Sightsavers Ghana, in partnership with the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), hosted a training event aimed at strengthening the capacity of environmental organisations on disability inclusion.
The training, held in Accra on Thursday, April 24, 2025, is part of a two-year European Union-funded project titled “Strengthening Civil Society Representation of Women with Disabilities in Ghana.” The project, which began in May 2024, aims to enhance the capacity of grassroots organisations working to promote disability rights, particularly those supporting women with disabilities.
It also seeks to create a collaborative platform for disability rights organisations, environmental organisations, and other stakeholders to advocate for positive change and empower environmental organisations on disability inclusion.
The training focused on equipping environmental organisations with the knowledge and skills to implement changes in their approaches, policies, and practices to be more accessible and disability-inclusive.
Key areas covered included disability programming, effective engagement with persons with disabilities, legal frameworks on disability, understanding barriers, use of correct disability terminology, and concepts of inclusion, segregation, and integration.
The event brought together 45 representatives from a diverse range of organisations, including civil society groups focused on environment and climate change, women’s rights organisations, youth groups involved in environmental management and advocacy, as well as representatives from NADMO, the Forestry Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ghana Meteorological Agency, and the media.
Participants reported an improved understanding of disability inclusion, enhanced ability to mainstream disability in their programmes, and increased confidence in effectively engaging persons with disabilities.
Samson Addo, Programme Manager for Sightsavers International Ghana, emphasised the need for all institutions to take disability inclusion seriously and create a welcoming environment for all.
He also highlighted the importance of effective collaboration among civil society organisations, youth-led groups, and state agencies in addressing the unique barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
Becky Nunoo, Bismark Amo, and Dorcas Mensah, representing the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), who supported the training as facilitators, urged all participants to be intentional in implementing inclusive approaches within their respective organisations.
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com
