(Stock Photo)
Government is continuing to play its part to integrate workers with disabilities into the workforce.
Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development, Senator Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, made this comment recently, while delivering remarks at the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Association’s Midterm Conference at the Courtyard by Marriott.
Stating that scores of these workers are employed in various Ministries, she said they continued to make a valuable contribution to the island’s economic growth in their various capacities.
Senator Byer Suckoo added: “In 2013, the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development articulated a National Employment Policy. This included a focus on the employment of vulnerable groups, such as the disabled and youth, and addressing gender inequalities. Key areas of intervention included sensitisation of key labour stakeholders, access to TVET and increased employment services.”
She continued: “In this regard, I am pleased to inform you that efforts are being made within my Ministry to enhance the capacity of staff in the employment section of the Labour Department to support persons with disabilities, and to assist them in securing employment in the private sector.”
The Senator disclosed that staff members in the Labour Department had already been exposed to disability awareness training, as well as sign language training, to ensure that they are able to provide better quality services for the disabled seeking employment.
The Labour Minister urged the gathering to “spend some time thinking about the disabled, even putting yourself in their shoes. Remember, I said an injury could put any one of us in that situation. You would imagine that, even disabled, you could bring value to any establishment and to society. So can they. I, therefore, urge you to support the national quest for the full integration and retention of the disabled within our workforce.”