The Disabilities Act & the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities

The JCPD is the national agency responsible for the rights, inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Jamaica. Understanding the law behind it — and how the Council works — helps you see where the benefits on this site come from.

The Disabilities Act, 2014

A law to protect rights, dignity and inclusion

The Disabilities Act, 2014 is a Jamaican law designed to protect the rights, dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities, while establishing mechanisms for enforcement and support. It aims to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of rights and benefits by persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others, preventing discrimination and promoting respect for differences. The Act emphasises individual dignity, independence and freedom of choice.

Under the Act, a person with a disability is defined as someone with a long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment that may hinder full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. This broad definition ensures coverage of diverse disabilities.

Rights and protections

Protection from discrimination in employment, education, healthcare and public services
The right to full participation and inclusion in society
Access to the support services and accommodations needed for equality

Enforcement and support

The Act establishes the JCPD to implement its objectives — assisting persons with disabilities and their caregivers with complaints, referring matters to the Disabilities Rights Tribunal, and promoting accessibility and inclusion. The Tribunal is empowered to handle complaints, issue interim orders and ensure compliance. Despite the Act, barriers remain: an estimated 15% of the population has a disability, yet less than 1% are employed — so ongoing work on infrastructure, accessibility and attitudes is still needed.

About the JCPD

The lead agency for disability affairs in Jamaica

The JCPD operates under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and empowers individuals through skills training, economic opportunities and partnerships with government and non-governmental organisations — supporting the independence, development and dignity of persons with disabilities across Jamaica.

Mission

To promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities through equitable opportunities, partnerships and participation; sustained by innovation, technology and a highly committed staff.

Vision

The premier national organisation that forges local, regional and international partnerships to promote, protect and ensure the rights of persons with disabilities in Jamaica.

Mandate

Promoting, protecting and ensuring the full and equal enjoyment of privileges, interests, benefits and treatment of persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others.

The JCPD’s journey

Fifty years of building services and rights

1972
Following a meeting between a delegation from the blind community and Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Seymour Mullings, practical steps began to establish the Jamaica Council for the Handicapped (the JCPD’s original name).
1973
At the Government’s request, the ILO dispatched vocational-rehabilitation expert Mr. Edward George Johnson. The Jamaica Council for the Handicapped was officially established in July 1973, with its first board meeting chaired by Mr. Alvaro A. Casserley.
1973–75
The Council opened sheltered workshops — Fort Charlotte (Hanover), Boat Yard (Portland), Paradise Prints (Kingston) and a workshop at the May Pen Infirmary — and staged the first Caribbean Interdisciplinary Seminar on Vocational Rehabilitation.
1977–81
The Office Training Centre provided clerical, secretarial and accounting training, and the Early Stimulation Programme was administered by the Council on behalf of the Ministry of Pension and Social Security.
1979–83
Concessionary bus fares for persons with disabilities began (1979); NHT concessions and the Income Tax Exemption programme were introduced (1983), and a Girls’ Hostel was established in Kingston.
2014
The Disabilities Act, 2014 was passed, giving statutory force to the rights of persons with disabilities and establishing the Disabilities Rights Tribunal.

One key requirement for every benefit

To receive any service or benefit, a person with a disability must be registered with the JCPD. Registration helps the Council understand the needs and locations of persons with disabilities so it can plan and deliver services — and it is the gateway to housing, grants, tax relief, scholarships and more.

See how to register →