The National Disaster Management Agency partnered with ChildFund The Gambia for a disability inclusion seminar on July 18-19 at Mansa Wally Lodge in Pakalinding. Stakeholders gathered to create plans that involve persons with disabilities throughout the disaster preparedness and recovery phases. Baboucarr Ceesay from NDMA presented the agency's structure and emphasized disability-focused disaster policies. Assessment tools were introduced to address the specific needs of disabled individuals during emergencies. Participants examined how disasters disproportionately impact people with disabilities.
Attendees identified barriers that prevent disabled people from accessing disaster services effectively. Physical obstacles, communication gaps, and social discrimination create additional challenges during crises. Limited resources and poor political representation compound these problems for vulnerable populations. The seminar recommended integrating the Gambia Federation of the Disabled into national disaster planning systems. Principal Magistrate Muhammed Krubally referenced legal protections under domestic and international disability rights frameworks, while Fanta Darboe praised NDMA's inclusive approach.
Attendees identified barriers that prevent disabled people from accessing disaster services effectively. Physical obstacles, communication gaps, and social discrimination create additional challenges during crises. Limited resources and poor political representation compound these problems for vulnerable populations. The seminar recommended integrating the Gambia Federation of the Disabled into national disaster planning systems. Principal Magistrate Muhammed Krubally referenced legal protections under domestic and international disability rights frameworks, while Fanta Darboe praised NDMA's inclusive approach.
