POSITIVE Parenting

Jamaican society should change its views on disabled persons, focusing instead on their myriad abilities, a lobbyist here has said.

Valerie Spence, administrator at the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities, says social attitudes are the greatest barrier to disabled individuals who are trying to function effectively.

"Persons need to get used to having individuals who are disabled around them because they will always be with us in society. Even crime contributes to this because oftentimes victims of crime become incapacitated," explains Spence.

Provide amenities

Gloria Goffe, coordinator of the Combined Disabilities Association, argues that government buildings and corporate offices should provide amenities to facilitate the physically challenged.

"Employers need to make buildings accessible to these persons by providing them with ramps, talking elevators, rails on elevators, among other things," Goffe says.

She also advocates the provision of voice-enabled computers, hearing aids and wheelchair-compatible bathrooms.

Despite the challenges, Goffe says disabled persons should be paid at the same rate as able-bodied individuals in order for them to enjoy sustainable lifestyles.

"If someone should become disabled while employed to a company, the first choice should not be to make them redundant but, instead, employers should think about retraining and then redeploying.

"Instead of advising them that they cannot function, employers should give them tools that will help them," says Goffe.

Meanwhile, she advises disabled persons to get certified at recognised training institutions.

Interact more

The disabilities advocate is also urging society to interact more with disabled persons, which would help fight discrimination and build bridges of understanding.

"Persons should be kind to disabled individuals by questioning them about their disabilities instead of asking others," says Goffe.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, in his contribution to the Budget Debate in April, revealed that Government had allocated $100 million to facilitate disabled Jamaicans pursuing small-business exploits.

The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities also provides a rehabilitation grant for disabled persons wanting support for self-employment.