With an estimated 80 to 90 per cent of persons with disabilities in Barbados either unemployed or severely underemployed, advocates are calling on employers to embrace the untapped potential of disabled youth.
That appeal came on Tuesday as the Ministry of Labour launched the first in a series of sensitivity training sessions under the JobStart Plus programme, aimed at preparing employers to welcome young persons with disabilities into their workforces.
Held at the Barbados Beach Club in Christ Church, the one-day session was facilitated by the Barbados Council for the Disabled (BCD) and designed to equip employers with the tools and understanding needed to foster inclusive workplaces.
Speaking ahead of the training, BCD Vice President Kerryann Ifill described the initiative as a critical step toward bridging the gap between disabled job seekers and employment opportunities.
“These are employers who will be undertaking the role of training young persons with disabilities for the open job market,” she explained. “Before this gets started, we’re training [them] on how to interact for the most positive outcome with their disability-related persons.”
Ifill said that disability does not diminish competence or potential, and that inclusion is not just a moral imperative but also a smart business move.
“We want [employers] to understand that these are young people who have the potential to be contributing, effective members of their teams. Their disabilities make them no less competent,” she said. “But in all things, we must extend understanding and be aware.”
She challenged the tendency to treat disability with a one-size-fits-all approach, urging employers to see disabled individuals as people first.
“As we practice more diversity in the workplace, we want people to recognise that you can open up safely to persons with disabilities, and you will be pleasantly, pleasantly surprised at the value added to your business.”
While acknowledging that progress has been slow, Ifill noted signs of change.
“In today’s session, we have about 15 people who are here willingly to embrace change, embrace understanding,” she said. “Is it being reflected in the employment figures? Maybe not, but change takes time. Hopefully, through similar undertakings, we’ll have more persons with disabilities able to embrace new opportunities.”
The training featured a robust agenda of modules designed to demystify disability and promote practical inclusion strategies. Ifill led the opening session on Identifying Disabilities, covering definitions, human rights considerations, and how to avoid common stereotypes.
Heather Grazette-Corbin introduced participants to sign language and the hearing-impaired community, while AnnMarie Goddard guided a session on Understanding the Visually Impaired, including eye diseases, coping mechanisms and mobility tools.
In the afternoon, trainers Atiba Aluko and Dr Nicola Yard demonstrated safe lifting and handling techniques for assisting wheelchair users, and Melissa Greaves closed the day with a presentation on the Fully Accessible Barbados programme, which promotes barrier-free environments across the country.
Organisers stressed that the training is just the beginning. As part of the broader JobStart Plus initiative, it marks the first in a series of interventions aimed at preparing the labour force for greater diversity.
The ultimate goal, Ifill said, is to replace long-held fears and misconceptions with confidence and open doors that have remained closed for far too long.
“Many employers, many people are still afraid or unaware of the potential that persons with disabilities have,” she said.
(SM)
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