Leaders of disability organizations estimate that around ten percent of all public buildings are at least partially accessible to people with mobility disabilities. Some buildings that have entrance ramps lack interior design features to allow accessibility beyond the ground floor.²⁵ Although the main post office is accessible to persons who use wheelchairs, there are no curb cuts to gain entry to the sidewalk. In Kingston many post offices are fully accessible, but accessibility to post offices in other parts of the nation is limited. At this time, there are no courses in universal design available to architects in Jamaica.

The regular bus system in the capital city, Kingston, is not wheelchair accessible. However, four buses were designated by the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) specifically for people with disablities and the elderly. These buses run routes heavily travelled by its intended users and connect places such as hospitals, schools, the main shopping areas, and local residential communities. In October, two additional buses were added to the fleet. The JUTC acts in collaboration with the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities and the Combined Disabilities Association to train the drivers and conductors who operate the service. The Montego Transit Company provides a similar service in Montego Bay. Reduced fares are offered to elderly and people with disabilities travelling on public transportation.

Culture, Sports, and Recreation

Some recreational facilities have been modified to provide access for persons with disabilities. For example, the National Stadium and some cinemas in the capital are accessible.

Disability Action & Awareness

The disability movement began in Jamaica in 1981 with the formation of the Combined Disabilities Association, a cross-disability organization. The Jamaica Society for the Blind advocated for representation on the Board of the Combined Disability Association, which was originally comprised of non-disabled persons. The main role of the association, both then and now, is to advocate for persons with disabilities. Many of the policy changes are a result of their lobbying efforts.

Despite these efforts, a lack of coordination between government and civil society remains. Moreover, there is continued need for more public education on the policies and programs directed towards inclusion and the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. Information about disability rights is fragmented and, often, people with disabilities are unaware of the possibilities available for them.

25. Informal survey conducted by researcher.