THE MINISTRY of Labour and Social Security, in association with the Community of Persons with Disabilities, will host its second annual employment exposition dubbed 'EnAble '06'.
The two-day event which targets persons with disabilities and employers will be held at the Jamaica Conference Centre on July 19 and 20 under the theme 'Promoting Independence through Training and Employment'.
The primary focus of the expo will be to help persons with disabilities understand the importance of education and training in enhancing their chances to be entrepreneurs or employable in the local and regional labour market.
TRAINED, EQUIPPED
In a release from the Labour Ministry, Dr. Charles Douglas, chairman of the EnAble '06 Committee, said there is a concern that while there are many persons with disabilities who are qualified to perform in various capacities, there are also those persons who need to be trained and equipped for the working world, but need guidance in this area.
"It is against this background that training institutions such as HEART Trust/NTA and Abilities Foundation will play an integral role in EnAble '06," he said.
In addition, he said the participation of educational institutions such as Mico Teachers' College, Northern Caribbean University, University of the West Indies and the University of Technology was also vital.
EDUCATING STAKEHOLDERS
Not only is the expo concerned with the education and training of persons with disabilities, but also with educating stakeholders in the labour market about the wealth of human resources within the country's disabled community and establishing long-term relationships between the communities of persons with disabilities and the nation's employers, said the ministry.
One of the main presenters at EnAble '06 will be Ms. Luesette S. Howell, senior specialist on employers' activities at the International Labour Organisa-tion's sub-regional office for the Caribbean. She will present on the topics: (a) International Best Practices in the Employment of Persons with Disabilities and (b) The Modern Workplace.
Other presenters include Senator Floyd Morris, Minister of State, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and Mrs. Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd, executive director of the Jamaica Employers' Federation.
