future endeavors
Looking ahead, Watson outlined plans to expand sign language training to encompass a larger cohort of legal aid lawyers.
Starting with the initial 80 individuals, the aim is to gradually equip the entire legal aid workforce with sign language proficiency, ensuring seamless communication and support for individuals with hearing impairments.
Importance of empowerment
Kimberley Mariott-Blake, Executive Director of JAD, underscored the significance of empowering lawyers to effectively engage with deaf individuals seeking legal assistance.
She emphasized the critical need to eliminate barriers to accessing public and private sector services, advocating for inclusive practices that cater to diverse needs.
Mariott-Blake commended the consistent support from government entities in facilitating adequate referrals and ensuring that individuals receive the assistance they require without discrimination.
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Jamaica’s Legal Aid Council to provide sign language training for lawyers in 2024
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