Senate wants debate on jobless persons with disabilities this week
KINGSTON, Jamaica – President of the Senate, Tom Tavares Finson, says every effort will be made to debate a motion from Opposition Senator Floyd Morris on employment for persons with disabilities (PWDs) this week.
Tavares Finson gave the assurance, after Morris brought to the attention of the Senate that this week will be celebrated as Disabilities Awareness Week, and will focus on employment, especially using information and communications technologies.
Disabilities Awareness Week is being celebrated from December 4 to 9, under the theme “Inclusive Information Communication Technologies: The Way to the Future”.
Senator Morris said that the week allows time for the nation to reflect on the challenges, and focus on empowering people with disabilities through employment.
“Persons with disabilities in Jamaica are confronted with a number of challenges. One of the major challenges is that of employment and the focus on ICT is demonstrating how the use of technology can assist these individuals,” Morris said.
Senator Morris’ motion calls on the government to take necessary steps to promote the employment of persons with disabilities, in the private and public sector.
The motion also calls for government to implement a consistent education programme on the employment capabilities of PWDs, and create a special facility to enable them to access modern technologies.
Balford Henry