Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security is rolling out a pilot program to integrate capable persons with disabilities into the Overseas Employment Programme.
This innovative initiative is a collaborative effort with the Abilities Foundation and involves securing commitments from overseas employers and developing a robust support system for workers with disabilities.
Groundbreaking inclusion efforts
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., shared that the program will see its first group of three disabled farmers participate in the Overseas Employment Programme in Canada starting in June.
This marks a significant step forward in inclusive employment practices, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of disability.
Enhancing accessibility in the workplace
Further enhancing workplace inclusivity, the Ministry has introduced the Accessibility Checklist, a vital tool designed to help organizations facilitate accommodations for persons with disabilities within the built environment.
The Ministry’s office at Heroes Circle has already been audited using this tool, yielding favorable results that pave the way for increased accessibility across all governmental ministries.
Collaborative audits for improved compliance
In an ongoing effort to uphold the standards set by The Disabilities Act, the Ministry is set to collaborate with the Faculty of the Built Environment at the University of Technology, Jamaica.
This partnership will focus on conducting Accessibility Audits of Ministries, aiming to identify and rectify gaps in compliance and ensure that reasonable accommodations are made for persons with disabilities.
Promoting accessibility across the board
To promote widespread adherence to accessibility standards, the Ministry, through the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), plans to conduct sensitization sessions across municipalities.
These sessions are designed to educate on the use of the Accessibility Checklist, facilitating the incorporation of accessibility features in new building projects.
The checklist and related resources are available on the JCPD website, providing guidance for organizations looking to improve accessibility.
