Opposition Spokesperson on Labour and Social Security, Dr Angela Brown-Burke says the next People’s National Party (PNP) Government will prioritise the needs of persons with disabilities.

She gave the assurance last Wednesday as she made her contribution to the 2023/24 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives. She noted that in Jamaica, persons with disabilities are at a higher risk of poverty due to limited employment opportunities, discrimination, and inadequate social protection.

“The PNP will address these issues when we form the next government,” she stated.

Brown-Burke also pointed to UNICEF’s Situational Analysis of Persons with Disabilities in Jamaica Report entitled “I AM ABLE”, which indicates that “Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are disproportionately represented among the poorest, unemployed, low waged and those with low health status and lower levels of educational achievement”.

“It is true that this is not unique to Jamaica. However, in Jamaica, persons with disabilities are faced with issues of stigma, discrimination, marginalisation and social exclusion and are often forced to live in the margins of society,” the PNP spokesperson said.

She noted that members of the disabled community often feel neglected by policy makers.

“I remember getting this complaint during the pandemic which was particularly hard for parents and family members who often did not have access to resources they relied on for coping. In this regard our single greatest task is to build an inclusive society. To build an inclusive Jamaica we must create the conditions for persons with disabilities to see Jamaica as the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business,” Brown-Burke said.

“They often face challenges in accessing public spaces, transportation, buildings, and facilities due to the lack of accessibility features such as ramps, elevators, and other accommodations,” she added.

Brown-Burke also noted that while the Disabilities Act that was passed in 2014 was not enacted until February 2022, the Disabilities Rights Tribunal which affords Jamaicans an opportunity to have their complaints heard and resolved is not yet operational.

“Without this important avenue of redress, the Disabilities Act is a paper tiger and a symbolic move, nothing else,” she said.

Brown-Burke pointed out that in terms of education, the highest level of education attained by most persons with disabilities is up to the primary level.

And, she said access to healthcare can be limited for persons with disabilities due to the lack of accessibility features in healthcare facilities and a shortage of healthcare professionals trained in disability-specific care.