Voice of persons with disabilities.

04/06/2026

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28/05/2026

Many NGOs led by Persons With Disabilities Are Not Empower businesses owned by fellow Persons With Disabilities, See Possible Reasons.

Disability Inclusion Must Go Beyond Advocacy, It Must Reflect in Economic Empowerment Too.

There is something I have consistently observed within the disability community that we must honestly discuss if we truly want sustainable progress and collective development.

Many NGOs led by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are doing commendable work. There is no doubt that we are recording progress through advocacy, awareness creation, policy engagement, and partnerships with development organizations. These efforts deserve recognition and appreciation.

However, there is an important conversation we must begin to have.

Some development partners have shared that one of the major reasons they support NGOs led by PWDs is to build the capacity of persons with disabilities and strengthen disability inclusion from within the community itself. To a large extent, this objective has been achieved.

But the big question is:

Are some of these NGOs also intentionally supporting other persons with disabilities economically?

Many NGOs award contracts for printing, branding, media publicity, catering, event logistics, consultancy, supplies, and other services. Sadly, in many cases, businesses owned by persons with disabilities are overlooked, while these opportunities go to relatives, friends, or non-disabled businesses without first considering qualified PWD-owned enterprises.

This is not an attack on anyone. It is a sincere call for reflection, accountability, and stronger community support.

If development partners trusted persons with disabilities enough to provide grants and opportunities, shouldn’t we also adopt that same principle by intentionally supporting businesses owned by fellow persons with disabilities?

Economic empowerment within the disability community is one of the strongest ways to reduce poverty, stigma, discrimination, and dependency.

I want to respectfully appeal to development partners to include stronger inclusion criteria in grant implementation. NGOs receiving disability-focused grants should be encouraged to show evidence that they considered qualified persons with disabilities first when awarding contracts or employment opportunities. Only where such services are unavailable should alternatives be sought elsewhere.

We must build capacity across board, not only for a few individuals.

There should also be attention to possible exploitation of persons with disabilities who receive contracts or jobs under such projects. Fair treatment and fair payment matter.

Below are 10 possible reasons why some NGOs led by persons with disabilities may not intentionally support businesses owned by fellow PWDs:

1. Lack of Intentional Inclusion Policy

Some organizations simply do not have internal policies that prioritize patronizing businesses owned by persons with disabilities.

2. Fear About Capacity and Delivery

There may be assumptions that some PWD-owned businesses may not deliver efficiently or professionally, even without giving them opportunities to prove themselves.

3. Personal Interests and Favoritism

Contracts are sometimes awarded based on personal relationships, friendships, or family ties instead of inclusion and competence.

4. Weak Networking Within the Disability Community

Some NGOs may not even know skilled entrepreneurs, professionals, or service providers within the disability community because networking remains weak.

5. Internalized Discrimination

Sadly, some persons with disabilities may unconsciously doubt the abilities of fellow PWDs due to years of societal stigma and discrimination.

6. Lack of Database of PWD-Owned Businesses

There is no strong or organized directory in many places showing businesses and professionals owned by persons with disabilities.

7. Competition and Fear of Empowering Others

Some individuals may see supporting other successful PWDs as creating “competition” rather than strengthening the community collectively.

8. Pressure to Work With Familiar Vendors

Organizations often prefer vendors they have previously worked with, even when qualified PWD-owned businesses are available.

9. Poor Accountability From Development Projects

Some grant structures focus more on project activities and reports without monitoring whether economic inclusion within the disability community is happening.

10. Lack of Community-First Mentality

Some people may focus more on personal organizational growth without fully embracing the idea that collective empowerment strengthens everyone.

This conversation is necessary because our common challenges should unite us, not divide us.

There is a saying that “charity begins at home.”

If we truly believe in disability inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunity, then we must intentionally practice it among ourselves too.

A stronger disability community is one where advocacy, employment, contracts, mentorship, and economic opportunities circulate within the community and uplift many people — not just a few.

Let us build a disability community that is economically viable, united, supportive, and inclusive for all.
Source: disability access network

25/05/2026

How NGOs Take Advantage of Persons With Disabilities

While many NGOs genuinely work to promote inclusion and protect the rights of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), some unfortunately exploit the vulnerability of the disability community for personal, financial, or political gain. This exploitation weakens trust, slows progress, and denies PWDs the real empowerment they deserve.

Here are some common ways this happens:

1. Using PWDs for Fundraising Without Impact
Some organizations use emotional stories, pictures, and videos of Persons With Disabilities to attract donations and grants, yet little or none of the funds reach the intended beneficiaries.

2. Tokenism and Exploitation for Publicity
PWDs are sometimes invited to events only to decorate the stage or create an appearance of inclusiveness, without being involved in decision-making or meaningful participation.

3. Diversion of Disability Funds and Materials
Assistive devices, relief materials, scholarships, and empowerment funds meant for PWDs are sometimes diverted or distributed unfairly based on favoritism.

4. Speaking for PWDs Without Representation
Some NGOs claim to advocate for Persons With Disabilities while excluding them from leadership positions. Decisions are made about PWDs without their direct input.

5. Creating Dependency Instead of Empowerment
Rather than building skills, employment opportunities, and independence, some organizations continuously distribute handouts to keep beneficiaries dependent and maintain donor sympathy.

