JCPD Stages June 30 Transformational Day in Westmoreland for Disability Services

The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) will stage its Transformational Day on Tuesday, June 30, at the Llandilo School of Special Education in Westmoreland. The gathering is set to run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Officials from government agencies and partner service organisations will be present to share information, provide support, complete registrations, make referrals, and help persons with disabilities tap into programmes and benefits that are already available.

JCPD Executive Director Dr Christine Hendricks said occasions such as Transformational Day give the Council room to present new initiatives and services to the public.

"Our Disability Management Officer was recently recruited. We are introducing her to our clientele and also helping our clients to understand the new JCPD that has been established by the Disabilities Act.

"The Council was a Department under the Ministry of Labour for close to 50 years… and persons are not fully aware of what this new JCPD is about, and what the difference is between JCPD [the] department, and JCPD [the] statutory body. So we're using the opportunity to meet with our clients to help them to understand the change and also to help them to understand what they can now benefit from," she said.

Transformational Day is one part of the JCPD's continuing work to extend support to vulnerable communities. Those who attend will be able to apply for birth certificates without charge, receive help with JCPD grant applications, and outline their views and needs.