World Vision USA’s Post

Background/ Problem statement According to the world Health Organization (WHO),around 15% of the world’s population lives with a disability, affecting their access to education, employment and healthcare . There is a need for societies to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities through strategies that provide equal opportunities, access to resources, and institutional and legislative support. In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, There is a need to create a barrier –free environment that promotes disability empowerment. This would require an integrated approach that addresses legal and institutional reforms, public awareness on the needs of persons with disabilities, and support for an inclusive society. Decades of conflict in South Sudan, pre and post –independence in 2011 , poverty and poor access to services have increased the rate of disability and rendered people with disabilities more marginalized and excluded as a result of the numerous attitudinal, environmental and institutional barriers they face and the lack of concreted efforts to include them. This rapid review identifies the available evidence on the experiences of people with disabilities living in South Sudan. There are still numerous evidence gaps in relation to the experiences of people with disabilities living in South Sudan as very little research has looked at disability in South Sudan and the available evidence base is extremely limited. Further research with people with different types of disabilities, and in different areas of South Sudan is needed to more fully understand the experiences of people with disabilities living in South Sudan, the barriers and challenges they face, and how they and their families have responded to them. Organization background Active Youth Agency (AYA) is a youth led organization focusing on women and child rights, community resilience, innovation and local development. Founded in November 2004, the organization aims at strengthening capacities of war affected people in South Sudan through health, Civic education peace building, inclusion, child protection and GBV programs. AYA is officially registered with Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) under serial number. 321. AYA has its headquarters in Juba and Field Office in Mundri West, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan. Most NGOs are still focusing on humanitarian, while AYA is focusing now on Innovation and resilient . This proposal aims to outline strategies for disability empowerment that can be implemented in our society. The goal is to create an enabling environment that will provide person with disabilities equal access to opportunities and resources, allowing them to participate fully in all aspects of life.                             Our Approach’s 1.      Legal and Institutional Reforms 2.      Community –Based Rehabilitation programs 3.      Inclusive Education 4.      Accessibility repent.woroh@ayasouthsudan.org              

Disability Rights In Time Of Crisis; In Nigeria, where over 30 million people have one form of disability or the other, addressing disability rights during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic is paramount. This involves advocating for inclusive emergency response plans, ensuring accessible healthcare services, promoting employment opportunities, and conducting awareness campaigns to combat discrimination. It's crucial to ensure that the voices of people with disabilities are heard and their needs are met during times of adversity, ultimately fostering inclusivity and solidarity within society. Furthermore,this could be addressed through the following measures; Inclusive Emergency Response Plans: Developing emergency response plans that are inclusive of people with disabilities is essential. This includes ensuring that evacuation procedures, shelters, and relief distribution centers are accessible to individuals with different types of disabilities, such as physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments. Accessible Healthcare Services: During crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, access to healthcare services is paramount. Ensuring that healthcare facilities are equipped with the necessary accommodations and that healthcare information is available in formats accessible to people with disabilities, such as braille, sign language, or easy-to-read formats, is crucial. Employment Opportunities: People with disabilities often face barriers to employment even in peaceful circumstances. During a crisis, these barriers can be exacerbated. In the Nigerian context interventions could involve advocating for policies and initiatives that promote inclusive employment practices, such as reasonable accommodations and anti-discrimination laws. Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about the rights and needs of people with disabilities is key to combatting discrimination and stigma. In Nigeria, expanding on disability rights could involve launching public awareness campaigns that promote inclusivity and highlight the contributions of people with disabilities to society. Community Support: Building strong support networks within communities is essential for ensuring that people with disabilities are not left behind during crises. This could involve mobilizing community resources to provide assistance with tasks such as grocery shopping, accessing healthcare, or transportation. #crisis #inclusion #emergencies #disabilityrights #support #sdg #solidarity #awareness #Nigeria #Africa

