ZAPD

Government has officially received the Zambian Sign Language Digital Dictionary, marking a significant milestone in advancing accessible communication and promoting the inclusion of Deaf persons in national development. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Director of Social Welfare in the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Mr. Morris Moono, highlighted the importance of the dictionary in improving access to social welfare services, particularly for Deaf persons seeking assistance from government service delivery points. Mr. Moono observed that communication barriers can prevent Deaf persons from reporting abuse, explaining their circumstances, understanding available support services and participating in decisions affecting their welfare. He particularly emphasised the need for accessible communication when providing support to Deaf children, women experiencing gender-based violence and persons requiring psychosocial support. He further encouraged the use of the dictionary to strengthen the capacity of frontline officers and community structures to engage more effectively with Deaf clients. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with ZAPD and other stakeholders to improve the accessibility and inclusiveness of social welfare services. Meanwhile, the Director General of ZAPD, Mr. Frankson Musukwa, described the handover as an important step towards addressing communication barriers that continue to limit Deaf persons’ access to essential services, including healthcare, education, employment, justice and public information. Mr. Musukwa noted that the freely accessible online dictionary goes beyond individual learning, providing an opportunity to strengthen communication within families, schools, workplaces, healthcare facilities and public institutions. He called on Government ministries, educational institutions, healthcare providers, private organisations and civil society to integrate the resource into their daily operations to promote inclusive service delivery. He further emphasised that while the dictionary represents a transformative milestone, it complements rather than replaces the need for qualified sign language interpreters and accessible public systems. The initiative was made possible through the efforts of the Zambia Deaf Women and Youth Organisation, working in collaboration with technical and development partners, with the active participation of the Deaf community. The handover marks an important step towards ensuring that communication is not a barrier to accessing public services and exercising fundamental rights. As Zambia continues advancing disability inclusion, the successful utilisation of the dictionary will depend on its adoption by institutions, continued collaboration with the Deaf community and deliberate efforts to make public services accessible to everyone.

ZAPD North-Western Province is grateful to Blu Spring Organization, in collaboration with Beit-Cure Hospital, for the distribution of 67 wheelchairs to children with disabilities across districts in the Province. ZAPD played a key role in the initiative by working closely with the organisations to identify and mobilise eligible beneficiaries, ensuring that the support reaches children who need it. The provision of these wheelchairs is a significant step towards improving mobility, independence and participation among children with disabilities, while also easing some of the mobility challenges faced by their families. ZAPD appreciates this valuable support and looks forward to strengthening its collaboration with Blu Spring Organization, Beit-Cure Hospital and other like-minded partners to advance the well-being, rights and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in North-Western Province. Together, we can create more opportunities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Persons with Disabilities. ZAPD: Empowering Lives, Embracing Diversity and Breaking Barriers.

The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) Northern Province has intensified awareness-raising efforts ahead of the 2026 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) celebrations, following a presentation at the Provincial Development Coordinating Committee (PDCC) meeting held at the Provincial Administration in Kasama. The presentation, delivered by the Provincial Coordinator, Jane N. Mulenga, and chaired by the Permanent Secretary, highlighted the significance of IDPD, its history and its role in promoting the rights, dignity and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. Stakeholders were also sensitised on the 2026 IDPD theme, “The CRPD at 20: Building on Progress, Advancing the Future,” which marks 20 years of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Particular emphasis was placed on Northern Province’s historic opportunity to host the National IDPD celebrations for the first time. The event is expected to attract over 1,500 delegates. Through this engagement, ZAPD continues to mobilise stakeholders and strengthen collective commitment towards an inclusive and accessible society where the rights and dignity of Persons with Disabilities are upheld. ZAPD: Empowering Lives, Embracing Diversity and Breaking Barriers.

