By Staff Reporter
GWANDA — Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT) has called for a shift from sympathy to meaningful action in addressing the barriers that continue to prevent persons with disabilities from fully participating in society.
NFT Executive Director Dr Pick Nkomwa said disability inclusion should be treated as a matter of rights, dignity and equal opportunity, rather than charity or compassion.
“People with disabilities do not need pity; they need opportunities, accessibility and an equal voice in decisions that affect their lives,” said Dr Nkomwa.
The organisation urged communities, institutions and individuals to take practical steps to promote inclusion, including listening to persons with disabilities, improving accessibility, supporting disability-led organisations and businesses, and challenging discriminatory practices.
NFT said accessibility should be incorporated from the outset when designing buildings, public services, digital platforms and community programmes, instead of being treated as an afterthought.
The organisation also emphasised the principle “Nothing About Us Without Us”, stressing that persons with disabilities must be recognised as active participants, leaders and decision-makers in matters affecting their lives.
Dr Nkomwa said everyone has a role to play in identifying and challenging barriers that exclude persons with disabilities.
“Whether it is a building without a ramp, an event without sign-language interpretation or a website that cannot be accessed by persons with disabilities, we must speak up. Silence allows exclusion to continue,” he said.
NFT also encouraged the public to learn more about disability rights and available support services so that persons with disabilities can be connected to appropriate assistance, resources and opportunities.
The organisation said the focus should no longer be on what persons with disabilities can or cannot do, but on what society can do to remove the barriers that limit their participation.
“Inclusion is not a once-a-year campaign or photo opportunity. It is a daily responsibility. Every barrier we remove creates an opportunity,” said Dr Nkomwa.
New Ziana
