JUSTICE Minister Delroy Chuck on Friday highlighted the ministry’s recent efforts and commitment towards providing essential legal support to persons with disabilities across Jamaica.

He was addressing the Kingston leg of the Legal Aid Council’s justice fair for persons with disabilities at Emancipation Park in New Kingston.

The fair was aimed at increasing access to justice services and raising awareness among persons living with disabilities about their rights.

“Recognising the critical need for equitable access to justice, my ministry has embarked on a proactive initiative to enhance legal aid services, specifically tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities,” Chuck said.

He said that through the Legal Aid Council, working alongside major stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), among other groups, the goal is to ensure that every member of society, regardless of ability, has equal opportunities to seek and receive justice.

The minister said that up to May 31, 2024, there were 16,223 people registered with disabilities on the JCPD database.

“It is my understanding there are many factors impacting the registration of persons with disabilities. One such challenge is that some persons may not be aware of the provisions made by the Disabilities Act, which encourages registration to what is the national confidential registry,” the minister said.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr, Chuck said, is aware of the challenge and has been encouraging people to register with the JCPD in order that those with disabilities can benefit from the Government’s provision of economic, educational, and social developments.

“The needs of persons with disabilities are many and varied, this is why we are joining hands with stakeholders in placing priority in this area,” the minister said.

He further noted that the ministry, in collaboration with various stakeholders, including legal experts, disability rights advocates, and community organisations, has commenced developing and implementing strategies intended to expand the accessibility of legal aid services.

“We’re working to enhance the accessibility of legal aid services through various channels, including physical accessibility, communication support, such as sign language interpreters and accessibility formats, and remote access options. We are conducting awareness campaigns and outreach programmes to empower persons with disabilities with knowledge about their rights and available legal resources,” Chuck said.

“We are providing training and resources to legal professionals, including attorneys, to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively represent and support persons with disabilities. We’re promoting inclusive policy development, advocating for policies that protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring their voices are heard in the legal and policymaking processes,” he added.

Chuck noted that the justice fair for persons with disabilities serves as a crucial platform to exchange ideas, share best practices, and strengthen collaborations towards justice and equality for all.

“The Ministry of Justice wants all Jamaicans to know that this Government is insistent on protecting the disabled as we ensure justice for all of us. We are determined at the ministry to make justice easily accessible to every individual, every Jamaican, across the nook and cranny of every neighbourhood,” he added.

Persons with disabilities attending Friday’s fair were able to access several justice services. These included expungement services, legal aid, child diversion, victim support, and restorative justice.

Representatives of several government agencies, including the Registrar General’s Department, National Housing Trust, HEART/NSTA Trust, National Health Fund, and Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education were among participants.

The first leg of the legal aid fair was held in Montego Bay at Harmony Beach Park, December 2023, in collaboration with the JCPD and assisted over 300 persons living with disabilities.

The latest event was funded by the United Nations Development Programme and Global Affairs Canada, in partnership with the Ministry of Justice.