The wheelchair below once belonged to Marlon King, a physically disabled man who was killed in an accident involving a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) on January 30, 2015. He died on the spot.
Mr. King was forced to use the road because of light posts installed in the middle of the side walk, thus blocking his path. It is important to note that the side walk was a part of Golding Avenue which leads to the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre which is a well known institution that caters to disabled people.
The accident brought to the forefront the plight of disabled Jamaicans in society where a lack of resources and suitable facilities catering to disabled people of all kinds has lead to many being inconvenienced, made vulnerable and endangered.
The Disabilities Act was passed in October 2014 which is aimed at protecting and improving the welfare of persons with disabilities. However, with the increasingly alarming number of cases of discrimination and subjugation felt by the members of the disabled community growing each day, many feel as if little to nothing will be done.
