The African Decade of People with Disabilities (ADPD) is the period 1999-2009. ADPD was declared   on 3rd December   1999 by Heads of states and governments in Algiers, after the 1983- 1993 United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons made no impact in African nations. The decade aims at increasing awareness of disability issues: recognition and appreciation of people with disabilities. It aims to change the conditions of people with disabilities by addressing issues concerning their full participation and equalization of opportunities regarding Education, Training, Employment, and access to Rehabilitation Appliances. The theme for the decade is "Empowerment of People with Disabilities Benefits the Nation".

Empowerment is the act of giving someone power to do something. Empowerment gives a person a license to act with authority. This license can come in different forms:

• The ability to love oneself and the people around us.
• The ability to believe in oneself and try things out.
• Acceptance in a group, with freedom to contribute to the group or community.
• Knowledge and skills acquisition through education or training.
• Economic liberation through self-employment or the job market.

Empowerment of people with disabilities breaks down barriers of discrimination and segregation. It creates opportunities for such people to take charge of their lives and make meaningful and productive decisions and practices.

• The Rehabilitation Services Division (RSD) plans for the rehabilitation of people with disabilities.

Tel: 588 991

Fax: 3974 352

Address: 1st floor, Koh-I-Noor House, Botswana Road, Main Mall, Gaborone.

• The Special Education Division of the Ministry of Education offers educational needs for children.
• The Social and Community Development Department (S&CD) in the Ministry of Local Government helps with welfare needs.
• The Division of Culture and Social Welfare of the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs gives advice on employment placement and recreation needs.
• The Botswana Council for the Disabled (BCD), coordinates the activities of non-Governmental Organizations which provide rehabilitation needs for adults and children.