JCPD commends Government for deaf drivers certification
Published:Wednesday | March 11, 2009 | 1:34 PM
The Jamaica Council for Person’s with Disabilities (JCPD) is commending the government’s move towards the certification of deaf drivers.
The Labour and Social Security Ministry in collaboration with the Transport and National Security ministries this morning launched the testing and certification aspect of the program.
Sign language training has already begun for members of the Transport Authority, traffic personnel and others who are likely to come in contact with deaf drivers.
Executive Director of the JCPD Ransford Wright believes the initiative is a big step towards achieving equal social rights for the disabled.
He said while he’s happy that the government is working to provide more opportunities for persons with disabilities, he’s not satisfied with the pace at which the programme is moving.
Members of the hearing impaired community have been advocating for drivers licenses for over 30 years.
Transport Minister Mike Henry yesterday said the entire process could take 3 to 5 years before it is completed.