Javian Kerr. - Anthony Minott

Javian Kerr, is a disabled man. He wasn't born this way, but on July 11, 2000, Kerr's life was changed forever when gunmen from 'Spoilers' in Central Kingston shot him several times while he rode a bicycle through the community. The incident left him paralysed from the chest down. Kerr, now 27 years old shared his story during a recent interview at the Portmore Seventh-day Adventist Church on Port Henderson Road in the municipality.

"I was on summer holiday from Waterford Comprehensive High School when I got shot because my friend was in a gang and I almost lost my life. I received four gunshots, and two of the bullets are still lodged in my body," Kerr said.

Kerr said the incident caused a rapid change in the way he sees life on a whole. He said he is now dependent on people. Though disabled, Kerr said he is not looking for any handouts or pity from society. What he clamours for is respect.

" What I don't like about (able-bodied) people when they see you on the street they think you are looking self-pity but all I want is respect and the chance to do something worthwhile in society," Kerr has accepted his disability and his dependence on his family and other people.

"The paralysis has forced me to depend on people for literally everything. Being in a wheelchair it takes a lot. You need to motivate yourself to be in the wheel-chair I have to accept that I'm paralysed and will not be able to walk again," Kerr admitted.

Kerr said the confinement has its negatives.

"When you are in a wheelchair you need help from family and friends, when I was normal I could use the bathroom myself. It's a big change, I have to use adult diapers and urine bag."

Kerr cites a lack of education as a major problem. "There are only a few places that train and educate persons with disabilities and even the ones who are trained a number employers don't wish to employee them."

Kerr hopes that one day this stigma will change and more disabled persons will get the opportunity to play an active role in society and be able to garner some financial gain. Meanwhile, each year in October, the church recognises these special people with a planned programme on disability awareness month. The church, buoyed by Eileen Francis, saw it fit to recognise these people during sabbath morning service and the Adventist Youth (AY), evening session.