Providing Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities

As one of Jamaica’s leading corporate foundations with a strong focus on Special Needs, we are committed to tackling the ongoing challenges of limited funding and awareness. Our vision is to help build a society where no one is left behind.

Since 2005, we have proudly partnered with the Special Education Unit of the Ministry of Education and Youth to establish 11 government-run institutions dedicated to serving children with Special Needs. These centres provide a wide range of support services—from assessments to specialised skills training—ensuring students receive the care and resources they deserve.

In 2013, we pledged to either build or expand 10 Special Needs centres. With the completion of the final centre in 2018, we greatly increased Jamaica’s capacity to support persons with Special Needs.

A cornerstone of our work has been training and capacity building. To date, we have trained 394 Special Needs teachers, caregivers, and parents, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to better support both students and their loved ones.

We also recognise the importance of accessibility. To foster inclusivity in schools, we have constructed over 40 ramps, ensuring students in wheelchairs experience equal access and a sense of belonging.

Our 5K Night Run/Walk/Wheel, launched in 2012, has become a beacon of hope and advocacy. Not only has it raised USD $640K for Special Needs projects, including school renovations, scholarships, and therapy services, but it has also played a vital role in raising national awareness and promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with Special Needs.

In 2018, in partnership with UNICEF, we supported the registration of 3,633 individuals, including 847 students, with the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), allowing them to access critical government benefits and services.

We have also expanded our reach through partnerships with the Early Childhood Commission (ECC), establishing three inclusive classrooms in early childhood institutions across the island. This ensures that inclusivity and accessibility are built into the foundation of education from the earliest stages.

Most recently, through our Smart Labs initiative, we have introduced Smart Labs at the Caribbean Christian School for the Deaf, the Abilities Foundation, and the Genesis Academy. These labs are equipped with advanced tools and assistive technologies designed to enhance learning opportunities for students with Special Needs.