In a landmark moment for disability advocacy and digital inclusion, the Alliance on Disability in Liberia successfully hosted the nation’s first official watch party for the Inclusive Africa Conference 2025 on Tuesday, June 3, at the National Commission on Disabilities office in Congo Town.
Organized in collaboration with inABLE, a nonprofit based in Nairobi, Kenya, and Washington, DC, the event brought together more than 30 key stakeholders working in disability rights, human rights, and social inclusion. The Alliance on Disability in Liberia — a network of international and local organizations, government agencies, and civil society groups — aims to create a barrier-free society for persons with disabilities through coordinated national action.
The Inclusive Africa Conference, spearheaded by inABLE, is recognized as Africa’s largest event focused on disability inclusion and digital accessibility. Since its inception in 2020, it has served as a platform to promote assistive technologies and inclusive digital services in areas such as education, employment, and financial access.
A National First for Liberia
This year’s conference featured powerful keynote addresses including “inABLE’s Role in Building an Accessible Digital Future” and “Shifting Mindsets, Setting Standards, and Advancing Global Accessibility.” Attendees engaged in lively discussions about how Liberia can adapt similar initiatives to improve digital accessibility for persons with disabilities nationwide.
Participants in the Liberia watch party included representatives from a broad range of organizations such as the National Union of Organizations for the Disabled, UNDP, Plan International, Clinton Health Access Initiative, AIFO Liberia, The Carter Center, and various civil society and media institutions.
Calls for National Action
Attendees expressed strong interest in taking the insights gained from the conference forward, advocating for the creation of a national digital accessibility action plan. In her keynote, Irene Karika, Founder and Executive Director of inABLE, stressed the importance of designing technology that is accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Samuel Deputy, Secretary General of the Alliance on Disability in Liberia, extended his gratitude to inABLE and all supporting partners, noting the “tangible impact” the event had on local stakeholders. He urged participants to remain engaged and follow the Alliance’s online platforms for updates on upcoming events and initiatives.
Toward Inclusive Solutions
Speakers including Melvin Harding, Vice President of the National Union of Organizations for the Disabled, and Mohammed Sackor, Program Assistant at the National Commission on Disabilities, underscored the urgency of implementing a coordinated national digital accessibility framework.
The Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and announced the formation of specialized working groups. These groups will develop strategic work plans aligned with eight thematic pillars, incorporating learnings from the conference.
Looking Ahead
Building on the momentum from the Inclusive Africa Conference 2025, the Alliance on Disability in Liberia aims to reshape national perceptions of inclusivity, drive awareness campaigns, and push for digital solutions that ensure no one is left behind.
For further updates and upcoming opportunities, follow the Alliance on Disability in Liberia’s social media channels.
