Improvements in telecoms access coming for persons with disabilities

 

Telecommunications access for persons with disabilities could soon see major improvements. 

 

Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. says the government is reviewing a series of proposals aimed at making technology more inclusive.

 

He notes that with almost 15 per cent of Jamaica - about one in every seven persons - living with a disability, innovation must be designed to transform lives through accessibility.

 

The minister says within the next 12 to 24 months, the government is working with regulators and stakeholders to roll out a practical package of options through a telecom accessibility partnership framework, which will better serve the disabled community. 

 

"We will be establishing MOUs, memorandas of understanding, with carriers and internet service providers to integrate accessibility into the product design and customer care from the start. This includes priority service flags for registered persons with disabilities who are customers, accessible bills and contracts, and trained frontline agents," he disclosed.

 

Mr. Charles said the ministry is considering the launch of a series of accessible connectivity pilots. 

 

"We will launch targeted pilots in selected constituencies to bundle data plans with subsidised assistive technology for the eligible users. These pilots will test devices and test the device compatibility, onboarding support and offer measurable outcomes such as employment, education and also access to health."

 

He added that the government will work with telecoms partners to strengthen relay services and expand the availability of live captioning for public broadcast and government streaming.

 

Minister Charles was speaking during a Caribbean Telecommunications Union and Information and Communications Technology Week 2025 conference on Thursday.