Happy International Women’s Day! 🌸 Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere. Thank you for your unwavering courage, brilliance, and the love and support you bring to the world. Let’s continue to uplift, empower, and inspire each other every day. Here’s to the incredible women shaping our future! 💪❤️
Happy international women’s day! Read More »
The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) has launched a four-year communication strategy, marking a significant step forward in advancing its mission to promote the rights, inclusion, and well-being of persons with disabilities across Zambia. This document goes beyond communication; it reflects our commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of ability, has a voice, a platform, and access to the information they need to thrive. Special thanks to Eastern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Lewis Mwape, ILO Country Director for Mozambique, Zambia, and Malawi Mr. Wellington Chibebe, and the Director General of ZAPD Mr. Frankson Musukwa, alongside other dignitaries that graced the event in Chipata at Protea Hotel. Some key take home points from the Launch of our Communication Strategy and New website. The key instruments developed by ZAPD with technical and financial support from ILO other than the communication strategy include the new website, online registry of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and the online Research Repository. The registry gives access to a comprehensive digital directory of OPDs across Zambia, which is organised by area of focus, geographical location, making it easier for institutions, donors and stakeholders to connect with relevant organisations. The Research Repository on the website will play a vital role in strengthening collaboration between Research institutions, academia and disability organisations. The Launch marks a significant milestone towards the commitment to create a society where every individual is not only heard but understood. The strategy will create an environment where no one is left behind and where persons with disabilities can easily access resources and information they need to engage meaningfully in society. the milestone is a call to focus on implementation of policies, creating decent opportunities that are accessible to all. a call was made to ensure fair employment practices for providing comprehensive Social Protection programs that meet the diverse needs of persons with disabilities. ILO stated that they stand ready to support government in ensuring that persons with disabilities fully participate in all aspects of decision-making and societal progress. Stakeholders urged to continue working together to provide resources and expertise needed to ensure that PWDs are not just included but empowered.
ZAPD Launches new communication tools Read More »
The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities is excited to announce that the Cabinet has officially approved the National Disability Policy on February 11, 2025. This milestone represents a major advancement in the fight for the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in Zambia. The approval underscores President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration’s strong commitment to advancing the disability agenda through a comprehensive National Disability Policy. The newly approved policy focuses on addressing the specific needs of persons with disabilities, ensuring their equal participation in key areas such as education, employment, healthcare, and social services. It also aims to eliminate discrimination and enhance accessibility in all aspects of life. The Agency remains dedicated to coordinating and regulating services for persons with disabilities. We believe this policy will play a crucial role in promoting inclusive development and social justice for all individuals with disabilities in Zambia. We express our sincere gratitude to His Excellency President Hichilema for his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities. The Agency looks forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this important policy.
National Disability Policy Approved Read More »
ZAPD Inspectors held an engagement meeting with management at East Park Mall to discuss possible ways of curbing the abuse of parking spaces reserved for Persons with disabilities at the shopping center. Findings after an inspection revealed that parking spaces reserved for Persons with disabilities are being abused mostly out of ignorance by motorists and security officers manning the car parks. In the meeting with management and security officers, ZAPD Director Inspectorate Bornface Tumba sensitized the team on issues of accessibility and the importance of the reserved parking lots to persons with disabilities. Mr. Tumba further referred to Cabinet Circular No. 30 which gives specifics required for making public infrastructure accessible. The Persons with Disabilities Act No. ^ of 2012 criminalizes the use of parking spaces designated for persons with disabilities by persons without disabilities. Section 45 (3) provides that a person who, not being entitled to park in a parking place designates or demarcated for parking vehicles used by persons with disabilities, parks a motor vehicle in a place reserved for the exclusive use of a Person with a disability, commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or both.”
ZAPD ACCESSIBILITY INSPECTORS SWING IN ACTION Read More »
For Immediate Release Lusaka, Zambia – 30th January, 2025. The Zambia Agency For Persons Disabilities (ZAPD) is a statutory government institution established under the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 06 of 2012 with a mandate to plan, promote coordinate, regulate and administer services for and of persons with disabilities in the country. As we all might be aware, persons with disabilities are among the marginalized and vulnerable groups in society and they face various challenges to fully participate in society which is further heightened by discriminatory social attitudes. The extent of inequalities experienced by persons with disabilities in all areas of development is often as a result of shortcomings in the structural, social, political and cultural environments in which they reside, including lack of accessibility of physical and virtual environments; institutional and attitudinal barriers; exclusion; and unequal opportunities. We are also alive to the fact that persons with albinism face many challenges. Violence and stigma aimed at persons with albinism is widespread. Albinism is still profoundly misunderstood, socially and medically leading to an unsafe environment for persons with albinism. This is due to the general ignorance and myths associated with the condition. Grave among the challenges is the belief that their body parts can be used for charms and rituals. It is against this background that the Agency wishes to commend the courts for convicting Paul Banda, a 21-year-old man that murdered a 47-year-old man with albinism in Katete District, and handing him a life imprisonment sentence with hard labor. We further wish to commend our alert law enforcement officers who were investigating the matter and brought the culprit to book, for the efforts towards combating such crimes. Our call is for all stakeholders to be on the lookout to protect human dignity, happiness, health and safety of persons with disabilities most especially those with albinism. Significant achievement towards addressing the injustices that persons with disabilities face, can only be made through collaborations and strategic partnerships with various key players in society. As stakeholders we have a wide mandate to ensure commitments made both at international and local levels are achieved. ISSUED BY; ZAPD Public Relations Unit.
