MORE than six months after The Disabilities Act took effect on February 14, 2022, disabled Jamaicans are concerned that there have been no tangible actions by the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) in educating the public and assisting them.

This Act is intended to bring meaningful change that would allow for the betterment of disabled people’s day-to-day lives.

But members of the community, who spoke with the Jamaica Observer on condition that they are not named, said it seems as if it was just false hope.

According to them, the average Jamaican, including many business owners, teachers, professionals, and the general public, does not know about the Act.

They charged that they feel disenfranchised by the JCPD, the organisation that is supposed to not only help them but be their advocate.

“Simply trying to receive information, get an issue resolved, contact the right person, and even reaching the JCPD on the phone is a hassle, and many efforts have proven futile,” said one member of the disabled community who is registered with the JCPD.

“Culturally, many people are not open-minded, and some don’t view disabled people as members of society. But we must recognise there is not enough education.

“I don’t think the JCPD has proper leadership; if it did, more would be happening, not just for me, but for other disabled people. Genuinely, I don’t think they’ve done anything other than talk. I’m not seeing any big action initiatives being rolled out by their team or the board taking any action in improving what needs to be done,” added the man who is blind.

He was supported by a blind female who charged that, “Corporate Jamaica and the Government need to come together in changing the relationship with disabled people, because that is a whole group of people which are being excluded. These people could be making money, contributing to the economy.

“Find someone to lead the JCPD who is closer to the disabled community and who understands what needs to happen — they will know the necessary steps, and their qualifications should be in leadership, management, and communication. The organisation needs to know how to communicate properly with members of the disabled group.”

Repeated attempts by the Observer to get a response from the JCPD were unsuccessful as the entity’s phone rang without an answer.

The core functions of the JCPD are assisting with finding employment for persons with disabilities and ensuring that The Disabilities Act, the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities are publicised and understood by all.

According to the Planning Institute of Jamaica’s Economic and Social Survey Jamaica 2021, the JCPD provided financial aid of approximately $7 million to 272 clients to facilitate medical assistance, employment support, special needs assistance, income generation, and educational support during the year.

The survey said to address needs related to the novel corona virus pandemic and concerns within the population of persons with disabilities, the JCPD held discussions and created partnerships with several Government and non-governmental entities, looking after issues such as welfare and food packages; communication needs; health concerns; and education, information, and communications technology needs.

The Government also made a provision of $40 million to support the employment of persons with disabilities affected by the pandemic, mainly registered clients who were unemployed, laid off, self-employed, or whose livelihood had been affected by COVID-19.