CARIBBEAN--Persons with disabilities across the Caribbean are set to gain greater access to employment opportunities with the recent launch of the United Nations’ ‘HireAbility Campaign’, under the theme “Break Barriers. Embrace Inclusion. Champion Rights”.
The regional initiative, which promotes disability-inclusive employment and advances the economic participation of persons with disabilities, has attracted support from leading businesses, with some having committed to equitable hiring practices and workplace cultures, through a Disability Inclusive Employer’s Pledge.
The ‘HireAbility Campaign’ connects six UN Country Teams in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, and brings together governments, employers, organisations of persons with disabilities, youth advocates, development partners and UN agencies.
Mr. Simon Springett, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, in delivering Opening Remarks for the Campaign’s official launch, described it as "an important milestone for disability inclusion across the Caribbean", while highlighting its evolution from “a powerful idea advanced by Zinzee Noel, a youth advocate and Grenada’s representative on the UN Youth Advisory Group (YAG), to a Caribbean movement for inclusive employment and equal opportunity”.
“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 recognized for those contributions,” he maintained.
The UN Head thanked disability advocates, employers, and Caribbean businesses, including Massy Stores Saint Lucia, Grenada Broadcasting Network, and photography and videography companies Unique Productions Inc. and Bajanpro Inc. of Grenada and Barbados respectively, for their leadership and support. He also urged stakeholders to view the campaign not as a one-time event, but as part of a sustained journey toward accessible workplaces and more inclusive communities.
In her Welcome Remarks, Ms. Noel, who co-hosted the event alongside Mr. Loik Charles, fellow youth disability advocate, and YAG representative for Dominica, underscored the Campaign's central message that persons with disabilities already possess the skills, qualifications, creativity and determination needed to contribute meaningfully to the workforce. Reflecting on her own journey, where she faced ongoing discrimination despite being qualified and extremely capable, she maintained: “The HireAbility Campaign gives us an opportunity to change the conversation. Its message is simple but powerful: Break barriers. Embrace inclusion. Champion rights.” Ms. Noel stressed that inclusive hiring benefits not only individuals, but strengthens organisations, communities and economies.
Thomas Kring, Deputy Director of the International Labour Organization Caribbean Office, in his Feature Address told participants: "Access to decent work is not charity. It's about rights, dignity, equality and economic participation.” Charging that labour markets must provide persons with disabilities with fair opportunities to develop their skills, find decent work and contribute fully to society, he described the Inclusive Employer Pledge as a public commitment to equitable hiring, dignity, respect and equal opportunity.
Among the highlights of the launch was the signing of the Disability Inclusive Employer Pledge, by representatives of Carenage Bay Holding Ltd in Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Runman Belize Corporation; and The Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited. Signatories also outlined concrete actions being taken to fulfil this public commitment, including plans by the Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited to launch an internship programme for persons with disabilities.
Bringing the curtain down on the launch ceremony, Mr. Charles urged employers and partners across the Caribbean to sign the Pledge, remove workplace barriers, strengthen partnerships, and commit to long-term change that advances disability inclusion across the region.
A disability inclusion sensitisation webinar immediately followed the launch, with presentations by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) offering practical expert guidance on inclusive hiring, workplace accessibility, reasonable accommodation, violence and harassment prevention, and supportive workplace environments.
The HireAbility Campaign will continue over the next four months and culminate on International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, thus providing more employers with the opportunity to sign the Pledge. The campaign’s ultimate goal is a Caribbean where talent is recognized, barriers are removed, and persons with disabilities can participate fully and equally in the world of work.
