SEVEN PER cent of the population, over 163,200 people, are disabled according to the latest disability census. "But people mentally or physically deprived are not given a level of recognition that is comparable to those living in other countries." So says Paulette James-Brown, a voluntary worker at the Linstead, St. Catherine branch of the 3D project (Dedicated to the Development of the Disabled), one of Jamaica's leading medical institutions for disabled people.
Voluntary groups are amongst those involved in the process of enabling disabled people to live fuller lives. Mrs. James-Brown sees her role as an advocate for disabled people to be able to take their own decisions once they have reached adulthood (18 years old).
Mrs. Gloria Goffe, programmes coordinator at the government-run Combined Disabilities Association, said greater voluntary assistance would be a boost to such efforts. Greater assistance in the areas of management and fund-raising would keep organisations involved in disabled care, such as 3D, alive.
Moreover, senior educational officer at the Ministry of Health, Jeffrey Latty, himself visually impaired, believes the public itself is holding back the disabled,
"While persons do suffer from different disabilities, it is the society that has severely handicapped them. Don't limit me because of my limitations, he says, do not forbid me to walk if the way I walk is on my hands and feet."
The Government passed the National Policy on Disability in 2000 in an effort to protect the interests of the disabled. But, Mr. Latty believes it does not go far enough.
He contends it is merely a statement of intent, and not forceful enough to arrest a person who is found in breach.
What he termed the 'disability sector' is currently pursuing the passing of the Disability Act, currently under consideration in Parliament.
