"Election day was dynamic and challenging. As an operator, I heard many field experiences and better understood the obstacles faced by persons with disabilities in exercising their voting rights.." - An election day call center operator.

In recognition of the International Day of People with Disabilities, NDI is highlighting the essential work of partners who are at the forefront of fighting for greater levels of equality and organizing to shift social norms and perceptions and reduce barriers to political participation for persons with disabilities.

This story is part of a series highlighting the work done through the Equal Rights in Action (ERA) Fund. Through the ERA Fund, NDI supports local activist organizations all over the world, strengthening democracy and defending the human rights of marginalized communities. LGBTQI+ communities, people with disabilities (PWD) and other marginalized communities face discrimination and unfair treatment at the individual and systemic levels, operating with limited resources and overcoming tumultuous circumstances.

Growing up, Charlilaos Koroma, Ibrahim Dumbuya and Nenneh Kargbo found themselves on the frontlines of the fight against discrimination in Sierra Leone. As children with physical disabilities, they were born into a society ill-equipped to accommodate physical accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and unprepared to accept PWDs as equal members of society. Despite this, PWDs are fighting to overcome the limitations placed on them by society and become agents of change within their communities.