Rian Gayle, Research/Advocacy Officer, Jamaica Association for the Deaf

Mr. Gayle advised that the Jamaica Association for the Deaf was collaborating with the Government as well as the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities making presentations to members of the Constabulary Force and medical staff island-wide to build awareness in dealing with persons with disabilities.

He noted that due to lack of resources print and electronic media was not fully accessible to the disabled.  He also mentioned the  importance of sensitizing media personnel on reporting on the disabled without being offensive.

The media heads suggested that the Jamaica Association for the Deaf should make every effort to have teaching sign language in schools mandatory by law.  Media heads also said that they would use their respective platforms to create greater awareness.