Under the project "Boosting AT User Engagement and Knowledge, Globally and Locally," IDA and ATscale awarded four local and national organizations to implement projects that support advocacy or capacity building related to AT. The project activities involve carrying out in-depth situational analysis of local contexts, awareness-raising efforts, knowledge assessments, and local campaigning to promote AT policies. The small-scale projects have positively and directly affected AT users and the AT agenda within a particular national context. From April to July 2024, four distinct initiatives were implemented in Peru, Lesotho, Nepal, and Kenya by CODIP, LANFOD, NFDN, and UDPK respectively.
1. Commission of Blind Ladies of Peru (CODIP)
The mission of CODIP is to integrate and represent all blind and low vision women in Peru, promoting and strengthening their abilities to achieve inclusion in all areas of society. Located in Lima, CODIP has members from the Lima region as well as other regions of the country, including Ayacucho, Cusco, and La Libertad.
CODIP has implemented projects nationally and conducted political advocacy actions for people from different disability constituencies, with a greater emphasis on women, girls, and underrepresented groups.
Among its achievements is the promotion of autonomy and independence for people with visual impairments through training programs in digital skills, the production of materials in accessible formats, and advice on accessibility and disaster risk management. CODIP also works constantly to promote the acceptance and inclusion of visually impaired people in all areas of society.
About the AT study:
The study focuses on the regions of Lima, Cusco, and Ayacucho, investigating the access and use of assistive technologies by deafblind people, and people with visual, hearing, and intellectual disabilities, especially adolescents, youth, and adults.
Activities include the presentation of the project, open to people with disabilities, government officials, representatives of companies providing assistive technologies, civil society organizations, and anyone interested in the subject. CODIP also conducted focus group sessions with the active participation of people with disabilities in the aforementioned regions.
Description of the photo: During one of the activities of the study, an interview is being held with a deafblind person
In addition, individual interviews were conducted with government officers to understand existing policies and programs related to access to these technologies, as well as interviews with representatives of service provider companies to understand the availability and scope of assistive technologies in the market.
Description of the photo: Training on assistive technology for local government officials and people with disabilities in the Ayacucho region in coordination with the organization CEMPDIS, the municipality of Huamanga and CODIP.
The compiled information is in a final report, which will be validated and presented to government entities, businesses, and civil society organizations.
The goal of the study is to increase awareness of the importance of assistive technologies, improve access to them, and build strong partnerships with government agencies and civil society organizations.
2. Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled
The mission of LNFOD is to advocate for, promote, and defend the human rights of persons with disabilities and their families through training, emotional support, and by representing their interests to the government, private sector, development partners, and the wider community. The organisation is located in Naleli village, Naledi-Sekamaneng in Maseru, Lesotho.
Significant successes include the development of the Persons with Disability Equity Act, 2021. This achievement resulted from effective advocacy initiatives by LNFOD, organizations of persons with disabilities, other national human rights non-governmental organizations, media houses, and collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development. These stakeholders ensured that the provisions of this Act benefit the disabled community in line with human rights standards prescribed under the UNCRPD and chapters 1 and 2 of the Constitution of Lesotho, 1993.
About the AT study:
The project focused on children with disabilities and advocated for the provision of assistive technology (AT) devices to promote inclusive education in 10 schools already admitting children with disabilities.
The project documented how boys and girls in these schools benefitted from AT, aiming to encourage the government to increase the use of and access to these technologies for children with disabilities in inclusive education.
Description of the photo: Project introduction meeting to the stakeholders on promotion of inclusive education for children with disabilities through the use and access of assistive technologies
The main activities included an introductory meeting to introduce the project to all mapped stakeholders, followed by advocacy meetings with 15 policymakers from the Ministry of Education and Training and the Department of Social Development, as well as education development partners, on the development of an AT policy and its financing mechanisms. Other activities included an advocacy capacity workshop for 20 disability advocates from organizations of persons with disabilities, focusing on advocating for the provision and use of AT for children with disabilities in regular schools.
Description of the photo: Capacity building workshop for 20 disability advocates on advocating for the provision and use of assistive technologies for children with disabilities in regular schools.
