Foundation for the Civic Rights of persons with Disabilities FCRPD

04/05/2026

01/05/2026

FCRPD STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL WORKERS’ DAY
“Promoting Inclusive Employment for Persons with Disabilities in The Gambia”

On this International Workers’ Day, the Foundation for Civic Rights of Persons with Disabilities (FCRPD) joins the global community in recognizing the dignity, resilience, and contributions of workers everywhere. Today, we shine a light on a group whose labor, potential, and rights are too often overlooked—persons with disabilities.
Across The Gambia, many persons with disabilities wake up each day determined to work, contribute, and build better lives for themselves and their families. Those who are employed often face daily challenges that go far beyond the ordinary demands of work. From inaccessible buildings and transportation systems, to limited workplace accommodations and persistent social stigma, their work environment is rarely designed with their needs in mind. Despite these barriers, they continue to demonstrate extraordinary commitment and resilience.
At the same time, countless others remain excluded from the workforce—not because they lack qualifications or competence, but because of deeply rooted misconceptions about disability. Many employers still equate disability with inability, overlooking the talents, education, and potential that persons with disabilities bring. This systemic discrimination denies individuals their right to work and deprives the nation of valuable human resources.
Employment is not just a source of income—it is a pathway to dignity, independence, and full participation in society. When persons with disabilities are excluded from work, the consequences extend beyond the individual, affecting families, communities, and national development.
FCRPD calls on the Government of The Gambia and all stakeholders to take urgent and deliberate steps to create an inclusive labour market:
Enforce and strengthen disability-inclusive policies and legislation to protect against discrimination in hiring, promotion, and retention.
Promote inclusive education and skills training that prepares persons with disabilities for the evolving job market.
Ensure workplace accessibility, including physical access, assistive technologies, and reasonable accommodations.
Introduce employment quotas or incentives that encourage both public and private sector employers to hire persons with disabilities.
Invest in accessible transportation systems, enabling safe and reliable movement to and from workplaces.
Raise awareness and challenge stigma through nationwide campaigns that highlight the capabilities and achievements of persons with disabilities.
Support entrepreneurship and self-employment, including access to finance, training, and mentorship programs tailored to persons with disabilities.
Creating an inclusive workforce is not an act of charity—it is a matter of rights, equality, and smart economic policy. A truly inclusive Gambia is one where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to work, thrive, and contribute meaningfully.
As we celebrate workers today, let us commit to leaving no one behind.
FCRPD stands for inclusion. FCRPD stands for equal opportunity. FCRPD stands for dignity in work for all.

24/04/2026

Something really beautiful happenedand I’ve been sitting with it.

My friend Bernice went to a restaurant , where the entire meal, from entering the restaurant to leaving is experienced in total darkness. The servers are all blind, which beautifully shows what’s possible when environments are truly inclusive.

Let me tell you, it meant a lot to me.

For one evening, my sighted friend stepped into my world.
No sight.
No visual cues.
Just trust and a whole lot of figuring things out in ways most people never have to think about.

Things like:
Where’s my fork?
Is there food on it?
Where’s my napkin?
Am I about to knock over my drink?
What’s on my plate and how do I know when I’m done?

Now imagine sitting at a table and not knowing what’s in front of you or even if you have the right plate.
You hear voices, but you don’t know who’s around you.
You can’t tell what they’re wearing, if they’re smiling or if this experience is bringing tears to their eyes.
Multiple conversations are happening all around you.
Cutlery clinks against plates, background noise builds and you’re still trying to focus on eating and listening.

Then something brushes up against you.
You don’t know who or what just touched you.
No one says anything.
You can’t see a face, a hand, or an intention.

Even though you know you’re in a safe space… it can feel unsettling, Uncomfortable and even scary for a moment.

For those of us with no or very limited vision, this isn’t just a dinner. It’s daily life.

Most people know I’m legally blind, but many don’t realize how limited my vision really is. I move through the world pretty confidently, so it’s easy to assume I see more than I do. But I’ve had to relearn almost everything from navigating the dinner table, picking out clothes, shopping, crossing streets and everyday activities and tasks. None of it “just happens.” It’s taken practice, patience, and a lot of adapting.

