History of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD)
Establishment (1972-1973)
Late 1960s: The government recognized the need for vocational rehabilitation for persons with disabilities.
Late 1972: Following a meeting between a delegation from the blind community and the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Seymour Mullings, practical steps were initiated to establish the Jamaica Council for the Handicapped (JCPD’s original name).
1973: The Government of Jamaica requested the International Labour Organization (ILO) to provide an expert in vocational rehabilitation. Mr. Edward George Johnson was dispatched by the ILO and arrived in Jamaica around March 1973 to advise the Government on establishing the JCH. The JCH was officially established in July 1973.
Initial Staff: The Council initially had two employees: Mrs. Dotlyn Thomas (Technical Officer) and Mr. Herbie Honnigan (Secretary/Audio Typist).
First Board Meeting: The first board meeting was held in July 1973, under the chairmanship of Mr. Alvaro A. Casserley. The board comprised representatives from various agencies for persons with disabilities, relevant ministries, and the business sector. Each board served for a two-year period.
Early Initiatives
Sheltered Workshops: During the first two years, the Council established several sheltered workshops, including:
Fort Charlotte in Lucea, Hanover
Boat Yard in Port Antonio, Portland
Paradise Prints in Kingston
A workshop at the May Pen Infirmary, Clarendon
The Assessment and Guidance Centre in Kingston, which initially served as a pre-vocational center to prepare clients for the sheltered workshops.
Caribbean Seminar: In September 1973, the Council organized and staged the first Caribbean Interdisciplinary Seminar on Vocational Rehabilitation of the “Handicapped” at the United Theological College of the West Indies.
Key Programs and Activities
Inter-Agency Conference (1975): The first two-day Inter-Agency Conference brought together agency personnel and persons with disabilities to discuss disability issues on equal footing.
Seminar at National Heroes Circle (1976): The Ministry of Pensions and Social Security, through the Council, organized a seminar that facilitated better understanding and collaboration among various groups within the blind community.
National Registration Programme (1973): A National Registration Programme was conducted.
Office Training Centre (1977-1981): Established in September 1977, the Office Training Centre provided training in clerical, secretarial, and accounting skills, along with English Language, Mathematics, psychology, and daily living skills. It created employment opportunities for a number of students.
Early Stimulation Programme: The Early Stimulation Programme was taken over by the Ministry of Pension and Social Security in 1977 and administered by the Council until recently.
Fund-raising and Public Education: The Council engaged in fund-raising activities and public education programs to support its development.
Concessionary Bus Fares (1979): The implementation of the Concessionary Bus Fares programme started in 1979 for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
National Housing Trust (NHT) Concessions (1983): NHT concessions for persons with disabilities were introduced.
Income Tax Exemption (1983): The Income Tax Exemption program was initiated.
Scholarships: Children with disabilities were granted scholarships towards their tuition in high school by the Workers Bank, based on recommendations from the JCPD.
Girls’ Hostel (1983): A Girls’ Hostel was established at 1A Ostend Road, Kingston 2, to accommodate females pursuing courses in Kingston.
Registration
To receive a service or benefit, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) must be registered with the JCPD. Registration helps the JCPD understand the needs of PWDs and their locations, enabling better planning and service delivery.
Services & Concerns
The JCPD provides clients with assessment and independent living skills, creates awareness and educates society on matters of disability, and assists with finding employment for persons with disabilities.
Past and Present Leadership
Past Chairpersons:
Mr. A. A. Casserley
Mr. Keith Binns
Mr. Ramon Gordon
Prof. Gerald Lalor
Prof. Sir John Golding (deceased)
Mrs. Delores Henry
Miss Sarah Newland (deceased)
Dr. Wendel Abel
Ms. Maureen Webber
Dr. Patricia Dunwell
Mr. Denworth Finnikin
Dr. Patricia Holness
Mrs. Majorie Croskery (deceased)
Past & Present Executive Secretaries/Directors:
Mr. Stanley Walters – 1973-1975
Mrs. Marjorie Mack – 1975-1980 (deceased)
Mrs. Linette Hudson-Thompson – 1981-1986 (deceased)
Miss Vernice (Vivienne) Burnett – 1986-1992
Mr. Ransford Wright – 1992-2010
Dr. Christine Hendricks – 2010 to present
Past Acting Executive Secretaries:
Mr. Trevor Brown
Mrs. Labeach
Miss Aurora Brown (deceased)
Mrs. Carmen Boothe
Miss Eda Bent
Mrs. Joyce Brown