Furthermore, the project documented the impact of the use of AT by children with disabilities in regular schools through a digital campaign, displaying the positive impact of the use and access to assistive technologies in promoting inclusive education.
One of the main outcomes includes enhanced capacity of the Ministry of Education and Training, line ministries, and education development partners on the development of AT devices policy and financing mechanisms for effective implementation.
3. National Federation of the Disabled Nepal (NFDN) Gandaki Province
The mission of NFDN Gandaki Province is to advocate for persons with disabilities, ensuring their rights, accessibility, and inclusion. Based in Pokhara, Gandaki Province, NFDN champions disability rights and inclusion across Nepal through strategic collaborations and advocacy efforts.
NFDN has influenced policy, legislation, and decision-making processes within government, fostering a more inclusive society. Significant successes include enhancing disability inclusion in government and private sector initiatives and supporting youth with disabilities to become leaders in advocating for their rights.
About the AT study:
The project addressed limited access to AT for individuals with disabilities in the region. The main activities of the project include developing a comprehensive assistive technology advocacy toolkit through expert consultation and stakeholder participation. This toolkit will provide crucial information on AT definitions, available technologies, pricing, distribution, and advocacy strategies tailored for different disability constituencies.
Description of the photo: Participants at the workshop organized by NFDN Gandaki, focusing on monitoring the implementation of the UNCRPD and SDGs at the local municipality level.
The project conducted a one-day orientation workshop for 30 leaders in Pokhara, targeting OPD leaders, especially women and underrepresented groups within disabilities. Additionally, advocacy meetings with Gandaki Province government, Pokhara metropolitan city, and Kawasoti Municipality were organized to influence policy and budget allocations for AT. A project management committee ensured effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
Description of the photo: Mr. Hem Bahadur Gurung, a board member of NFDN Gandaki, is conducting an accessibility audit of a ramp at a health post.
Anticipated outcomes include increased awareness and understanding of AT among OPD leaders, improved advocacy skills, strengthened collaboration with government bodies, and enhanced access to AT for people with disabilities in Gandaki Province. Social media campaigns are expected to boost awareness, reaching approximately 10,000 users. The project's success will be evaluated through progress reports, financial statements, and feedback from participants and stakeholders. Overall, this initiative aims to create systemic change by promoting inclusivity, independence, and equal opportunities through accessible assistive technologies.
4. United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK)
The UDPK's vision is to realize a barrier-free society with a mission to promote full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in socio-economic and political spheres as enshrined in legal frameworks. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, UDPK is mandated to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life as enshrined in the legal and policy frameworks. Through its membership of over 200 Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) spread across the country, UDPK cultivates a unified voice and promotes persons with disabilities equal access to opportunities and active participation in mainstream development and governance processes.
UDPK has had a major influence on Kenya's legal and policy frameworks. This has been done by ensuring that the existing laws and policies are disability-inclusive and that the new laws and policies under development reflect disability inclusion. UDPK participated in the development and influenced the Inclusion of Disability Agenda in Kenya Constitution 2010. The organization was a key partner in the development and enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2003 and the Education sector policy on learners and trainees with disabilities in 2018. These pieces of legislation among others envision the provision and access of Assistive devices by persons with disabilities.
About the AT study:
The initiative encompassed four key activities. First, it involved collating and aggregating critical information on ATs and services, including details about available ATs, service providers, and relevant legal and policy frameworks. Second, a landscape analysis was conducted to assess the current situation of ATs and services in Kenya, focusing on user experiences, barriers to access, challenges, and access pathways.
The third activity involved the development of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials. This included producing a short film on the importance of ATs, creating informational assets on various aspects of ATs and services, and developing infographics.
The final activity centered on awareness creation and sensitization regarding the access and use of ATs. This included both physical and virtual sessions, engaging both the demand and supply sides of ATs, including policymakers.
The target audience for this initiative includes AT users, service providers, stakeholders, policymakers, and the general community.
The anticipated outcome of the initiative is to enhance access to and use of ATs and services in Kenya. This will be achieved by raising awareness of the importance of ATs, providing information on access pathways, and fostering partnerships and collaborations among stakeholders, including policymakers. Additionally, the initiative aims to reduce stigma and discrimination related to accessing ATs and services.