THE Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) has received four advanced hydraulic lifts from Red Stripe through its Desnoes & Geddes Foundation.

This directly addresses mobility barriers faced by Jamaicans who use wheelchairs, offering a tangible solution for improved daily living and they will be placed at the discretion of the JCPD.

As Jamaica’s lead agency for disability affairs under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the JCPD is dedicated to advancing national efforts for equal access to services, education, and employment. Strategic partnerships and targeted resources are central to its work in fostering inclusion.

Despite these efforts, access continues to be a significant challenge for the roughly 10 per cent of Jamaicans living with disabilities.

Many people with mobility challenges encounter barriers in public buildings, community facilities, and other shared spaces which were not designed with accessibility in mind.

The absence of ramps, lifts and other adaptive infrastructure can limit access to essential services, education, employment opportunities, and social participation.

To help address these challenges, the hydraulic lifts will provide the JCPD with an important resource to support accessibility interventions across Jamaica.

By enhancing mobility and reducing physical barriers in key community spaces, the equipment will help create more inclusive environments where people with disabilities can participate more fully in everyday life.

“We’re grateful to receive this donation, which will make a real difference for people with mobility challenges,” said Deborah Manning, manager for rehabilitation, transition and social services at JCPD.

“These lifts will help to bridge the gap and provide disabled persons the chance to navigate public spaces and essential services with greater independence and dignity. It’s a move toward a more inclusive Jamaica, and we thank the D&G Foundation for recognising the importance of practical support,” added Manning.

Meanwhile, Daika Mitchell, communications and sustainability manager at Red Stripe, argued that everyone should have the opportunity to participate fully in the life of their community.

“Through the D&G Foundation, we are proud to support the JCPD with resources that can help remove barriers and improve access where it is needed most. We believe lasting change comes from practical interventions that make everyday life easier and more accessible for people with disabilities,” said Mitchell.