Supporting people with disabilities to campaign for their rights

CBM has been training people with disabilities in Uganda and Tanzania to speak up for their rights as well as strengthening Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) to advocate for people with all types of disabilities. Men and women with disabilities in East Africa often have limited access to advanced education so training such as this is vital to equip individuals and DPOs to challenge discrimination and achieve a more inclusive society.

A total of 50 people – 25 in Uganda and 25 in Tanzania – took part in a CBM-supported Bridge CRPD-SDG training programme that equipped them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to advocate for the human rights of all people with disabilities, as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Participants included women and men who are deaf, blind and deafblind as well as those with physical impairments, albinism, psychosocial and learning disabilities in each country. The courses included two intensive 7-day modules and a 6 month policy assignment, all led by experienced disability campaigners. Ultimately, the project aimed to support people with disabilities to access services, such as education and health care, and create communities for all.

This programme was supported by the Community Fund.