There are calls for better treatment of people with disabilities, especially at public entities, such as hospitals.

The calls have been made by lobby groups, politicians and members of the vulnerable group.

Myesha Broadie reports

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Earlier this month, Chrismore Reid a- visually impaired man from St. Ann contacted Irie FM News detailing poor treatment and injuries he allegedly sustained at the Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny in February.

In addition to his disability, 49-year-old Reid suffers from diabetes, hypertension and kidney problems, which require him to get dialysis.

In January this year, he was admitted to the hospital due to an injury, where he remained for approximately a month.

According to Mr. Reid on February 8, he fell, as despite being visually impaired in both eyes, he was told by the patient care assistant on duty to tidy himself.

While doing this, Mr. Reid had an accident.

He said the matter was reported to the hospital and his family sought redress on his behalf.

Mr. Reid said the Falmouth Hospital requested 40 days for an investigation, but that period passed and he had not received any correspondence.

Reid, who is a plumber, said with the injury and his other medical complaints he is finding it difficult to provide for his family. 

He also noted that it’s expensive to get dialysis treatment twice per week.

It costs him over $50,000 weekly, for treatment and transportation.

Mr. Reid wants to be compensated for injuries he sustained.

He also lamented that he had difficulties getting an update on the investigation from the hospital.

IRIE FM News  sought a response from Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton who said the hospital received a report about the matter.

Checks were also made with the Western Regional Health Authority on June 22 which said it would investigate.

On June 23, we followed up and were told that due to confidentiality policies much information could not be disclosed but  it was confirmed that the hospital reached out to Mr. Reid.

Mr. Reid corroborated that a representative reached out to him on June 23, apologised and pledged to provide timely updates.

A meeting is to be held next Monday regarding the matter.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of Jamaica Charity for the Homeless and Disabled Cleon Porter says disabled people continue to face poor treatment in health facilities.

He said while there is a slight improvement in how people with disabilities are treated, there is need for more public awareness about the Disabilities Act.

Mr. Porter also wants proper signage at parking lots for the disabled.

There was also another incident involving a disabled woman which was highlighted on social media recently.

The incident occurred at the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) office in Constant Spring, Kingston.

A woman Diedra Allen –  alleged that her mother, who is deaf and dumb was disrespected by PICA staff.

On June 17, PICA apologised to both women.

In a statement posted to its social media pages  pica said it is deeply sorry for the disrespect that was shown, and  the conduct of its customer service agents. 

It said no individual, especially one caring for or living with a disability, should be treated in a manner that feels dismissive, insensitive, or unkind.

PICA added that Ms. Allen’s experience does not reflect the standard of service it aims to provide.

PICA said it is taking the matter seriously and is actively reviewing the incident to ensure the necessary steps are taken to address what occurred and prevent a repeat.

Meanwhile, Opposition Spokesperson on Persons with Disabilities and Inclusion, Denise Daley is calling for stronger protections, inclusion, and support for Jamaica’s disabled community.

She has criticised the government for failing to initiate the mandatory 2025 review of the Disabilities Act.

According to Article 5 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, CRPD, in order to promote equality and eliminate discrimination, states parties shall take all appropriate steps to ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided.

And under Article 12 states parties shall reaffirm that persons with disabilities have the right to recognition everywhere as persons before the law.

In a statement on June 12, the Labour and Social Security Ministry said Jamaica has once again reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and freedoms by persons with disabilities.

It said this commitment was powerfully articulated by Permanent Secretary Dione Jennings, as she delivered Jamaica’s National statement during the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD, held at the UN Headquarters in New York.

The ministry said Mrs. Jennings emphasized that the government’s commitment is grounded in the disabilities act, 2014, to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

The disabilities rights tribunal now provides access to justice to those who have faced discrimination because of their disability.

The government said it continues to work assiduously to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy full access to the fundamental rights outlined in the CRPD.

It said to strengthen evidence-based policymaking, Jamaica will also undertake a national census of persons with disabilities, generating accurate and dis-aggregated data to support more effective and responsive programmes.