Check out this week’s "Global Access Stories" for key updates on disability inclusion worldwide: 🇲🇼 Malawi: New National Disability Policy, Agri-Lab for accessible farming, and enhanced social protection for PWDs. 🇳🇬 Nigeria: Calls for disability representation in local elections, job creation project, and improved accessibility. 🇬🇧 UK: Disabled astronaut cleared for space, charities oppose disability benefit changes, and new guide for legal sector inclusion. 🇮🇳 India: Stagnant disability project, criticism of disability quota comments, and need for better school accessibility. 🇵🇭 Philippines: Cebu Pacific enhances air travel for PWDs. 🇰🇪 Kenya: Dialogue encouraged over protests and need for inclusive healthcare. 🇺🇦 Ukraine: Challenges for disabled people amid the war. 🇨🇦 Canada: Issues with new disability benefits, accessibility map for Toronto art, and call for increased transit subsidies. 🇱🇦 Laos: USAID funds Phase II of disability inclusion project. 🇦🇺 Australia: Rethink needed for migrant disability treatment. 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan: New accessibility requirements for buses. 🇺🇸 US: Seattle tests markers for vision disabilities, federal judge rules on voter assistance, and new tech accessibility bill introduced. 🇫🇷 France: 1,000 accessible homes announced for Paris 2024. 🇿🇦 South Africa: Concerns over extortion of PWDs. 🇲🇾 Malaysia: Advocacy for disability inclusion in education blueprint. 🇲🇴 Macau: Push for updated rehabilitation laws. 🇮🇩 Indonesia: Challenges in protecting disabled children’s rights. 🇬🇪 Georgia: Kutaisi City Court made accessible for all. Explore the link for more details and stay tuned for updates! https://lnkd.in/gMF-qBaP #GlobalAccessStories #DisabilityInclusion #Accessibility #DisabilityRights

CBM Australia acknowledges the Government’s announcement of an increase to the central disability allocation within Australia’s Official Development Assistance from $12.9m to $14m in last night’s #FederalBudget. The funding will provide welcome support for new initiatives to increase access to assistive technology for children with disabilities across the Pacific. This increase represents movement in the right direction; an important first step in responding to calls from Pacific Organisations of People with Disabilities for Australia to increase vital support on assistive technology. However, much more is needed to meet the International Development Policy commitment of disability equity as a core area of action, and boost Australia’s capacity to deliver significant and sustainable change for people with disabilities through the development program. CBM Australia, the Australian Disability and Development Consortium (ADDC) along with Australian disability and development organisations have called for the disability allocation to be increased to $20m. CBMA and ADDC also called for a separate funding allocation of $12m over four years to resource catalytic improvements in disability support services, including assistive technology and support services across the Pacific. With Government reporting showing that only half of development programs effectively address disability equity, a rapid and substantial response is needed. We hope that the budget’s boost to assistive technology in the region is a welcome beginning of that response. We now look to the forthcoming International Disability Equity and Rights strategy to outline a pathway for action toward #ChampioningDisabltiyEquity. This should include significant additional investment in disability equity through country and regional programs, and the establishment of instruments to more fully embed and uplift disability equity across the development program, such as are already in place for gender equality and climate change. #ChampioningDisabilityEquity

Re-Thinking Disability Inclusion Towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, by and with Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) ♿ Persons with disabilities were not included in the #Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 2000 to 2015 and consequently excluded from many development initiatives and policies. In contrast, the Sustainable #Development Goals (SDGs) 2015 to 2030 includes persons with #disabilities and they are almost referenced in all the 17 SDGs. That is, almost every single goal of SDGs is relevant and related to persons with disabilities. It pledges to leave no one behind, including people with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups, and has recognized disability as a cross-cutting issue to be considered in the implementation of all of its goals. This brings about re-thinking of #disability inclusion in many global and national development initiatives and policies. Ultimately, the United Nations Convention on the #Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) should serve as a guiding framework for implementing the #SDGs in order to make the SDGs a reality for, with and by persons with disabilities. Read the full article 👇 https://lnkd.in/dWW-U-Pr __________________________________ Sightsavers Billion Strong International Disability Alliance Global Disability Inclusion, LLC Global Disability Innovation Hub UN Sustainable Development Group JONAPWD NIGERIA Disability:IN Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) Ltd #sdgs2030 #sdgs #disabilityinclusion United Nations

**Happy Africa Day! As we celebrate the progress and diversity of our continent, it's important to examine how far we've come in supporting the rights and well-being of people with disabilities across Africa.** In Zimbabwe, there have been some noteworthy developments in recent years, though significant challenges remain. The country ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2013, which was an important step in aligning national laws and policies with international standards. Zimbabwe launched National Disability Policy in June 2021. This helps enshrine the rights of PWDs in the legal framework. However, implementation and enforcement of these laws remains uneven, especially outside urban centers. Access to education, healthcare, and employment for PWDs in Zimbabwe is still severely limited compared to the general population. Societal stigma and lack of inclusive infrastructure create major barriers. Only an estimated 10-20% of children with disabilities are enrolled in school. Funding for disability programs and rehabilitation services is chronically low, leaving many PWDs without the support they need. Zimbabwe spends less than 0.5% of its health budget on disability-related services. Nonetheless, there are some encouraging signs. Organizations of persons with disabilities (OPD) are becoming more vocal advocates, pushing for greater inclusion. Some businesses are making strides in hiring PWDs. And awareness-raising campaigns are gradually changing cultural attitudes. On this Africa Day, the work of advancing accessibility, equal rights, and opportunity for PWDs in Zimbabwe and across the continent must continue. With sustained commitment and collaboration, we can build a more just, inclusive, and equitable future for all Africans.

