Prioritise disability inclusion

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As Jamaica prepares for upcoming elections, it is essential that we prioritise disability inclusion in the electoral process. With 63 members in the House of Representatives and 21 Senate members, our elected officials have a responsibility to represent the needs of all citizens, including those with disabilities.

According to the Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions (2019), approximately 12 per cent of the Jamaican population lives with a disability. This translates to over 340,000 individuals who face unique challenges in accessing voting facilities.

To ensure that persons with disabilities can exercise their right to vote, I recommend the following:

1. Ensure that campaign materials and events are inclusive and tailored to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.

2. Ensure that polling stations are accessible, with ramps and accessible voting booths.

3. Identify and engage with persons with disabilities in your constituency, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed.

4.Provide accessible transportation options for persons with disabilities to and from polling stations.

5.Include specific commitments to disability inclusion in party manifestos, outlining tangible steps to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.

By prioritising disability inclusion, we can build a more equitable and just society. I urge all stakeholders to take concrete actions to ensure that persons with disabilities can participate fully in the electoral process.

ERRINGTON PELLINGTON

Founder/Executive Director,

Jamaica Paraplegic

Foundation (JAMPAR)