ZAPD calls for concerted efforts to protect lives OF persons with albinism Read More »
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Lusaka, Zambia – 23rd January, 2025 The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) emphasizes the importance of safe and responsible wheelchair distribution. We urge all stakeholders to involve physiotherapists in the process to safeguard users’ health and wellbeing. While we appreciate stakeholders efforts to supplement government initiatives and improve the lives of persons with disabilities, we strongly advise consulting the Agency or Ministry of Health on the distribution of assistive devices. According to the WHO Guidelines on the Provision of Manual Wheelchairs in Less-Resourced Settings (2008), wheelchair distribution programs must provide wheelchairs based on individual needs, following a comprehensive assessment by a trained professional. This assessment ensures that the wheelchair is properly fitted, considering body size, shape, posture, mobility and functional needs. In addition to proper fitting, WHO guidelines emphasize the importance of offering comprehensive training on wheelchair use, maintenance, and repair. This training enables users to utilize their wheelchairs safely and effectively. Furthermore, follow-up services are essential for providing ongoing support and maintenance. WHO guidelines also stress the importance of involving users in the design and planning of wheelchair distribution programs. By adhering to these guidelines, stakeholders can ensure wheelchair distribution programs are safe, effective and empowering for users. To ensure proper fitting and usage, stakeholders are advised to consult ZAPD offices in all 10 provinces. Additionally, trained technicians and physiotherapists from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 5 provinces, as well as Ministry of Health-trained physiotherapists, are available for consultation prior to purchase or donating of wheelchairs. The Agency calls for collaboration to promote safe, accessible and empowering mobility solutions for persons with disabilities, integral to independent living and socio-economic development. Remember, compromising on user health is not an option. Issued by: Frankson Musukwa Director General Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) See insights and ads Boost post All reactions: 3737
ZAPD calls for “precaution” in wheelchair distribution Read More »
A team from the and Social Services in collaboration with the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities, is conducting a five-day workshop in Livingstone to validate the draft children and adults functional assessment tools. The team is also drafting the road map for the National Disability survey earmarked for 2025. Speaking in his opening remarks, ZAPD Director General Frankson Musukwa emphasized the urgent need for the Agency to register persons with disabilities across the country, and issue them with disability certificates, which is a prerequisite in accessing various social protection services provided by government. Mr. Musukwa was however quick to caution against fraud in the process of certifying persons with disabilities. On the plan to develop the road map for the National Disability Survey, the Director General said it is only with a well maintained data Base that persons with disabilities can fully benefit from the services provided by government and various stakeholders. The workshop is made possible with financial support from the United Nations Children’s Fund.
ZAPD to conduct National Disability SURVEY in 2025 Read More »
ZAPD Northern Province Office will be operating from the District Commissioners’ Block until further notice, to pave way for renovations. Through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the office is set to undergo a transformative facelift, to be renovated and extended to include a state-of-the-art conference hall, a self-contained office for the provincial coordinator and modern ablution facilities. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve our facilities. For any inquiries or information, please contact; Provincial Coordinator Jane Nkonde: 0977380413 Assistant Coordinator Madam Veronica Kaluba 0975887107
PUBLIC NOTICE-TEMPORARY RELOCATION OF ZAPD PROVINCIAL OFFICE Read More »
ln the quest of ensuring that there is adequate adherence to the Cabinet Circular no. 30 of 2024 , ZAPD in Muchinga Province held a one day Accessibility Awareness meeting on the 5th December, 2024 with Various Provincial Heads of Government Departments. The essence of the meeting was purely to remind the HODs to take the lead by walking the talk of making modifications as guided by the circular. Officiating the event, Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Henry Mukungule, urged the Senior Government officials to strictly adhere to the Six months ultimatum given in the circular. The PS greatly appreciated ZAPD for it’s commitment in ensuring that accessibility for all is attained. He further appreciated Sight Savers for sponsoring the engagement.
ZAPD hosts HODs for Accessibility Talk Read More »
2nd April is set aside as a day to comemorate World Austism Day while the entire month of April is dedicated to raising awareness about Austism. This year, the focus is on; Awareness – Acceptance – Appreciation: Moving from surviving to thriving. The day is focused on affirming and promoting the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for autistic people on an equal basis with others. Progress has been made, not least thanks to the many amazing autistic advocates who have worked tirelessly to bring the lived experience of autistic people to the wider world. Candice Rogoff, owner of the Artshop Limited is mom to an Autistic Child, Jade Pieterse. Jade is intellectually disabled. She has a very rare chromosomal abnormality that affects the 15th Chormosome (Idle 15). She has severe delay that has affected her ability to read, write and communicate. Regardless of Jade’s disability, she is emotionally highly intelligent and intuitive, which shines through her artwork. With asistance, Jade is encouraged to reach her milestones with art being one of them, she currently does most of her paintings at her moms Artshop. Jade is now 19 years old and a very happy lady who really loves to paint. This is the start of her working career for her to be able to contribute to society and save money for her future. Being an Austism awareness month, an exhibition was held to this effect at the Artshop Zambia Limited, while another event is scheduled for April 18. Candice encourages guardians and parents with children with autisim that despite the responsibility being challenging at times, it’s important to accept them as they are, and give them the best opportunities in life.
against the odds of autism, The Story of jade… Read More »
