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.