From the Arab Decade to the #Future Measuring Progress and Identifying Priorities for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities The Arab world has witnessed a significant shift in the conversation surrounding disability rights in recent decades. The Arab Decade of Disabled Persons (2004-2012) was pivotal in raising awareness and establishing a foundation for regional action. However, as we progress, assessing progress and identifying key priorities for continued advancement is crucial. During this period, 18 Arab nations took a significant step by ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (#CRPD). This ratification demonstrates their commitment to promoting inclusion, equality, and dignity for #PwDs. Despite the progress, significant work remains. We must focus on the present challenges and prepare ourselves to tackle the future ones. Let's shift the paradigm! 1- From limited data to informed action How can we invest in robust data collection systems to map the specific needs and demographics of PwDs across the Arab region? With this #data, we can craft targeted policies and interventions that truly address the challenges faced by diverse disability communities. 2- Beyond legal frameworks to societal acceptance While legal frameworks provide a foundation, they don't dismantle societal biases.  How can we launch region-wide awareness campaigns celebrating #diversity and challenging discriminatory attitudes towards disability?  Imagine fostering a culture of empathy where #disability is seen as a difference, not a deficit. 3- From unemployment to economic empowerment PwDs are a valuable asset to any workforce. How can we promote #inclusive hiring practices and invest in skills development programs tailored to individual needs? Imagine a future where workplaces embrace #accessibility features and provide opportunities for PwDs to thrive and contribute their talents. These are just a few key areas demanding our attention. The journey towards true #inclusion requires collective action. Here's where you come in: a- Support organizations Numerous #NGOs and advocacy groups across the #ArabWorld are dedicated to promoting disability rights. Consider supporting their efforts through volunteering or donations. b- Share resources Help amplify the message of inclusion by sharing informative resources or #socialmedia campaigns that promote #DisabilityAwareness. c- Engage in discussions Let's keep the conversation going! Discuss disability inclusion in your #workplace, community groups, or online networks. Together, we can build a future where persons with disabilities in the Arab world can thrive and reach their full potential. #WeAreBillionStrong #ArabStates #CRPD #InclusionMatters #AccessibilityForAll #EmpoweringDisabilities #ArabCountries #MENA #MENAInclusion #ArabDisabilityRights #InclusiveArabWorld Debra Ruh Puneet Singh Singhal Richard Streitz

At #BillionStrong, we believe in a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of ability. As a champion for #DisabilityInclusion, we're excited to share this insightful piece exploring the progress made and future priorities for the rights of #PersonsWithDisabilities in the #ArabWorld. This article, "From the Arab Decade to the Future: Measuring Progress and Identifying Priorities for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities" dives into the crucial conversation surrounding disability rights in the #ArabCountries. It sheds light on the advancements achieved since the Arab Decade of Disabled Persons and outlines key areas demanding continued focus. Join us as we delve deeper into this critical topic and explore actionable solutions towards a more inclusive future for all.  #BillionStrongInclusion #DisabilityRightsForAll #EmpoweringEveryone #InclusiveWorld #AccessForAll #MENADisabilityRights   #ArabianInclusion #EmpoweringArabDisabilities Debra Ruh Puneet Singh Singhal Richard Streitz Jasmin Ambiong Amit Ghose LaMondré Pough

ADDC acknowledges the Government’s announcement of an increase to the central disability allocation within Australia’s Official Development Assistance from $12.9m to $14m in Tuesday night’s Federal Budget. The funding will provide welcome support for new initiatives to increase access to #AssistiveTechnology for children with #disabilities across the Pacific. This increase represents movement in the right direction; an important first step in responding to calls from Pacific Organisations of People with Disabilities for Australia to increase vital support on assistive technology. However, much more is needed to meet the International Development Policy commitment of #DisabilityEquity as a core area of action, and boost Australia’s capacity to deliver significant and sustainable change for people with disabilities through the development program. ADDC, CBM Australia along with Australian #disability and development organisations have called for the disability allocation to be increased to $20m. ADDC and CBM also called for a separate funding allocation of $12m over four years to resource catalytic improvements in disability support services, including assistive technology and support services across the Pacific. With Government reporting showing that only half of development programs effectively address disability equity, a rapid and substantial response is needed. We hope that the budget’s boost to assistive technology in the region is a welcome beginning of that response. We now look to the forthcoming International Disability Equity and Rights strategy to outline a pathway for action toward championing disability equity. This should include significant additional investment in disability equity through country and regional programs, and the establishment of instruments to more fully embed and uplift disability equity across the development program, such as are already in place for gender equality and climate change. #ChampioningDisabilityEquity #FederalBudget2024