Outline of Disability Policy


Chapter One of the National Policy on Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities is an introductory chapter which sets the background of the policy stating its purpose and aim. The Policy also describes briefly how it links with other existing policies and other pieces of legislation such as the Constitution of Malawi which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of disability and promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities; Vision 2020; the now out-dated Malawi Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (MPRSP); and Malawi Economic Growth Strategy (MEGS).

Chapter Two describes the existing situation of persons with disabilities including the prevalence rate of disability and the key challenges and barriers faced by persons with disabilities, such as poverty, inaccessible public and private buildings; exclusion, marginalisation and vulnerability; HIV and AIDS; employment; and exploitation. .

In Chapter Three, the document sets broad policy directions, and highlights the vision, mission and the principles that will guide its implementation. It also states the overall goal and objectives of the policy. The ten principles that have been listed down to guide the implementation of the Policy include: recognition of the diversity of the disabled population; advocacy and support; a twin-track approach to service delivery; ensuring access for persons with disabilities; inclusion of persons with disabilities; participatory approach and community empowerment; monitoring and evaluation; gender equality and equity; inclusion of disabled people in the workforce; and capacity building of disabled people’s organisations.

Chapter Four highlights the policy statements identifying sector priority policy areas and singles out the goals, objectives and strategies for each priority policy area. The specific priority areas that have been identified are as follows: prevention, early identification and intervention; rehabilitation; accessibility; transport; information and communication; education and training; economic empowerment; social welfare and social protection; self-representation and participation; sports; HIV and AIDS; recreation and entertainment; housing; research; and appropriate technology.

In Chapter Five, the policy document highlights implementation arrangements including institutional arrangements. Besides highlighting the need for a comprehensive implementation plan, the policy lists down some of the key stakeholders and their specific roles in the implementation of the Policy. The key stakeholders include line ministries and Government departments; Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs); employers’ organisations; workers’ organisations; service providers; Malawi Council on Disability Affairs (MACODA); research institutions; Parliamentary Committee on Social Welfare; civil society; and the National Advisory and Coordination Committee on Disability Issues (NACCODI).

Finally, in Chapter Six, issues of monitoring and evaluation including the review of the Policy are considered. The policy specifically calls upon Government, through its monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of its programmes, to examine the extent to which the programmes of line Ministries, Departments and parastatals are responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities.

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