(GAPD) Gambia Association Of The Physically Disabled was established in Banjul in 1983. It is a national organisation of the physically challenged and a fully registered non-governmental organisation with its own constitution, assembly, secretariat and executive board.

                                                            Objectives

GAPD aims to promote the avoidance of physical disabilities and the positive advocacy for the equal opportunities, rights and lobbying of institutions for the enhanced participation and integration for people with disabilities in the Republic of The Gambia in all strata of the society.

                                                             Mandate
The active petitioning and lobbying of the Central Government to make allowances for citizens with physical disabilities in every area of the country’s development initiatives and departmental policies and to execute schemes which increases the educational access, equal employment and financial self-reliance for the disabled through encouraging independent livelihoods.

                                               Activities &  Community Projects
• The institution advocates for educational sponsorship for children of disabled people as well as children with disabilities.

• Skills training for girls and women with disabilities in clothes tailoring. To this end a girl’s and women’s workshop was established in Serrekunda in 2003 and many have now started their own tailoring businesses through the financial aid of microfinance institutions.

• GAPD works in partnership with various overseas NGOs and Gambian public bodies like the Department of Social Welfare, Universal Concern, Voluntary Services Overseas, Tango, GOVI etc.