Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub’s Post

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

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.

I'm thrilled to announce the release of our latest blog discussing our pilot program aimed at promoting inclusivity for people with disabilities in Somalia. You can access the blog at: https://lnkd.in/eFinpiru. After conducting thorough assessments of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities across various regions and societal contexts in Somalia, we adopted a systemic approach to address this complex issue in a post-conflict environment. Given the lack of precise data on the number of people with disabilities in Somalia following decades of civil unrest, our team conducted extensive field visits to different regions to develop a comprehensive systems map. This process guided us to identify three key areas of focus: Organizations working with Disability (OPDs), Media coverage, and Digital accessibility. In the blog, we outline our journey and provide a summary of the pilot interventions. Additionally, stay tuned for an upcoming blog where we will delve into the ripple effects of this pilot program, to be published in the coming weeks. #OPDs #Systems #DigitalInclusion #DisabilityInclusion #DigitalAccessibility UNDP Accelerator Labs UNDP

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

🌱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

This Friday Able Child will open doors to our Annual Gala Dinner 2024 in association with Exile Group and Azad Ayub Ltd. We look forward to welcoming so many of our incredible network of donors, champions and friends, on a night where we are not only celebrating our achievements over the last 12-months, but are also looking back over four decades, as we reflect on 40 years of making lasting change for children with disabilities in Africa with our network member Uganda Society for Disabled Children (USDC). Since our inception back in 1984, we have gone on to: - Directly support over 55,000 children and young people with disabilities. - Equip over 20,000 parents to become disability advocates - Train more than 10,000 teachers on inclusive education. All of this has only been possible through the generosity of all our supporters. But there is so much more that can be done, and our work remains as essential as it was 40 years ago. On Friday we will hear the story of Ayu, a 14-year-old boy who has intellectual and physical impairments, living in a refugee settlement in Uganda and who was not going to school. Working with Uganda Society for Disabled Children (USDC) we were able to provide Ayu with a wheelchair, supporting him to enrol into a school where the teachers had been trained to understand his needs. Ayu is now beginning to thrive. We want to support more children like Ayu, but to do this, we need your help. Watch this space to find out how to support us this year at the Annual Gala Dinner 2024. There are many ways to get involved from near or afar. Together, we can ensure that no child with a disability in Africa is left behind. #Protect #Educate #Amplify #WeAreAllAble #LeaveNoOneBehind #Disability #Inclusion #AnnualGalaDinner2024 #Celebrating40Years #BankingHall

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

Even though my condition is temporary, my heart breaks for those who are permanently living with disabilities. Their daily struggles are immense, and it's imperative that we work together to make things better. To improve the situation, we must advocate for comprehensive changes, including implementing and enforcing accessibility standards in public spaces such as banks, hospitals, and government buildings. Additionally, education and awareness campaigns are crucial to combatting stigma and discrimination against individuals with disabilities. When will Nigeria prioritize the needs of individuals living with disabilities? It's disheartening that even in the 21st century, we are still facing barriers and discrimination. Accessibility remains a significant issue, leaving many of us marginalized and overlooked. I recently experienced firsthand the lack of consideration for people with disabilities when I visited a bank and was denied entry by the Customer Service Officer simply because I was in a wheelchair. It took making phone calls and causing a scene for me to finally gain access. This experience highlights the urgent need for change. It's time for action to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not excluded or mistreated, and that proper accessibility measures are put in place to accommodate all members of society. #inclusionmatters #accessibility #disabilityrights

#pwdaction # The event in the past week about a certain business and a PWD citizen has drawn a lot of attention. The Nigeria's Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018 marks a significant milestone in the country's commitment to ensuring equality and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. The Act prohibits discrimination based on disability and promotes accessibility, inclusive education, independent living, community inclusion, and equality. It mandates that public buildings and facilities be accessible, promotes inclusive education, and empowers individuals with disabilities to live independently and participate in their communities. Despite its positive impact, challenges remain in implementing the Act fully. Many public spaces lack adequate accessibility features, hindering individuals with disabilities from accessing essential services. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d8eHPRyG

Around 240 million children worldwide live with disabilities, and 95% of them are in low- and middle-income countries. Tragically, many remain unidentified and unsupported due to stigma, inaccessible services, or lack of awareness.  𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 are crucial to ensuring children with disabilities survive, thrive and achieve their full potential throughout life. At Liliane Fonds, we’re committed to making Early Identification and Intervention the cornerstone of disability inclusion. One example of this commitment is our partnership with Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. and JF Kapnek Zimbabwe to deliver the Global State of Early Identification & Early Intervention (EIEI) Report for children with disabilities or at risk. Expected in April 2025, this initiative has already:  📌 Mapped 86 stakeholders  📌 Reviewed key publications  📌 Interviewed global stakeholders 📌 Analyzed surveys across 16 countries  📌 Conducted focus group discussions The outcomes will be shared through a learning event and an online resource hub upon their release. More about Early Identification and Intervention: https://lnkd.in/ecdgx8km #IDPD2024 #IDPD #DisabilityInclusion #EarlyIntervention #EarlyIdentification