That’s why it moved me so much that Bernice was willing to step into our experience. She didn’t go to a show, she didn’t watch a documentary, she didn’t just say, “I support you.” She went into the dark. She felt the discomfort and she embraced it.

That’s powerful.

When a friend or family member chooses to step outside their comfort zone to learn more about what life is like for someone with a disability, any disability, it shows so much.
It shows respect.
It shows care.
It builds bridges.

This isn’t about simulating someone’s condition or “trying it on.” It’s about empathy. It’s about being willing to feel even a fraction of what someone else might face daily, not to “get it,” but to honour it.

So if you’ve ever taken the time to learn, to listen, or to ask thoughtful questions, thank you. If you haven’t yet, maybe now’s the time.

Step into someone else’s shoes for a moment.
You might come away seeing the world a little differently.

“Having a disability hasn’t changed who I am, it has changed my interactions with the world”
Source: Gina Martin.

Photo description
Gina is wearing a bright colourful top and blazer. She is standing in-front of some bushes, holding her white cane and smiling.

22/04/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Isatou Sanyang, Amadou Bah

17/04/2026

FCRPD Calls for Accessible and Secret Voting for Persons with Visual Impairment in The Gambia

For Immediate Release

Foundation for Civic Rights of Persons with Disabilities (FCRPD)

Banjul, The Gambia.

16
7 April 2026

The Foundation for Civic Rights of Persons with Disabilities (FCRPD) expresses deep concern over the continued inaccessibility of the voting process for persons with visual impairment in The Gambia, a situation that gravely undermines their constitutional rights, dignity, independence, and democratic participation.

The current voting system remains inaccessible to many blind and visually impaired voters because the voting drums are not equipped with tactile markings, Braille labels, raised symbols, or other accessible identification features that would allow voters to independently identify their preferred candidate.

As a result, persons with visual impairment are often forced to rely on family members, trusted friends, polling officials, or even security officers to guide them at polling stations. This practice fundamentally defeats the principle of secret balloting, which is the cornerstone of every free, fair, and credible democratic election.

A vote is only truly secret when the voter alone knows their choice.

When a blind voter must disclose their political preference to a second party in order to vote, that voter is effectively denied the right to a secret ballot. This is not merely an inconvenience—it is a serious infringement on the political rights and human dignity of persons with disabilities.

Even more troubling is the risk of manipulation, misinformation, or undue influence. A voter with visual impairment can never be fully certain that the person assisting them is directing them to the correct candidate drum, rather than to the candidate preferred by the assistant.

FCRPD therefore calls on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the National Assembly, political parties, civil society, and all democratic stakeholders to urgently implement the following measures:

1. Immediate introduction of tactile and Braille markings on all voting drums to allow blind voters to independently identify candidates.
2. Adoption of raised party symbols and candidate numbering systems that can be recognized by touch.
3. Mandatory accessibility standards for all polling stations and voting materials.
4. Consultation with organizations of persons with disabilities in all electoral reforms and voter education processes.
5. Legal guarantees for independent and secret voting for persons with visual impairment without third-party interference.

Secret ballot must mean secret for everyone—including persons who are blind.

Signed:
Samba Jaiteh
Founder & Executive Director
Foundation for Civic Rights of Persons with Disabilities (FCRPD)
The Gambia.
National Human Rights Commission, The Gambia fans Chioma Precious Ekoro Batch Samba Voice of persons with disabilities.

13/04/2026

please follow

📢 YOUR VOICE MATTERS — WELCOME TO VOICE OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Every person has a story. Every experience deserves to be heard. Every challenge, achievement, and journey matters.

That is why we proudly present Voice of Persons with Disabilities, a dedicated platform created to amplify the voices of persons with disabilities and bring their concerns, lived experiences, struggles, successes, and progress to the attention of the public.

For too long, many persons with disabilities have faced barriers in silence — barriers to education, employment, accessibility, health care, social inclusion, and equal opportunities. At the same time, there are countless inspiring stories of resilience, determination, talent, and progress that deserve recognition and celebration.

This page exists to make sure those voices are seen, heard, and respected.

💬 Do you have a concern you want the public to know?
💬 Have you faced discrimination or accessibility challenges?
💬 Do you want to share your lived experience?
💬 Have you achieved something inspiring that can motivate others?
💬 Is there progress in your life or community that deserves public attention?

