Inclusion in action must go beyond words

In the heart of Jamaica, where vibrant culture and community spirit define the nation, many citizens with disabilities still face exclusion from fully participating in society. Everyday tasks, such as entering a building, using public transportation, or securing employment remain significant challenges.

Disabilities Awareness Week, observed from December 1-7, under the theme, ‘Inclusion in Action: Connecting Communities for a Better Tomorrow’, calls attention to these issues while celebrating the achievements of persons with disabilities. However, this year’s theme must go beyond symbolic gestures to drive tangible, transformative change.

Executive director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), Dr Christine Hendricks, has emphasised the need for action.

“We are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all Jamaicans,” she stated, highlighting the collective responsibility to create spaces where every citizen, regardless of ability, can thrive.

Yet, the reality for many remains a stark contrast to this vision. Across Jamaica, barriers to accessibility persist. Numerous buildings lack ramps or elevators, public transportation is not equipped to accommodate all, and job opportunities for persons with disabilities remain limited.

RECOGNISING JAMAICAN SIGN LANGUAGE

One critical step toward inclusion is recognising Jamaican Sign Language (JSL) as the nation’s second language. Communication is fundamental to breaking barriers, and making JSL a core part of the education system would foster understanding and connectivity between hearing and deaf communities.

Currently, JSL appears sporadically on televised programmes, but a nationwide initiative to teach the language in schools as a compulsory subject could bridge this gap and lay the foundation for a more inclusive society.

Employment is another area requiring urgent attention. For years, persons with disabilities have faced systemic barriers to securing meaningful jobs. It is time for legislation mandating public and private sector employers to reserve a percentage of positions for individuals with disabilities.

Such measures, coupled with targeted training programmes, would provide financial independence and a sense of dignity while enhancing diversity in the workplace.

Accessibility remains a significant hurdle, as many public and private spaces in Jamaica are still not designed to accommodate persons with disabilities. The Disabilities Act, while a step into the right direction, requires stronger enforcement to ensure universal design standards are met. No Jamaican should be denied access to education, healthcare, or community spaces because of inadequate infrastructure.

‘I AM ABLE’ CAMPAIGN

This year, Disabilities Awareness Week will also see the launch of the ‘I Am Able’ campaign, spearheaded by Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. The initiative seeks to celebrate the diverse abilities of individuals with disabilities and advocate for their full inclusion in society. While this is a commendable effort, it must inspire concrete actions that transform lives rather than remain a symbolic gesture.

Jamaica has made strides in promoting inclusion, but much work remains. Disabilities Awareness Week 2024 offers an opportunity not just to reflect on these issues, but to act decisively.

As the nation also observed International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 3, it is imperative to commit to a Jamaica where accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities are not aspirational, but realities.

Inclusion must extend beyond conversations and campaigns; it must be entrenched in laws, embedded in schools, workplaces, and communities, and reflected in the daily experiences of every Jamaican.

It is time to make ‘Inclusion in Action’ more than just a theme; it must become the lived experience of all citizens.

Leroy Fearon is the acting dean, Faculty of Education, The Mico University College, author and researcher. Email feedback to: leroyfearon85@gmail.com and editorial@gleanerjm.com