The Jamaica 50 Secretariat has endorsed the nation’s first Disabilities Friendly Gala an event to further enhance the access of the nation’s disabled populace.
The event will see those who make up the nation’s disabled community upping its attempt to ensure that all persons who live with challenges receive equity throughout all areas of society; with this staging of the Inaugural Disability Awards Gala 2012.
The theme of the gala is Jamaica Removing Barriers…Creating Access which is this year’s United Nation’s 2012 World Disability theme.
The Gala takes place at the Wyndham Kingston Hotel on Monday November 19-2012 and is a black tie affair. Organization of the event is spearheaded by the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), in tandem with Ministry of Labor Social and Security, the National Advisory Board for Persons with Disabilities; as well as other stakeholders and partners within the disabilities sector.
The Gala which has several objectives including awarding individuals, companies and organizations that have been mindful and compliant with the needs of the challenged launched its official nominations process, for the seven awards to be given out last Wednesday August 22-2012.
The event is seeking to honor and award individuals, hotels and businesses that are creating access and accommodation for persons with disabilities.
Other objectives of the Gala include: the lifting of disabilities issues on the national developmental agenda; to raise funds in support of the sector and to promote greater awareness around issues of accessibility for persons with disabilities, to the private sector.
The awards committee is looking for inspirational persons or organizations that have made an outstanding contributions to improve the lives of adults and or children with disabilities, individuals who have gone above and beyond their responsibility to service or improve the lives of persons with disabilities; as well as any hotel that is championing the way to create an accessible experience for persons with disabilities.
The awards that will be presented are in (7) award categories which aim to promote access for adults, teens and children with disabilities in four areas: (1) Tourism and related infrastructures, (2) Business sector, (3) Education/Community, (4), media/information and communication.
The other awards are: 1. Disability Friendly Lifetime Achievement Award 2.Disability Friendly Excellence in Accessibility Award 3. Disability Friendly Hotel Award 4. Disability Friendly Business Award 5. Disability Friendly Excellence in Special Education Award 6. Disability Friendly Excellence in Parenting Award 7. Disability Friendly Positive Images in the Media Award.
The winners will be announced before the Gala on Monday October 1-2012 and the awards will be presented at the Inaugural Disability Friendly Awards Gala.
The event has also received endorsement from the Ministry of Tourism, as well as the Ministry of Youth and Culture.
An event website has been created and members of the public are invited to log on get information and help the event’s development with recommendations.
To download Nomination Rules Guidelines and Nomination forms, please visit our website at www.jcpdgalajm.org Chair for the Public Education Sub-Committee for the National Advisory for Persons with Disabilities Maia Chung is encouraging persons who are interested in nominating or receiving other information to also email the event Secretariat at jcpdevents@mlss.gov.jm or call 1 876- 922-8469.