ZAPD, through its Accessibility Inspectors, has conducted accessibility audits at Kafue and Chilanga Town Councils to assess the accessibility of the built environment and the measures being taken to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in service delivery. The audits assessed the accessibility of public buildings and facilities, as well as whether accessibility features are being incorporated into the construction public infrastructure projects, including Constituency Development Fund (CDF)-supported schools, health centres, markets and other public facilities. The team also examined the measures the two local authorities have put in place to facilitate access to services for persons with disabilities in facilities where accessibility features are not yet available. The exercise seeks to identify accessibility barriers and promote inclusive infrastructure planning, construction and service delivery, ensuring that persons with disabilities can access public facilities and services with dignity and independence. Accessibility is not a privilege; it is a right.

Ndola, 21 October 2026– Copperbelt Province has officially launched the distribution of assistive devices to persons with disabilities across all ten districts, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to promoting inclusion and improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities. The launch, held at ZAPD Provincial Office in Ndola, will facilitate the distribution of wheelchairs, crutches, white canes and scooters to beneficiaries across the province. Speaking when she graced the event on behalf of the Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary, Ms. Kamwambi Chisani, Assistant Secretary in the Provincial Administration, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building an inclusive society where no one is left behind. Ms. Chisani emphasised that the Government, through ZAPD and the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Zambia, will continue to support persons with disabilities by facilitating access to assistive devices and other essential services. Speaking on behalf of the Provincial Coordinator Anthony Mwansa, ZAPD Copperbelt Assistant Coordinator Ms. Susan Shawa explained that the devices were procured following assessments conducted across all ten districts to identify the needs of persons with disabilities. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Government for the support, noting that the devices would enhance their mobility, independence and participation in social and economic activities. The distribution marks an important step towards improving access to assistive technology and promoting the inclusion and well-being of persons with disabilities across Copperbelt Province.

ZAPD, in collaboration with the Zambia Deaf Women and Youth Organisation, is conducting a three-day training on accessibility, disability inclusion and sign language for staff of Liquid Intelligent Technologies. The training, being held from 6th to 8th October 2026 at Nobutula Lodge in Parklands, Kitwe, aims to strengthen participants’ understanding of disability inclusion and accessibility, while equipping them with practical knowledge to promote more inclusive and accessible services and workplace environments. As part of the training, Mr. Alick Nhkoma is facilitating practical sign language sessions, equipping participants with basic communication skills to engage more effectively with persons who are Deaf or hard of hearing. ZAPD is facilitating sessions on the mandate of the Agency, accessibility, disability etiquette and disability inclusion, with a focus on identifying and addressing barriers that persons with disabilities may encounter in accessing services and participating fully in society. The training is sponsored by Liquid Intelligent Technologies as part of the company’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. Participants have actively engaged in the sessions, demonstrating enthusiasm and commitment to strengthening their knowledge and practical skills in disability inclusion and sign language. ZAPD commends Liquid Intelligent Technologies for its commitment to advancing accessibility and inclusion and for creating opportunities for its staff to better understand and respond to the needs of persons with disabilities. The Agency looks forward to strengthening partnerships with organisations that share its commitment to advancing the rights, dignity, inclusion and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities. See less

Persons with disabilities in Livingstone can now access Disability Cards more easily following the donation of a card printing machine by the Norwegian Association of the Disabled (NAD). The machine was handed over through the Collective Action for Disability Rights (CADiR) initiative and is expected to bring Disability Card printing services closer to persons with disabilities in Livingstone and surrounding communities. Speaking at the handover, ZAPD Livingstone District Coordinator Ganizo Phiri thanked NAD for the donation, noting that the machine would make it easier for persons with disabilities to obtain their Disability Cards. Ms. Phiri said the cards play an important role in enabling persons with disabilities to access their rights and services, particularly those that have not always been readily accessible to them. Also speaking at the event, Mr. Eddie Mupotola called on stakeholders to become ambassadors of change and support the initiative. He emphasised the importance of collaboration among civil society organisations, government agencies and communities in addressing barriers faced by persons with disabilities. Mr. Mupotola noted that collective efforts are essential in promoting reasonable accommodation and ensuring that services are accessible and inclusive for all. The new printing machine is expected to improve access to Disability Cards in Livingstone by reducing the challenges and delays previously experienced by persons with disabilities when obtaining their cards. The initiative demonstrates the importance of partnerships in bringing disability-inclusive services closer to communities and promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

