Deputy Chairman, Law Development Commission, Zimbabwe. Emai : ldc@gta.gov.zw
CHAPTER 17:01
DISABLED PERSONS ACT
Act 5/1992, 22/2001 (s. 4), 6/2000 (s. 151).
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Section
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Short title.
Interpretation.
Director for Disabled Persons’ Affairs.
National Disability Board.
Functions of Board.
Reports of Board.
Adjustment orders by Board.
Prohibition of denial to disabled persons of access to public premises, services and amenities.
Prohibition of discrimination against disabled persons in employment.
Offences and penalty.
Regulations.
AN ACT to make provision for the welfare and rehabilitation of disabled persons; to provide for the
appointment and functions of a Director for Disabled Persons’ Affairs and the establishment and
functions of a National Disability Board; and to provide for matters connected with or incidental to
the foregoing.
[Date of commencement: 26th June, 1992.]
1
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Disabled Persons Act [Chapter 17:01].
2 Interpretation
In this Act—
“Board” means the National Disability Board established in terms of section four;
“Director” means the Director for Disabled Persons’ Affairs referred to in section three;
“disabled person” means a person with a physical, mental or sensory disability, including a visual, hearing or
speech functional disability, which gives rise to physical, cultural or social barriers inhibiting him from
participating at an equal level with other members of society in activities, undertakings or fields of
employment that are open to other members of society;
“Minister” means the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare or any other Minister to whom
the President may from time to time assign the administration of this Act.
3 Director for Disabled Persons’ Affairs
(1) There shall be a Director for Disabled Persons’ Affairs whose office shall be a public office and form part
of the Public Service.
(2) The functions of the Director shall be—
(a) to formulate proposals for measures referred to in paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section five for
submission to the Board;
(b) through liaison with the Ministries and local and other authorities involved, to secure the
implementation of measures which have been recommended by the Board in terms of paragraph (b) of
subsection (1) of section five and approved by the Minister;
(c) to co-ordinate the activities of institutions, associations and organizations concerned with the welfare
and rehabilitation of disabled persons;
(d) to do such other things as may be prescribed by or in terms of this Act.
(2) In the performance of his functions, the Director shall comply with any general directions or instructions
that the Minister or the Board may give him.
4 National Disability Board
(1) There is hereby established a board to be known as the National Disability Board which shall consist of—
(a) the Director, ex officio; and
(b) ten members appointed by the Minister from a panel of names submitted to him by organizations or
associations which he considers represent disabled persons; and
(c) one member appointed by the Minister in consultation with the Minister responsible for local
government; and
(d) one member appointed by the Minister in consultation with the Minister responsible for health; and
(e) one member appointed by the Minister in consultation with the Minister responsible for education; and