We want to hear from you.

Your voice can educate society, inspire hope, influence policy, and drive positive change for the disability community. No story is too small, and no concern is unimportant.

📩 Send us a message directly on this page
📧 Email us at: [email protected]

Let us work together to ensure that the voices of persons with disabilities are not only heard, but also valued and acted upon.

Speak up. Share your story. Inspire change.







Batch Samba Foundation for the Civic Rights of persons with Disabilities FCRPD @

08/04/2026

PWDs in Lower River Region demand voice, access and representation

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in The Gambia’s Lower River Region have raised fresh concerns over exclusion from decision‑making, barriers to education, and difficulties in accessing justice, particularly when engaging with the police.

The issues were highlighted during a Technical Advisory Committee meeting at the Governor’s Office in Mansa Konko, organised with support from ActionAid International The Gambia to strengthen accountability and improve development outcomes.

In a hall filled with community members, civil society actors and local government representatives, participants spoke openly about the realities confronting PWDs. Central to the discussions were inclusion, education access, and the lack of support systems for children and adults with disabilities.

Burang Baldeh, a teacher living with a disability, voiced frustration at what he described as systemic neglect. He said access to education remains a major hurdle due to the absence of facilities and tailored support. He also questioned how police handle complaints from those who are deaf, hard of hearing or non‑verbal: “Disabilities come in different forms. Imagine persons who are hard of hearing, the deaf and the dumb. When they get to the police station, who is there to handle their complaints and communicate effectively?”

Baldeh stressed that the lack of trained personnel and inclusive communication systems leaves many vulnerable and unheard. He also pointed to underrepresentation: “The issue is, we are not represented even at the national level. In the National Assembly, in the Cabinet, we are not there. We need representation so that our voices can be heard.”

Drawing from his own experience, he acknowledged efforts by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to employ persons with disabilities but said structural challenges remain. He called for greater government support in accommodation, transport and assistive services: “I want children living with disabilities to have equal rights like everyone else and complete their schooling… If we are provided with transportation, we can learn to the highest level.”

Other participants echoed similar concerns, citing discrimination in schools and urging stronger enforcement of the Disability Act of 2021.

Stakeholders at the meeting agreed more inclusive policies and practical interventions are needed. Participants urged authorities to move beyond commitments and take concrete steps to ensure equal representation, accessible services and dignity for all.

source: the Fatou Network.
by Alieu Jallow

National Human Rights Commission, The Gambia Batch Samba Foundation for the Civic Rights of persons with Disabilities FCRPD

02/04/2026

1. PRESS RELEASE (FCRPD)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FCRPD Calls for Greater Inclusion and Support for Persons with Autism
Wellingara, The Gambia – April 2, 2026

In commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day, the Foundation for the Civic Rights of Persons with Disabilities (FCRPD) joins the global community in raising awareness about autism and advocating for the full inclusion of persons on the autism spectrum in all aspects of society.
Established by the United Nations, this day highlights the need to promote understanding, acceptance, and equal opportunities for individuals with autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects how individuals communicate, interact, and experience the world, and each person with autism has unique strengths and challenges.
In The Gambia, persons with autism and their families continue to face significant barriers, including limited access to early diagnosis, specialized education, healthcare services, and social support systems. These challenges are often worsened by stigma and misconceptions surrounding autism.
FCRPD calls on the government, development partners, civil society organizations, and the general public to take concrete steps toward building an inclusive society. This includes:
Strengthening policies that protect the rights of persons with disabilities
Investing in inclusive and special needs education
Expanding access to healthcare and early intervention services
Promoting awareness to combat stigma and discrimination
Creating opportunities for meaningful participation and employment.

"Inclusion is not a privilege, it is a right.
Persons with autism deserve equal opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to national development.

As a society, we must move beyond awareness to action."
FCRPD remains committed to advocating for the rights, dignity, and social inclusion of all persons with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum.

The organization continues to engage communities through awareness campaigns, training, and policy advocacy to ensure that no one is left behind.

For media inquiries, partnerships, or support, please contact:
FCRPD
📞 +220 2183266
email: [email protected]
website: www.fcrpd.org

Batch Samba
National Human Rights Commission, The Gambia