90% of people with disabilities unemployed

Ninety per cent of people with disabilities remain unemployed and a call is being made for them to have more job opportunities.

It’s coming from National Disabilities Advocate Janeil Odle, who is visually impaired and a consultant with the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs.

She says employers must not disregard those with disabilities as they too have much to offer.

Ms. Odle notes that while some steps have been taken, more needs to be done.

Director of the National Disabilities Unit John Hollingsworth says an intense public awareness campaign needs to be undertaken, as Government cannot do it alone.

He says efforts are not going as quickly as they would like, but they will continue with their advocacy.

Additionally, Mr. Hollingsworth says those with disabilities and children need to be included in the planning of projects and programmes so their needs are also addressed.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Advisory Committee on Disabilities Edmund Hinkson says he is hopeful that by year’s end the National Policy on Disabilities and draft legislation on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will be passed.

He says similar to accommodations made during COVID-19, the same can be done to facilitate those with disabilities, and reduce insensitivity across the board.

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