JCPD Digital Marketplace for Disability-Owned Businesses Set for October Debut

The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) plans to formally open its Digital Marketplace for Persons with Disabilities in October. Built into the I AM ABLE: My JCPD Digital Services App, the venture will give disability-owned firms a channel to reach customers in Jamaica and abroad.

In an interview with JIS News, Adrienne Pinnock, Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Relations at the JCPD, described the marketplace as a further avenue for entrepreneurs with disabilities to present their offerings, draw backing, and raise visibility of what they sell and provide.

“The I AM ABLE: My JCPD [app] is housed within the JCPD’s website, so it’s not only a mobile app. So, the connection becomes a digital space because persons are connecting with us… . It will then become a landing space for persons now to see what is happening within the disability space here in Jamaica but also to see what persons have to offer. So, it will link the diaspora, international partners, local partners,” Ms. Pinnock said.

She said the marketplace should open routes toward economic independence and digital inclusion.

“A lot of times things pass us by because we don’t know. For example, I went to a conference, and I was offered a gift bag, and within the gift bag was a bag of coffee beans. I work in the disability sector… and when I looked at the label, it came from Deaf Can, which is a deaf-owned coffee shop. I was introduced to the space just by being aware,” Ms. Pinnock said.

“Some people with disabilities are offering gifts that can serve as souvenirs, corporate gifts. Some persons with disabilities offer services that everybody utilises, like spa services. We have some masseuse who have a disability and they have thriving businesses. If persons are made aware, it will strengthen the economic resilience of those businesses and inadvertently strengthen the independence and resilience of the individuals operating those businesses,” she added.

She also said that “this particular space will offer the awareness that will pull consumers to businesses and also create exposure for the business itself in terms of it growing and providing the support it needs for those whom it serves”.

Ms. Pinnock expects business owners with disabilities to make use of the marketplace once it goes live.

“We are excited about it. I am sure persons with disabilities individually operating businesses [will utilise it]. We have some disability sector entities that are operating businesses and they, too, will have an opportunity to share in that space. So yes, we are anticipating a great uptake when it becomes available in October,” she added.