By Lewis S. Teh
PAYNESVILLE, October 15, 2026 – The Liberia Christian Association of the Blind (CAB) has rejected proposed amendments to the 2005 Act establishing the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD), calling instead for full implementation of the existing law.
The Association expressed concern over proposed changes affecting employment opportunities, political representation and the Commission’s enforcement powers.
Speaking at a press conference in Paynesville on Wednesday, CAB President Beyan Kota urged authorities to increase the proposed number of electoral districts from 16 to 19 to accommodate three legislative seats designated for persons with disabilities under the 2005 Act.
Kota also called for retaining the provision requiring institutions to employ at least four persons with disabilities for every 100 employees.
He proposed that institutions unable to meet the employment requirement should provide financial contributions to support persons with disabilities.
According to Kota, the existing law already provides for legislative representation of persons with disabilities, a provision he said the United Nations Committee has recommended for implementation.
He further rejected proposals to remove the NCD’s enforcement powers and reduce the Commission to an oversight institution, arguing that such changes would undermine disability rights protection.
Meanwhile, the Alliance on Disabilities in Liberia, in collaboration with the NCD, has been conducting consultations on the proposed National Disability Rights, Inclusion and Support Act of 2026.
The consultations seek to identify provisions requiring revision, strengthening or removal before the proposed legislation advances through the legislative process.
The draft legislation seeks to improve access to employment, education, healthcare and other essential services for persons with disabilities.
However, the Christian Association of the Blind maintains that priority should be given to enforcing existing legal protections rather than weakening provisions intended to safeguard the rights and interests of persons with disabilities.
The post Blind Association Opposes NCD Act Amendments appeared first on Liberia news The New Dawn Liberia, premier resource for latest news.