IN JAMAICA: Embrace positives of children with disabilities, says Lisa Hanna...."They carry the stigma and unfortunate detachment because they feel that people don't want to play with them"

Saturday, August 02, 2014    

YOUTH and Culture Minister Lisa Hanna has called on parents, and the society as a whole, to embrace the positives of children with disabilities and focus on their abilities instead of the physical or intellectual impairment.

Lisa Hanna

She pointed out that when such children face discrimination and stigma, it has serious negative effects. "They carry the stigma and unfortunate detachment because they feel that people don't want to play with them, and that people see them differently. So, it is for all of us to embrace them, no matter how they look, or how they speak," the minister said.

Hanna was addressing the valedictory service for 25 students who graduated from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security's Early Stimulation Programme (ESP), at the Apostolic Church of Jamaica in Kingston on Wednesday.

The minister also highlighted the burden of various forms of abuse, which the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) says is five times more likely to occur among children with disabilities.

"Let us recommit our efforts and let us continue to work (with them). When we see a child with the vulnerability to be abused, we must take note and if we see a child at a home where the parent is being stressed, let us reach out," the minister said.

Congratulating the children on their achievement, she commended the teachers, guardians, physiotherapists, and other staff and stakeholders, for their love and patience. more