By Grace Q. Bryant
The Executive Director of the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD), Samuel Dean, has outlined ambitious plans to empower persons with disabilities across Liberia in 2025.
The announcement was made at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing on November 14, highlighting the Commission’s commitment to promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and opportunities for Liberia’s disabled population.
Director Dean explained that the Commission, established in 2005, serves as a statutory body tasked with addressing the social welfare of more than a million Liberians with disabilities.
Referring to himself as Liberia’s “Chief Disability Officer,” Dean reiterated the NCD’s mission to ensure equal rights for persons with disabilities, aiming to bridge long-standing social gaps in the Liberian society.
Dean reviewed the Commission’s recent successes and challenges since his appointment in April 2024, noting significant resource limitations.
“Our budget has dwindled from nearly a million dollars to just over US$200,000, but we have worked hard to make every dollar count,” he said.
He explained that the Commission collaborated with 78 organizations of persons with disabilities this year, renewing partnerships and organizing events such as World Walking Safety Day.
An upcoming event to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 will spotlight on the achievements of Liberians with disabilities and rallying support for a more inclusive future.
The Commission plans to bring together 600 delegates in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, for an event celebrating inclusivity and resilience.
This will culminate in a week-long celebration leading up to International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
One significant challenge the Commission faces is the lack of reliable data on Liberia’s disabled population.
Dean noted that Liberia’s recent census reported only 2% of the population live with disabilities, a sharp decrease from the 16.5% estimated in 2008.
Dean argues this figure does not reflect the true size of Liberia’s disabled community, emphasizing that accurate data is crucial for targeted interventions.
“We need disaggregated data by age, gender, education, and disability type to effectively target our interventions and ensure no one is left behind,” he stressed.
Dean announced plans to amend the Commission’s Act of 2005, aiming to transition the NCD into a fully functional commission with a broader administrative structure.
“This would empower the NCD to better advocate for disabled individuals at the legislative level,” he explained.
Dean also discussed the need for disability legislation to establish accessibility standards nationwide. Inspired by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the proposed law would mandate infrastructure modifications, including ramps, sidewalks, and pedestrian crosswalks, particularly benefiting visually impaired Liberians.
He noted that the new legislation would seek to ensure imported educational materials include Braille books for visually impaired students.
The Commission also plans to expand financial aid programs for persons with disabilities.
“This year, the NCD budgeted funds for tuition and scholarships, enabling over 300 individuals to access education from high school to university levels,” he explained.
Dean emphasized the importance of education for persons with disabilities in Liberia, stating, “Once we are educated, we become persons with exceptionalities and can contribute to our country’s development.”
He added that the Commission will allocate resources to provide livelihood support for 50 women with disabilities, recognizing their additional vulnerabilities noting, “This initiative aims to ensure gender inclusivity in the government’s development agenda by empowering women with disabilities economically.”
Employment remains a critical goal for the NCD. Dean urged government agencies to adhere to Section Five of the 2005 Act, which mandates that at least 4% of employees in public workplaces be persons with disabilities.
“The NCD has been in talks with the Ministry of Labor to ensure compliance with this regulation, with support from Liberia’s new leadership,” he noted.
Dean emphasized that the NCD plans to offer social welfare support in collaboration with the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP). “We must ensure all individuals with disabilities have a dignified life, regardless of employment status.”
“I hope the government will make significant investments in the disabled community, reflecting the nation’s commitment to inclusive development,” Dean stated.
