United Nations launches Campaign to advance disability-inclusive employment across the 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 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, Ms. Joshuanette Francis of Antigua and Barbuda, Senator Janeel Odle of Barbados, Ms. Rena Pierre-Thomas and Ms. Deansha Edwards of Grenada, Mr. Roosevelt Howee of St. Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Nody Gilbert of St. Lucia, and Ms. Tharā Gabriel and Mr. Matthew Williams of Trinidad and Tobago; as well as 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 that inclusive hiring benefits not only individuals, but strengthens organisations, communities and economies.

Across the Caribbean, persons with disabilities are studying, building businesses, creating arts, leading organizations, advocating for changes, raising families and contributing to their communities every day. Yet, too often, barriers in our workplaces prevent those talents from being recognized and those contributions from being fully realized. And that is why this conversation matters.

Indicating that sometimes the greatest barrier is not the disability itself, "but a system that was never designed with us in mind," Ms. Noel concluded: "The 'HireAbility Campaign', therefore, gives us an opportunity to change the conversation. Its message is simple but powerful. Break barriers. Embrace inclusion. Champion rights."

 

Mr. Thomas Kring, Deputy Director of the International Labour Organization Caribbean Office, in delivering the Feature Address noted that the theme of the 'HireAbility Campaign' requires the ILO to ask the question whether labour markets are giving persons with disabilities a fair opportunity to develop their skills, find work and contribute fully.

Global evidence from the ILO shows that significant barriers remain. Labour force participation amongst persons with disabilities is about 30% lower than persons without disabilities. Young persons with disabilities are twice as likely to be outside employment, education, or training.

Mr. Kring also cited a 2024 ILO study which also found  another gap where employees with disabilities earn 12% less per hour on average, and they're also much more likely to be in the informal economy. He maintained that although these are global findings, and not specific to the Caribbean, the message matters here.

While acknowledging that strong laws and policies are key to creating an enabling environment, the ILO official said these will make little difference unless they are reflected in the way institutions and workplaces operate every day. Against this backdrop, he noted the significance of the employer inclusion pledge being launched, since it makes a public commitment to equitable hiring, dignity, respect, equal access, and opportunity.

" But it's also important to remember that the pledge is only a beginning, not an end. Its real value will come from what follows the signature."

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' continues over the next four months and culminates 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.