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Next week, UNICEF will present its first progress report on the Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy (DIPAS), 2022–2030 to the Executive Board. This milestone is important because the barriers children with disabilities and their families face are not just individual hurdles, they’re systemic and interlinked, affecting their education, health, protection, and participation in society. From the need for assistive technology to the importance of inclusive schools and social protection, DIPAS provides a roadmap to drive real, measurable change. In 2023 alone, UNICEF reached 4.7 million children with disabilities, but these efforts only scratch the surface of what’s needed. Many children still miss out on critical support, especially in humanitarian contexts, where children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable. DIPAS aims to transform institutional practices, reducing negative social norms, strengthening inclusive education, and scaling up services like early detection, accessible WASH, and community-based care and support. Stay tuned for the Executive Board session. Let’s turn commitments into action and ensure no child is left behind. Learn more about DIPAS: https://lnkd.in/gz-vH6Km   #ForEveryChild

It's December 3rd - the International Day of Person's with Disabilities. The theme this year is " Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future" How can this be achieved? -Include them in the work force to achieve an inclusive one thereby creating a sustainable future. - Let their voices matter in decision-making - Give them leadership roles - Ensure there's no stigmatization - Accessibility is a right to people living with disabilities. Make it happen and make life easier. - Promote their right and well-being There have been sensitizations and advocacy (and there will still be today), it would be nice if these can lead to actions particularly in Nigeria. It is pretty difficult for people living with physical disabilities to use commercial buses or go for shopping. Infrastructural facilities too are not adequate. Government, communities and individuals should work in synergy to ensure this underserved community is catered for. Remember also that disability comes in various forms. Some seen, some unseen. So be humane in your dealings and do not be too quick to judge. The narrative is changing but we can do better, so let's all join hands to achieve this.

During the #IDPD2024 event by MTN Nigeria and Accesstech Innovation and Research Center, Dr Toyin Janet Aderemi highlighted challenges reated with disability disclosure in the workplace. It’s vital to recognize the importance of encouraging disability disclosure. Disclosure allows individuals to access the accommodations they need to thrive while fostering understanding and inclusion in workplaces, schools, and communities. By creating environments where people feel safe to disclose their disabilities, we break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate the rich diversity that disabilities bring to our collective human experience. When individuals disclose their disabilities, they empower others, promote representation, and help drive systemic change. It’s a courageous step that enables societies to identify gaps in accessibility and build stronger, more inclusive systems. This #IDPD2024, let’s commit to fostering safe spaces, respecting privacy, and amplifying voices of those who choose to share their stories. Together, we can create a world where disability is seen as a strength and diversity is celebrated. #DisabilityDisclosure #IDPD2024 #InclusionMatters #AccessibilityForAll

16 Days of Activism: Amplifying Voices of Young Women & Girls with Disabilities in Kenya As we embark on the 16 Days of Activism, it's crucial to shed light on the unique challenges faced by young women and girls with disabilities in Kenya. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a harsh reality for many, yet our justice system continues to lag behind. Reporting cases remains a complex, often inaccessible process, with files languishing for years before they see the light of day in court. This delay not only prolongs trauma but also silences countless voices seeking justice. YALI RLC EA Alumni Ke USAID ACTION4HEALTH LIMITED To address these challenges, we must prioritize: Access to Safe Reporting Channels: Create disability-friendly reporting systems that respect privacy and ensure timely response. Stronger Support Networks: Provide comprehensive support services, including counseling, shelters, and legal aid tailored to the needs of young women and girls with disabilities. Speedy Judicial Processes: Advocate for faster case resolution to restore trust in the justice system. Education & Awareness: Invest in community education to break the stigma around GBV and disability, ensuring that every survivor knows their rights. Let's use this period to commit to real change—amplifying the voices of those often unheard and driving action towards a safer and more inclusive society. YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa #16DaysOfActivism #EndGBV #DisabilityInclusion #JusticeForAll

