The Alliance for Disability Inclusion in Liberia convened a high-level review and planning meeting to assess current initiatives and outline strategic priorities for advancing disability rights and inclusive development nationwide.

The meeting held on June 26, 2025, served as a pivotal moment to evaluate progress and identify challenges in implementing Liberia’s National Strategic Plan on Disability Inclusion.

With facilitation by AIFO and support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the gathering included thematic group discussions, partner updates, and presentations on ongoing programs.

Representing the Inclusive Development Initiative (IDI), Mr. Alonzo Dorian Dixon highlighted several transformative focus areas, including inclusive education for children with disabilities, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) awareness, access to justice for war-affected individuals with disabilities, and a vocational training initiative for 500 youth.

IDI also unveiled upcoming plans to train Sign Language interpreters nationwide and launch a mobile app designed to enhance inclusive communication.

AIFO’s presentation on inclusive data systems sparked discussion about gaps in data consistency. The Ministry of Education called for better inter-agency coordination and inclusion in national planning frameworks.

Stakeholders highlighted the importance of respectful collaboration, recognizing UNDP’s role in promoting equitable participation.

In a show of strong inter-agency collaboration, partners shared a range of impactful interventions. UNICEF is collaborating with the Ministries of Health and Education to train educators and healthcare providers in disability-inclusive practices and language.

World Hope is retrofitting school facilities for accessibility and training carpenters to build specialized chairs for children with disabilities. Williette Safehouse is equipping individuals with albinism with essential protective gear, ensuring their safety and well-being. 

Meanwhile, the FTL Program, in collaboration with the University of Liberia, is actively empowering persons with disabilities to pursue technical education. The program has also delivered impactful digital and media literacy training to disabled market vendors, equipping them with tools to navigate online platforms, counter misinformation, and protect themselves from digital scams.

A key recommendation emerging from the meeting was to train persons with disabilities as legal advocates, empowering them to support others in accessing justice. Additional suggestions focused on strengthening classroom inclusion through increased support for special education teachers and the placement of sign language interpreters in mainstream learning environments. 

The discussion also emphasized expanding inclusive school infrastructure, exemplified by the Ministry of Education’s recent construction of a fully integrated high school designed to accommodate both students with and without disabilities.

Four technical working groups are currently driving the implementation of the Plan’s eight strategic pillars. UNDP leads efforts on pillars 7 and 8, focusing on innovation and sustainable partnerships.

The meeting concluded with a collective appeal to enhance coordination across agencies, strengthen inclusive data systems, and reinforce training frameworks that uphold dignity and accessibility.

Participants also underscored the importance of fostering mutual respect to create peaceful, inclusive spaces for all. 

Reaffirming its dedication to the principle of “leaving no one behind,” the Alliance celebrated the power of partnership—bringing together 27 stakeholders and development actors, including AIFO, WHO, UNDP, UNICEF, and others—to champion a more equitable future for every Liberian.