Information, Communication and Outreach
Overview
The Information, Communication and Outreach Department of the National Commission for Persons with Disability plays a vital role in promoting public awareness, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and communication strategies that support the Commission’s mandate under the Persons with Disability Act. The Commission was established to promote the welfare, rights, inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities of persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone while prohibiting discrimination against them in public and private life. In support of this mission, the Information, Communication and Outreach Department serves as the primary platform for disseminating information, strengthening public understanding of disability issues, building partnerships, and promoting inclusive social change.
Key Functions
- The department is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and monitoring all communication, advocacy, and outreach activities of the Commission. It ensures that the Commission’s programs, policies, campaigns, and achievements are effectively communicated to the public, stakeholders, development partners, government institutions, civil society organizations, media institutions, and communities of persons with disabilities. Through strategic communication initiatives, the department helps raise awareness about disability rights, promote inclusion, challenge discrimination and stigma, and encourage societal support for persons with disabilities.
- A major function of the department is the development and dissemination of publicly accessible information materials on disability issues. This includes the production of newsletters, reports, brochures, promotional materials, talking points, audiovisual content, press releases, educational materials, and other communication products that support advocacy and public education. The department ensures that information is clear, accessible, inclusive, and aligned with the Commission’s mission and objectives. It also coordinates the production and distribution of diverse information products, including audio and visual materials, to reach different audiences across the country.
- The department also serves as the lead unit for public outreach and advocacy campaigns. It plans, coordinates, and implements outreach programs and public awareness campaigns aimed at increasing understanding of disability rights and promoting the social and economic empowerment of persons with disabilities. Through collaboration with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sector institutions, educational bodies, international organizations, media houses, and disability communities, the department promotes partnerships that strengthen advocacy efforts and maximize the impact of the Commission’s promotional objectives.
- Another key responsibility of the department is media relations and public communication management. The department acts as the principal communication and advocacy liaison between the Commission and the media, governmental bodies, national groups, private organizations, and international partners. It responds promptly and effectively to media inquiries, organizes press briefings and interviews, coordinates media outreach activities, and ensures accurate representation of the Commission’s policies, programs, and achievements in the public domain. In this capacity, the department also serves as the spokesperson unit of the Commission and helps maintain positive public relations and institutional visibility.
- The Information, Communication and Outreach Department further provides technical advice and communication expertise to management, senior officers, and public information staff on advocacy approaches, communication strategies, and outreach methods. It supports leadership in developing key messages, communication plans, campaign strategies, and stakeholder engagement initiatives that enhance the Commission’s public image and institutional credibility.
- The department is equally responsible for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of communication and outreach activities. It establishes indicators and matrices for measuring the impact of campaigns, public education initiatives, and advocacy programs. Through evaluation and feedback mechanisms, the department assesses the effectiveness of communication strategies, identifies gaps and challenges, and recommends improvements for future interventions. This helps ensure that communication efforts remain responsive, impactful, and aligned with the evolving needs of persons with disabilities and the wider society.
- Additionally, the department facilitates and leverages the contributions of advisory groups, communication professionals, and external experts from both NCPD and non-NCPD institutions to support outreach and advocacy objectives. By building information networks and strengthening stakeholder collaboration, the department enhances information sharing, institutional partnerships, and coordinated action on disability-related issues throughout Sierra Leone.
- Beyond its communication and outreach responsibilities, the department is expected to uphold the Commission’s ethical standards, policies, Code of Conduct, and anti-fraud procedures while promoting professionalism, integrity, and accountability in all communication activities. Staff members are also encouraged to participate in continuous training and undertake additional duties assigned by management to support the overall objectives of the Commission.
- Overall, the Information, Communication and Outreach Department serves as the public engagement and advocacy arm of the National Commission for Persons with Disability. Through effective communication strategies, public education, media engagement, advocacy campaigns, and stakeholder partnerships, the department strengthens awareness, promotes inclusion, influences positive societal attitudes, and supports the realisation of the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities across Sierra Leone.