Caribbean News
Abilities Foundation Empowering Persons With Disabilities
Kingston, Jamaica, March 26, 2025 – The Abilities Foundation of Jamaica provides training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, which enables them to function as productive citizens.
Managing Director, Suzanne Hamilton, tells JIS News that the institution is uniquely positioned as the sole entity in the Caribbean dedicated to supporting individuals across all types of disabilities.
The Foundation operates through a collaborative partnership involving the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, HEART/NSTA Trust and various other agencies.
Persons wishing to enroll should be at least 17 years old and possess reading and comprehension skills equivalent to a grade seven level.
There are currently 110 students enrolled at the Foundation. Of these, 107 attend classes in person on the institution’s campus in St. Andrew, while the remaining three participate online.
“We offer quality vocational training, and our main mission is to transition our graduates to a world of work and also ensure that they can live independently,” Ms. Hamilton informs.
She says the institution has an accelerated programme for students coming in with one or two Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects. “Our skills areas that we offer for training are housekeeping, data operations, carpentry, beauty services, design and décor. We also have agricultural science that we offer right across the board. We teach sustainable techniques in agriculture, namely hydroponics, vertical farming methodologies, container farming and traditional farming methods. So our students are able to translate those into employment,” she outlines.
Ms. Hamilton tells JIS News that 41 students graduated last year, 12 of whom gained employment.
“We have also had a couple of students who have ventured into entrepreneurship, [while others] have chosen to continue training, whether in CXCs or further vocational training,” she adds.
Ms. Hamilton notes that prior to the Disabilities Act’s passage, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security was among the government entities actively employing a significant number of persons with physical challenges.
“Some of our past students have been employed at the Ministry. We have also placed three of our students on the Overseas Canadian Farm Work Programme through the Ministry’s inclusivity programme, spearheaded by the Minister (Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr.). I must also make mention of the National Housing Trust [head office] who have taken quite a few of our students that have become permanent employees and [were] eventually [able to] own their own homes,” she informs.
Ms. Hamilton underscores the growing willingness among several employers to recruit individuals with disabilities.
“We have had companies that have reached out to us… for some of our graduates for employment training and for employment. So we are seeing inroads in getting our past students and our current cohort being prepared for jobs and being placed in jobs,” she says, while expressing optimism that “opportunities will open up… to have more of our vulnerable clients being employed.”
“What I see the need for is more job coaching and mentoring, and that’s what we’re concentrating on to ensure that our students are ready for work. The reality is that… we still need to sensitise some more employers in the private sector to [provide] the disabled community [with] mentoring, job coaching [and] on the site job training,” she states.
Ms. Hamilton tells JIS News that personal and professional development and support services are also included in the programmes to assist students in achieving their goals.
“We offer remedial Math and English, professional and personal development, job coaching, advocacy and leadership training. We
encourage parents and even employers to allow job coaches to be on site with the prospective employees from Abilities Foundation. We also immerse them in independent living skills, getting ready for work in terms of having a bank account, taking care of their finances and proper deportment and etiquette. So, it’s a holistic programme where we try to get them ready for the world of work,” she outlines.
Ms. Hamilton says mock job interviews are also conducted to help students prepare for future employment opportunities.
“In May, we will have our career week, and our students [will be] given mock interviews by industry professionals along with our Guidance Department, just to give them a feel of what it will be like, going out there and getting interviewed for a job,” the Managing Director adds.
Meanwhile, Ms. Hamilton informs JIS News that entrepreneurship is one option through which persons with disabilities can generate income and lead fulfilling lives.
“From 2018 to 2022, we had students who received entrepreneurial training. They have applied to the Jamaica Council for Persons With Disabilities and have gotten grants to start their own businesses. One student started his own furniture making establishment, and he’s now currently fully engaged,” she shares.
“We have another student who started his own T-shirt line, has his own printery and is now doing printing. Every year, we have about 10 per cent of the [student] population [who] choose to go into entrepreneurship. So that’s one of the areas that we really encourage, because it’s best to generate your own income which creates more stability for families,” she adds.
The Abilities Foundation, established on October 5, 1992, was the result of lobbying efforts by members of Jamaica’s disabled community who recognised the need for a specialised vocational education and training programme, catering to all types of disabilities.
BY: LATONYA LINTON
Release: JIS
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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