The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has hosted occupational therapist training, following the arrival of assorted assistive devices donated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The training is being done through the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) to occupational therapists from 5 provinces namely, Eastern, Western, Muchinga, Luapula and Northern.

This follows a memorandum of understanding signed last year between the Church and government, through the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) to provide 450 assorted assistive devices valued at over K2.5 million for persons with disabilities.

In a concerted effort to ensure these assistive devices are effectively utilized, the Ministry has joined other stakeholders, among them physiotherapists and clinicians participating in the training to ensure the effective assembling, utilization, and maintenance of these devices.

The Ministry has since reaffirmed its commitment to uplifting the welfare of persons with disabilities by empowering them through mobility aides to enable them to fully participate in Zambia’s socio-economic development.

This initiative is part of a broader government effort to enhance participation by persons with disabilities through the provision of assistive devices thereby promoting inclusive development.