Children Reachout Uganda is not just an organization; it’s a collective force for good. Established in 2009, our journey began with a shared vision of creating positive change in the world. Grounded in the values of compassion, integrity, and inclusivity, we are dedicated to addressing pressing social issues and improving the lives of children One in every 10 children in Uganda is born with some form of disability. These range from extremely severe physical and/or mental disabilities, to very mild ones that are hardly noticeable. However, most communities still view disability as a bad omen, bad luck, punishment or a curse for the sins the parents must have committed. Some people see disability as witchcraft or a contagious condition that should be avoided, which leave families who have children with disabilities alone and isolated. The lack of readily available support and information to parents prevents them from giving their children quality care at an early age, which in turn increases the severity of the children’s condition. #EveryChildMatters Special Olympics Uganda Society for Disabled Children (USDC) ChildFund International Disability Rights Fund

The 2024 African Disability Forum Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, focused on redefining Africa's inclusive development and humanitarian agenda for persons with disabilities in a post-pandemic world. CBM was actively engaged in the 2024 African Disability Forum Conference. Organizations of persons with disabilities, advocates, policymakers, international development partners, and experts collaborated to drive progress and make tangible commitments to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. The conference included the Africa Regional Pre-Summit for the Global Disability Summit (GDS) 2025, and the outcome from the discussions will inform the agenda topics in the #GDS2025. #VoicesOfAfrica #AfricanDisabilityConference #CommitToChange

Great strides are being made toward a more inclusive future for persons with disabilities in Africa! The 2024 African Disability Forum Conference brought together key players to redefine inclusive development in a post-pandemic world. With CBM and other advocates leading the charge, it’s inspiring to see such strong collaboration driving meaningful progress. Looking forward to the impact this will have on the #GDS2025 agenda. #InclusiveDevelopment #AfricanDisabilityConference #CommitToChange

Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day to recognise their strengths and abilities. This year’s theme focuses on strengthening the voices of these people, amplifying their abilities, and not seeing their disability as a barrier. In the 2018 Assessment of Disability Inclusion in Nigeria, the World Bank reported that about 29 million out of Nigeria’s total population are People With Disability (PWD). This statistics highlights the importance of promoting the rights and well-being of PWD in all spheres of society and sustainable development. We should always remember that DISABILITY IS NOT A BARRIER BUT DISCRIMINATION IS! Decisions and policies recognizing the PWD should be implemented! There should be ‘nothing about us without us’! #IDPD2024 #EERC #ChampioningDisabilityEquity #Inclusion #PWD #Abilityindisability #SustainableFuture #Diversity

🌱Empowering Persons with Disabilities in Africa: Challenges and the Path Forward🌱 In Africa, over 80 million people live with disabilities. This significant population faces numerous challenges, including limited access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Women, older adults, and those in rural areas are particularly affected. Consequences: - Healthcare: Many cannot afford or access necessary medical care. - Education: Lower educational attainment due to inadequate resources and support. - Employment:High unemployment rates and economic exclusion. Way Forward: - Inclusive Policies:Governments must implement policies that ensure equal access to services and opportunities. - Community Support: Strengthening community-based support systems. - Awareness Campaigns: Promoting awareness and understanding of disability rights. Ratifying the African Disability Protocol: The African Disability Protocol, adopted in 2018, aims to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities across the continent. However, it requires ratification by at least 15 member states to come into force. Currently, only 12 have ratified it. Ratification will ensure that member countries create and enact disability-specific laws and policies, fostering a more inclusive society. #DisabilityRights #Inclusion #Accessibility #EqualOpportunities #Africa #AfricanDisabilityProtocol

From Kenya to Berlin: This week, our partners are taking part in the African Disability Forum Conference and the African Regional Pre-Summit of the Global Disability Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. The first regional events on the road to the Global Disability Summit in April 2025 –these conferences are critical for reflecting on progress, advocating for change and encouraging greater investment in disability inclusion. Under the #InclusiveFutures initiative – with the support of funders #FCDO and #USAID, and the work of NGOs, research partners, organisations of people with disabilities (OPDs) and country governments, we’ve helped transform the lives of more than 3 million people with disabilities. Yet, our work is far from done. This is what inclusion looks like – progress made, but much more to achieve. #DisabilityInclusion #InclusiveFutures https://bit.ly/3Tfd3z