KINGSTON, Jamaica–The Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s ‘I am Able’ campaign is a call for citizens, regardless of their abilities, to be able to experience their full potential, says portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr.

He said that the initiative seeks to spread across the country the message “that all of us are able and that every Jamaican should play our part in ensuring that we create a society where persons of all abilities are valued, respected and empowered”.

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“There are some key pillars [such as] equality, which means equal opportunities for all of our citizens [and] inclusion, which is not just getting you into the room, but having you in the room involved in whatever is taking place.

“There is also empowerment, which is providing the tools, and the knowledge and support to make sure that based on your circumstance, you can unlock your potential,” said Charles Jr.

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The minister participated in a panel discussion related to the campaign which was hosted by the ministry and the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) at Jamaica House on February 14.

The discussion session, held on the third anniversary of the implementation of the Disabilities Act, was aimed at catalysing a national conversation among key stakeholders to identify strategies and actions that will support the creation of an inclusive Jamaica, where persons with disabilities are empowered to participate fully in national development.

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Launched in 2024, ‘I am Able’ is a national public education campaign to advance the rights of persons with disabilities. It is intended to promote their capabilities and improve their access, inclusivity and integration across all aspects of life.

Charles Jr. informed that the campaign will partner with another ministry initiative, the Jamaica Partnership Programme, to more effectively coordinate efforts to address the specific needs of persons with disabilities.

“This initiative will …invite local, regional and international groups to come in and give support,” he said.

“We are going to provide you with the support that if you have a project and you want to make it work in Jamaica, we will give you that support through the Jamaica Partnership Programme,” he noted.

Meanwhile, while highlighting the progress made since the implementation of the Disabilities Act in 2022, including having persons with disabilities participating in the Overseas Work Programme for the first time last year, the labour minister said there is still a far way to go.

“We still have too many sidewalks that cannot be traversed; we still have too many buildings that are critical to government and the private sector that are not sufficiently accessible. We still have too many spaces where the operation itself is unacceptable based on the standard we require through this legislation,” he lamented.

-JIS