NDMA/GFD discuss Mainstreaming Disabilities in DRR Programs

18–19 July 2025 | Mansa Wally Lodge, Pakalinding, Lower River Region, The Gambia The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), with financial support through ChildFund The Gambia, convened a two-day seminar aimed at integrating disability inclusion into disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities. This event, hosted at Mansa Wally Lodge, Pakalinding, emphasized strengthening disability in all disaster risks programs. Opening & Presentations Baboucarr Ceesay NDMA's Director of Operations introduced the agency’s organisational structure, governance mechanisms, and funding frameworks. He outlined how disaster management currently operates in The Gambia and set the context for integrating disability considerations. His assistant presenter covered assessment procedures, highlighting the importance of adapting these processes for inclusivity. It was noted at the outset that disasters do not affect everyone equally: Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are disproportionately impacted and often excluded from traditional disaster response and planning efforts. The participatory seminar offered advanced training on Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). The main objectives were to: Empower Persons with Disabilities to advocate for disability-inclusive DRM. Guarantee the ongoing involvement of PWDs in DRR planning, response, and recovery at all levels. Review and adapt disaster assessment tools to accurately reflect the lived realities of PWDs. During plenary and group sessions, participants identified major barriers faced by persons with disabilities: Physical Barriers: Lack of ramps, accessible pathways, and assistive devices. Information & Communication Barriers: Limited access to emergency alerts, resources in braille, sign language, and accessible formats (audio, large print, and multimedia. Social Barriers: Discrimination, stigma, limited resources and humanitarian support. Political/Institutional Barriers: Exclusion from decision-making, including lack of disability representative at the National Assembly insufficient disability-inclusive DRR activities, inadequate participation in planning. Recommendations for Mainstreaming Disability in Disaster Risk Reduction Activities: Participants called for strategic partnerships building between NDMA and the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) in addressing disaster management issues; Include PWDs as data collectors and volunteers at NDMA, and as active participants in early warning systems; Guarantee accessible information through various formats: braille, sign language, large print, tactile, audio-visual, and augmentative communication; Strengthen sensitisation and capacity building efforts for PWDs, their families, and caregivers; Ensure all DRM institutions and emergency centres are physically accessible; Improve community infrastructure: remove obstacles, enhance signage, and upgrade by ensuring covered drainage system; Institutionalize GFD’s involvement in the National Disaster Management Platform and promote continuous consultation throughout all disaster phases;
Legal & Policy Frameworks His Worship Principal Magistrate at the Banjul Magistrates' Court - Muhammed Krubally, the Chairman of GFD and Chair of the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities, emphasised foundational rights and principles enshrined in national and international frameworks: Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), The Gambia’s Persons with Disabilities Act (2021), Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and African Union Protocol. Mr Krubally highlighted the non-negotiable necessity of upholding principles such as individual autonomy, non-discrimination, full and effective participation, accessibility, and respect for diversity enshrined in the person with disabilities act. Strategic Actions for Disability-Inclusive DRR Inclusive participation: Participants also expressed the need to engage PWDs and OPDs at every level, from planning to evaluation. Guaranteed accessibility: Participants also expressed the need to remove physical and information barriers in all DRM phases. Local government involvement: Foster local ownership and accountability in mainstreaming inclusion; Collaboration and networking among humanitarian and disability-focused organisations nationally and globally; Adaptation of guidelines and tools: Update DRM policies with clear disability indicators and criteria. Dedicated funding: Ensure that DRM budgets specifically address and support disability inclusion. Madam Fanta Darboe from Childfund The Gambia on her part applauded the initiative and assured of their open door policy towards promoting rights of persons with disabilities.
Mr Sainey Camara GFD Executive Director Chaired the sessions
Way Forward & Conclusion The seminar concluded with a resounding call to action: concrete strategies and recommendations must be implemented to ensure every facet of disaster management in The Gambia is inclusive of persons with disabilities. The NDMA, GFD, and development partners are committed to sustaining advocacy, technical support, and capacity building, so that no one is left behind in disaster risk management and resilience building.

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