They made the appeal during a recent engagement with members of the National Youth Parliament (NYP).
They also appealed for buses to be provided in various areas for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs.)
They further called on the government to make sign language a requirement in schools, to decentralise PWD services as well as to include them in decision making processes, among others.
Magistrate Muhammed Krubally, chairperson of The Gambia Federation of the Disabled said the convergence represents one of the preambles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities which states that “integrating disability affairs in all sectors is indeed a relevant strategy for sustainable development.”
He added that PWDs should be consulted and included in decision making processes, policy making, programming, planning, among other issues of national development. However, he said if PWDs are not consulted or included in the development processes that particular nation is deemed to be a failed nation.
He applauded NYP for reflecting representation and urged them to ensure implementation of the recommendation from PWDs.
Hon Omar Cham, speaker of the National Youth Parliament, highlighted their commitment to ensuring that the voices of PWDs are heard and reflected in everything they do.
He noted that during this year’s national sitting, issues of PWDs representatives would be given special attention for discussion and the results incorporated into the resolution of the NYP and subsequently into the policy document for sharing with stakeholders.
He dilated that part of their commitments is to ensure that the PWDs Act is implemented to the fullest.
Hon Ancha Sarr, a representative for PWDs at the NYP said they would make sure their issues are tabled before the parliamentarians for possible implementation.
Lamin K Fatty, executive director of The Gambia Federation of the Disabled commended NYP for such an initiative.
