By Lloydson G. Flomo
MONROVIA, March 27(LINA) – The President of the University of Liberia (UL) Dr. Layli Marpanyan, has vowed to create an inclusive and accessible learning environment for students at the campuses of the University of Liberia(UL) .
Dr. Marpanyan who is the 16th President of the UL noted that for too long students with disabilities have faced significant barriers ranging from physical accessibilities to limited support services to social stigma.
Speaking as a panelist at the official program marking the observance and celebration of the International Wheel Chair Day held Wednesday March 26, 2025, in Monrovia, Dr. Marpanyan reaffirmed her stance and commitment to fostering an academic environment where every student regardless of ability, disability or different ability, has equal access to affordable education, resources and opportunities for success.
She pointed out that the UL is open for collaboration and advocacy for partnership with Government, non-governmental organizations, public, private institutions and the media to advance inclusive education policy to secure funding for accessibilities and effective technology for students with disabilities.
The UL President emphasized that not only do they aspire to secure the things they need to make the university an accessible higher learning institution as it should be, citing, “We also hope to lead collaborative efforts across the entire sector in the country.”
“Ultimately, accessibility is a shared responsibility as the UL is committed to driving progress, recognizing the need for a collective effort that the team must work together to create inclusive educational institutions, the UL official stated.
At the same time, Marpayan admonished the student populace that the University will sponsor a conference on “Disabilities Access and Inclusion” at the nation’s highest learning institution next year and will be spearheaded by the Resource Center for Disability and Alternative learning.
The International Wheelchair Day was attended by various stakeholders and Government officials to discuss issues highlighting accessibility and Inclusion of PWDs in general and Wheelchair users in particular under the theme: Empowering Lives; Promoting Physical Accessibility and Inclusion for Wheelchair Users in Liberia.
International Wheelchair Day is celebrated annually on March 1st This celebration in Liberia was held on March 26th. It is a global event that is intended to raise awareness about the importance of wheelchairs and promote the rights of wheelchair users, celebrating their independence and positive impact of mobility aids.
