Saint Lucian disability advocate Nody Gilbert is among advocates recognised by the United Nations as it launches a Caribbean-wide campaign aimed at breaking down barriers to employment for persons with disabilities.
The HireAbility Campaign, launched under the theme “Break Barriers. Embrace Inclusion. Champion Rights”, is seeking to promote disability-inclusive employment and greater economic participation by persons with disabilities across the Caribbean.
Gilbert is one of several disability advocates from across the region thanked by Simon Springett, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, during the campaign’s launch. The others are Joshuanette Francis of Antigua and Barbuda, Senator Janeel Odle of Barbados, Rena Pierre-Thomas and Deansha Edwards of Grenada, Roosevelt Howee of St Kitts and Nevis, and Tharā Gabriel and Matthew Williams of Trinidad and Tobago.
The campaign is also receiving support from businesses in the region, including Massy Stores Saint Lucia, which was among the Caribbean businesses recognised for its leadership and support.
The UN says the campaign is based on a simple premise: disability should not be mistaken for inability.
It is calling on employers to look beyond disability and recognise the education, skills, experience, creativity and determination that persons with disabilities bring to the workplace.
Springett described the initiative as an important milestone for disability inclusion across the Caribbean, saying that while barriers may differ from one country to another, the goal is the same.
“Although barriers differ across countries, the aspiration is universal: persons with disabilities must be able to participate fully in society, access decent work, contribute their talents and skills, and be recognised for those contributions,” he said.
The campaign is grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted in 2006, which includes equality of opportunity and calls for barriers to be removed so persons with disabilities can participate fully in society.
The UN says societal barriers, rather than individual impairments, are a major obstacle to inclusion.
The HireAbility campaign brings together UN country teams, governments, employers, organisations of persons with disabilities, youth advocates and development partners across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean.
As part of the initiative, businesses are being encouraged to commit to equitable hiring practices and more inclusive workplace cultures through a Disability Inclusive Employer Pledge.
The campaign will continue for four months and culminate on International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3.
The UN says its ultimate goal is a Caribbean where talent is recognised, barriers are removed, and persons with disabilities can participate fully and equally in the world of work.
