By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
A Coalition of Organisations dealing with Persons with Disability (PWD) issues has called on political parties to make a commitment for such persons to be appointed in cabinet and other parastatals after the 2023 elections.
At a press conference at Campbell Street, Freetown on the 18th March, 2023, they highlighted the successes they have enjoyed so far with the present government like the introduction of the livelihood support of direct cash transfers to them and the inclusion of disability issues into the Mid Term National Development Plan.
They also stated that the government has supported them with skills training and the distribution of tricycles (Keke) to some PWDs with the aid of donors.
They further noted that, they have succeeded in the introduction and implementation of Radical Inclusion policy and the development of disability policy on assistive technology.
Notwithstanding the gains they have enjoyed so far as an organization, the PWDs went on to state that they are challenged with the governance process which they said is not disability inclusive, as they are yet to be appointed into Ministerial, Ambassadorial or Parastatal positions.
They said they lack a permanent Disability Certificate to prove their condition which they said is a violation and also complained of challenges in accessing the Free Health Care Services as provided for in the PWDs Act of 2011.
The disabled people also expressed concern that the government has failed to fulfill its commitment of full financial support for their tertiary education, claiming that only their tuition fees and other charges from the tertiary institutions are paid. They stated that some of the roles of the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD) are conflicting with those of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). They added that the NCPDs advocacy on the popularization of the disability Act has not been noticeable and that accessibility to public buildings is still a challenge.
They therefore suggested that a permanent Disability Certificate be given to all PWDs and for free drugs and assistive technology be provided in hospitals for them to enjoy the Free Health Care Services.
They want full financial support in tertiary institutions and to be capacitated to carry out both government and donor projects. They urged political parties to create disability units in all government ministries and for their inclusion and participation in all political parties.
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