Page 69 - voice-international-oct2022

Jamaica Capacity Building

Capacity Building for Persons with Disabilities

a polling station assessment should be conducted
isability rights advocates from the in advance of elections. As part of the training,
Combined Disabilities Association (CDA) participants conducted a practice assessment
D in Jamaica were trained on polling at the Jamaica Society of the Blind, where they
station assessments from October 7-8, 2021. The learned about the elements that make a polling
participants learned about the features of an station accessible to persons with different types of
accessible polling station, how to use a checklist disabilities. Participants documented hallway and
to determine accessibility and how to use the data doorway widths, restroom accessibility and ramp
collected. IFES senior inclusion specialist Rebecca grades, among other building features.
Aaberg led the training, which was adapted to Under a current subaward with IFES in Jamaica,
ensure compliance with COVID-19 protocols by the CDA will conduct pilot accessibility assessments
limiting the number of participants and practicing in Kingston, Portmore and St. Elizabeth. Results of
social distancing. the assessment will be shared with the Electoral
The training included activities on the disability- Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) and other electoral
inclusive electoral cycle to inform participants about stakeholders.
the electoral process and provide context for why Kailee Smart
IFES

Credit: IFES
Link to the original article: https://www.ifes.org/news/jamaican-advocates-learn-how-assess-polling-stations-accessibility

Snapshot

October 2022 | VoICE International | 69