By Lumbiwe Mwanza
DISABILITY Rights Watch Programmes Coordinator Bruce Chooma has underscored the need for the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) to popularize its roles in ensuring a more inclusive environment.
The mission of ZAPD is to coordinate and regulate the provision of inclusive services for persons with disability through targeted coordination and regulation interventions, creation of strategic partnerships and fostering awareness creation on disability issues.
Mr Chooma says while ZAPD has a strong mandate in building and strengthening policies to enhance participation of young people in national issues, little progress is being made to raise awareness on their roles that can be utilized by the general public.
“Some persons to date do not know the roles of the ZAPD. They think it is an NGO and yet it is part of the Government in promoting an inclusive environment” Mr Chooma said.
Mr. Chooma says the Government should plan more in terms of resources for young people with disabilities to increase their participation in national events in view of attaining inclusive social development.
“We expect that by now, Government has a database of children especially living with disabilities and organisations that advocate for rights of the disabled so that when national events are being planned, it is important to reach out for planning because if we do not plan for them, we will not see them” Mr. Chooma said.
Mr. Chooma adds that the negative attitude from society against persons with disabilities calls for continuous conversations around issues of disability in view of having all citizens enjoying equal opportunities that are fundamental for living and development.
