A total of 55 complaints have been lodged with the Disabilities Rights Tribunal, the formal mechanism for addressing complaints of discrimination, ensuring that persons with disabilities have a path for redress when they feel their rights are violated.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr., during a recent statement in the House of Representatives during which he gave an update on the three-year-old Disabilities Act.

To access the services of the tribunal, persons with disabilities must submit a formal complaint to the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) or complete the complaints form used to assist persons in submitting their complaint.

The JCPD will then investigate and, in consultation with both the aggrieved party and the respondent, determine whether the case will proceed to alternative dispute resolution or be sent directly to the Disabilities Rights Tribunal.

Of the 55 cases received by the tribunal, 29 have been investigated and resolved, eight have been closed, eight were referred to the Disabilities Rights Tribunal, one to the Disputes Resolution Foundation and nine are under assessment to determine the next steps.

“The establishment of this Disabilities Rights Tribunal is a big win for Jamaica and distinguishes us regionally,” said Charles Jr.

He also told the House that to date, 17,130 individuals with disabilities have been registered by the JCPD, marking a “positive step toward formal recognition and support for these clients”.

“We encourage all persons with a disability to register with the JCPD by downloading the forms from our website www.jcpd.gov.jm or collect a form across the parishes at our local offices or at the JCPD head office,” the minister said.

He also pointed to the ‘I Am Able’ initiative as the new national public education campaign to advance the rights of persons with disabilities, promote the capabilities of persons with disabilities and improve access, inclusivity and integration of persons with disabilities across all aspects of life.

“The campaign is an empowering programme designed ultimately to create a society where people of all abilities are valued, respected and empowered,” said the minister. He also acknowledged the inclusion of the International Symbol of Access (ISA) on National Identification System (NIDS) cards, which he noted has enhanced identification for persons with disabilities.