Africa-Press – Namibia. People with disabilities, civil society and other members of the public this week convened in Swakopmund for the Erongo Regional Disability Networking Forum (RDNF).
The event was hosted by the National Federation of People with Disabilities in Namibia, and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities(OPDs).
The gathering highlighted ongoing challenges faced by persons with disabilities and underscored the need for stronger collaboration and commitment to inclusive development.
Established in 2024, the Erongo RDNF serves as a regional platform dedicated to coordinating efforts and amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities. Vice chairperson of the forum, Salomo Joseph reaffirmed the organisation’s purpose emphasizing a united front for inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunity for all persons with disabilities.
“The forum is established to bring together a diverse range of stakeholders with an interest in or responsibility for the rights of persons with disabilities in order to promote and support government interventions in the implementation of disability-inclusive policies, strategies and programmes,” he said.
This week’s meeting created space for dialogue about the many obstacles that continue the exclusion of persons with disabilities from full participation in society. Among the most pressing issues raised was the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by unregistered and roaming welfare organizations that falsely solicit donations and other benefits. Forum members called for accountability to protect those being misrepresented and misused.
Another key concern was the critical shortage of sign language interpreters in health facilities across the region.
The absence of interpreters leaves the deaf community marginalized in healthcare settings, where communication is vital. Calls were made for the health sector to prioritize the training and deployment of qualified interpreters to bridge this gap.
The forum also emphasized the need to address invisible disabilities such as dementia and Alzheimer’s conditions, which often go unrecognized in disability programming. Stakeholders stressed that support services must be broadened to ensure dignity, care, and awareness for individuals living with these conditions and their families.
Gaps in educational and employment settings were also identified.
The lack of specialized educational facilities remains a persistent challenge. Participants noted that many children with special needs are excluded from learning environments due to the absence of trained educators and inclusive infrastructure.
Parents of children with special needs also face limited employment opportunities. Many parents are forced to relocate for the sake of their children’s needs, only to face unemployment and unequal opportunities due to inflexible work environments that do not accommodate their caregiving responsibilities.
Additionally, there was also a call for support, particularly for mobility and assistive devices, which are often unaffordable for many.
These tools are critical to restoring independence and dignity for those in need.
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