6. Exploitation During Research and Projects
PWDs are sometimes used to gather data, attend workshops, or participate in projects without proper compensation, feedback, or long-term benefits.

7. Fake Advocacy and Visibility Projects
Certain NGOs organize conferences, media appearances, and campaigns mainly to impress donors and international partners, while little real change happens at the grassroots level.

8. Political Manipulation
Some groups mobilize Persons With Disabilities during elections or political activities for selfish interests, then abandon them afterward.

What Should Be Done?

Promote accountability and transparency in NGO operations.

Ensure PWDs occupy leadership and decision-making positions.

Encourage donor agencies to monitor projects closely.

Strengthen disability rights laws and enforcement.

Support organizations genuinely led by Persons With Disabilities.

Empower PWDs through education, skills, and economic opportunities rather than dependency.

True disability inclusion is not charity; it is about dignity, rights, equal opportunities, and meaningful participation.

Source: Christian agbo


Foundation for the Civic Rights of persons with Disabilities FCRPD

23/05/2026

Interview with Adama Hawa

23/05/2026

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22/05/2026

22/05/2026

Disability Advocates Call for Honest Assessment and Full Implementation of the Disability Bill 2021

The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Hon. Fatou Kinteh, recently stated during an interview on Paradise TV that the Disability Bill 2021 is being actively implemented. While the Minister highlighted initiatives such as the establishment of the Disability Council, limited monthly allowances, and orthopaedic support through Social Welfare, disability advocates say these claims do not reflect the lived realities of persons with disabilities across The Gambia.

Speaking in response to the Minister’s remarks, disability advocate Ousman Jallow expressed deep concern over the widening gap between official statements and the daily struggles of persons with disabilities.

“We respect the Minister, but we must be honest with the public. The majority of persons with disabilities are not experiencing the support she described. The Disability Bill may be approved, but meaningful implementation is still missing,” Jallow said.

Critical Gaps in Services and Support

Advocates note that the Social Welfare rehabilitation centre — once a reliable provider of wheelchairs, repairs, and prosthetic services — is now unequipped and unable to meet basic needs.

Jallow recalled a time when:

•Wheelchairs were issued the same day.

•Repairs were done immediately.

•Prosthetic legs were provided free of charge

“Today, families are being told to buy materials for prosthetic legs. Many simply cannot afford it,” he added.

Growing Hardship and Rising Costs

Every day, persons with disabilities or their families reach out seeking:

•Wheelchairs

•Mobility equipment

•School support

•Food assistance

•Medication
Emergency help.

“This is not what implementation looks like,” Jallow stressed.

The cost of mobility equipment has also risen sharply. Wheelchairs that were once donated freely now cost between D5,000 and D15,000, largely due to high shipping and port charges.

Concerns Over Inclusion Across Disability Groups.

Disability rights activist Samba Jaiteh also highlighted that even when mobility equipment is provided, support is often not inclusive across all disability groups.

“Disability is a package, and all persons with disabilities should be catered for,” Jaiteh stated.

He explained that persons with visual and hearing impairments continue to face serious daily challenges due to inadequate assistive materials and support systems.

Jaiteh referenced the incident involving Alagie Ceesay, a visually impaired individual who sustained a fracture after being involved in an accident along the OIC Road, allegedly due to the lack of adequate white canes and mobility support.

He also highlighted concerns raised by a hard-of-hearing student regarding the challenges deaf students face during the WASSCE examinations, particularly in oral English and other components where interpretation and communication barriers remain inadequately addressed.

According to Jaiteh, visually impaired students equally face severe disadvantages during examinations.

“Can you imagine visually impaired students continuing to be penalised or under-marked for not being able to attempt questions involving diagrams simply because they cannot see to draw or label them? Most of these questions carry huge marks, leading to poor overall performance,” he said.

He further stated that many visually impaired students are still unable to effectively study mathematics due to the lack of accessible learning and examination materials.

“These are punishments for a crime people are innocent of. How can this be called standing for the rights of persons with disabilities? If this is what is referred to as implementation of the Disability Act, then I see no hope for the future,” Jaiteh added.

Call for Government Action.

Jallow appealed to the Government to:

•Reduce shipping and port fees for containers carrying mobility equipments.

•Encourage shipping agents and donors to resume free or affordable support.

•Strengthen the capacity of Social Welfare rehabilitation services>

A Call for Collaboration and Accountability

Jallow urged the Ministry, the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), the Disability Council, and all stakeholders to work transparently and collaboratively.

“Persons with disabilities are being failed every day. We need honesty, urgency, and a clear roadmap for implementation,” he said.

He also called on all Organisations of persons' with Disabilities (OPDs) to unite and advocate collectively.

“If we work together, we can push for at least 70% implementation of the Disability Bill by 2027. Disability rights are human rights, and we will continue to advocate until real change is achieved.”
Foundation for the Civic Rights of persons with Disabilities FCRPD Adama Hawa Camara Ousman Jallow

21/05/2026

📹Live Interview with Disability Advocate Adama Hawa Camara

Adama Hawa Camara is a Gambian‑born disability advocate and bilateral amputee whose journey from a congenital condition to courageous self‑acceptance now drives her powerful voice on disability inclusion.
Foundation for the Civic Rights of persons with Disabilities FCRPD Adama Hawa Camara Batch Samba