The Centre for Disability Studies (CDS) and the Office of Special Student Services, UWI, Mona will host a public forum on Thursday, December 3, which is designated as International Day for the Disabled. The Forum which takes place at the UWI, Mona Lions Club Centre for Students with Special Needs at 12: 30 pm will address the International Convention for the Disabled and the pending National Disability Bill. The International Convention for the Disabled was signed and ratified by Jamaica at the United Nations in March 2007 and the National Disability Bill is currently being drafted by the Government to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.

The Forum will feature a panel discussion with Faith Innerarity, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports, Carla-Ann Roper, Senior Legal Officer, Ministry of Labour and Social Security and Derrick Palmer, disability advocate. They will explore the International Convention for the Disabled, the National Bill and their implications for persons with disabilities.

The Forum is designed to raise public awareness about the International Convention for the Disabled and the impending National Disability Bill which will protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in Jamaica.  The event serves to also advocate for the necessary systems to be implemented to complement the implementation of such legislative instruments.

The university community and the public are invited.