ZAPD has commended MTN Zambia Zambia for introducing a Sign Language Video Solution, describing the initiative as an important step towards improving accessibility and breaking down communication barriers for Deaf persons. The new solution will see Sign Language videos displayed across MTN service centres, providing accessible information on products, services and customer support, while enabling Deaf customers to engage with the telecommunications provider more easily and independently. Speaking during the launch, ZAPD Director General Frankson Musukwa expressed his appreciation to MTN Zambia for the initiative and its contribution towards improving access to services for the Deaf community. The Director General described the initiative as a significant milestone in advancing accessibility, noting the difference it can make in the lives of Deaf users. “I am very much humbled and honoured to participate in this momentous initiative, which has contributed to enhancing accessibility and improving service delivery to Deaf users,” said Mr Musukwa. He further commended MTN Zambia for contributing to the broader disability inclusion agenda, emphasising the importance of initiatives that address communication barriers and promote equal access to information and services for persons with disabilities. ZAPD recognises the initiative as a positive contribution towards building a more inclusive society and encourages continued efforts by institutions and service providers to adopt accessible communication practices. Together, we can build a more accessible and inclusive Zambia where everyone has an equal opportunity to connect, communicate and access essential services.

CHIPATA, Eastern Province – Government has highlighted progress made in promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, including the deaf community. Speaking during the commemoration of International Sign Language Day at Magwero School for the Deaf in Chipata, Chief Human Resource Officer Mr. National Lusale, who represented the Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, said Government had strengthened the disability inclusion framework through the 2025 National Policy on Persons with Disabilities, the Revised National Social Protection Policy of 2025 and the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012. Mr. Lusale said Government was also creating opportunities for persons with disabilities, citing the recruitment of persons with disabilities in the civil service and the establishment of the Parliamentary Caucus on Disability Inclusion and Rights. He further said Government was promoting access to information for deaf and hard-of-hearing persons through sign-language interpretation at public events and ZNBC news broadcasts. The commemoration was held under the theme “Declaring Deaf Peoples Human Rights” as part of Deaf Awareness Week, observed from 20th to 29th September. Speaking at the event, ZAPD Eastern Province Coordinator Chisomo Zulu said sign language was an important part of the identity, culture and social participation of deaf people. Ms. Zulu said access to sign language enabled the deaf to learn, express themselves, participate in society and exercise their rights, and further called on stakeholders to remove communication barriers and promote inclusive communication. She encouraged parents, teachers, community leaders and the public to embrace sign language, stressing that “inclusion begins with understanding, and understanding begins with communication.” Ms. Zulu also thanked Government and cooperating partners, including Leonard Cheshire Disability, Cheshire Home Chipata, Enlight Abilities, Eastern Water and Sanitation Company, Mpangwe Prayer and Research Centre, Caritas Chipata and Disability Rights Watch – DRW, for supporting the commemoration. During the event, white canes and Disability Identity Cards were distributed to persons with disabilities, as part of efforts to promote access to support services and inclusion. The commemoration brought together Government officials, organisations of persons with disabilities, members of the deaf community, teachers and learners, traditional leaders, partners, parents and the media.

The construction of the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) Kasama Provincial Office is now 90% complete, marking significant progress towards the completion of this important infrastructure project. Funded under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Community Projects at a cost of approximately K1.15 million, the project represents the first major facelift of the office since the building was officially handed over to ZAPD in 1975. The upgraded office will feature: ✅ A modern mini-conference hall✅ A self-contained office for the Provincial Coordinator✅ Two new accessible toilets for males and females✅ Improved ramps and wider doorways to enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities The project is expected to significantly improve the working environment and enhance service delivery to persons with disabilities in the region. For the duration of the works, the ZAPD Provincial Office continues to operate from the District Commissioners’ Block until further notice. With the project now at 90% completion, ZAPD looks forward to the final stages of construction and the eventual occupation of a more accessible, modern and functional office. Advancing accessibility. Strengthening service delivery. Promoting inclusion.