KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Zavia Mayne, says the implementation of the Disabilities Act remains a high priority for the Government. The Disabilities Act makes provisions to safeguard and enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities across Jamaica.

“This legislation protects and promotes the equal rights of the disabled and prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities,” he said.

The state minister was speaking at the second staging of the ministry’s employers’ consultation under the theme ‘Workability’ held at the University of the West Indies, Mona, St Andrew, today. Mayne said the Government is committed to the provision of access to services, intervention and other opportunities aimed at improving the participation of people with disabilities in social, cultural, economic and cultural opportunities.

“We will ensure that persons with disabilities are guaranteed all human rights, so that they are treated with respect and dignity at all levels of society,” he said.

Mayne said the Government remains resolute to removing barriers that prevent the disabled from participating, while at the same time enabling them to unlock their vast potential.

He also noted that policies have been developed to enable cooperation between Government and civil society in addressing the equalisation of opportunities for persons with disabilities.

“It is not that persons with disabilities do not have the ability to achieve in all areas of life… but too often the disabled experience barriers in accessing services that able-bodied persons oftentimes take for granted,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mayne said the Social and Economic Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Project, implemented in partnership with the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), has resulted in increased training and employability for beneficiaries who have been placed on a path to economic independence.