By ANNIE ZULU
Zambia joined the rest of world in the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) which falls on 3rd December.
This year's commemoration whose theme was: " 'Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world', started with a March past from the University of Zambia (UNZA) to the Lusaka Show Grounds where the event was held.
Speaking during the commemoration, Community Development and Social Services Minister Doreen Mwamba who was Guest of Honour said persons with disabilities are equal partners in Zambia's development, hence Government's commitment to ensuring their inclusion in all activities, especially decision-making processes.
Ms. Mwamba said this can be seen in President Hakainde Hichilema`s appointments of persons with disabilities in a number of key positions.
She also indicated that this year's theme was strategically chosen to create awareness on disability issues as the country strive for a sustainable future for all by addressing challenges such as poverty, inequality and exclusion.
"Government has enhanced access to digital educational materials by making available tablets to enable digital access by learners including learners with disabilities. Sign language has also been included in the curriculum for health personnel particularly that of nurses as fronts line staff in service delivery.
"In quest to end poverty, budgetary allocation under the Social Cash Transfer and Food Security Pack programmes have been increased thereby resulting in an increase in the number of beneficiaries," the Minister said.
United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali applauded Government on its efforts and commitment towards promoting the rights and access to equal opportunities for all.
Ms. Mutali reassured the UN`s support to Government in promoting a society that values the participation of all persons regardless of their abilities.
"The UN team in Zambia is currently implementing the United Nations Joint Programme on Social Protection which supports Government in strengthening systems and frameworks which promote disability inclusion," she said.
She further stressed the need to address physical barriers that hinder persons with disabilities from enjoying their rights.
"We need to ensure, among other things, that buildings have appropriate signage, elevators have sensors, and all buildings are generally accessible to persons with disabilities. This should cut across both state and non-state infrastructure," Ms. Mutali said.
And Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) Moses Luneta thanked Government for its effort in inclusion of persons with disabilities in country's development.
"The new dawn Government is a pro-disability Government, persons with disabilities were recruited in the recent education and health workers recruitments. For the first time, persons with disabilities feel included," Mr. Luneta said.
Giving a vote of thanks, Zambia Federation of Disability Organizations (ZAFOD) vice president Paul Mbewe expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who participated in the commemoration and called on members of the public to be champions of equality of persons with disabilities.
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