As we celebrate yet another Disable Day, it's imperative that we give this important segment of society all the necessary support.
It is evidently clear that when given the necessary support people with disabilities can indeed make a difference in the socio-economic development of the country.
In fact, they are human beings like anyone else.
We should support them to ensure that they are not seen as objects in the community but people who are also contributing their quota to nation-building.
They can be seen in almost every major street in the Greater Banjul Area begging, struggling to cross road or endlessly waiting for transport to get to their destinations.
This is very sad and indeed not helpful at all. The practical example is that a few people with disabilities who are lucky to be employed can be seen proving themselves.
The Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) is demanding for more empowerment of its members and all other persons with disabilities in the country.
We are convinced that when considered it would improve the livelihood of people with disabilities.
Once again, we congratulate the federation and their partners for another celebration which seeks to create awareness on the plight of the disabled persons.
The international theme for this year is "Making the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) inclusive: Empowerment of persons with disabilities and their communities around the world".
This is very fitting and relevant, and we therefore call on all and sundry to support them.
We appeal to the government to sign and ratify the UN Convention, formulate a Disability Act, and adopt the recently formulated integrated National Disability Policy as early as possible.
