Disabilities Act to take effect in February 2022

 

The Disabilities Act is to take effect on February 14, 2022.

 

Social Security Minister Karl Samuda made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon in the House of Representatives as he tabled regulations to accompany the Act.

 

The disabilities law was passed by Parliament in 2014, but the Government said it could not be introduced without the regulations.

 

Mr. Samuda said the regulations cover, among other things, the registration of disabled people. 

 

"An application is to be made by a person with a disability or his caregiver, and a caregiver is defined under the Disabilities Act as: a parent, a legal guardian or any other persons responsible for caring for the health, financial, physical, security and general well-being of a person with a physical disability. Council is required to review the application within 30 days of submission," he told the House. 

 

The Disabilities Act makes provisions to safeguard and enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities across Jamaica. 

 

The legislation protects and promotes the equal rights of the disabled and prohibits discrimination against them.

 

The Disabilities Rights Tribunal will also be established.