Consortium partners implementing the Collective Action for Disability Rights (CADiR) Programme, with support from the Norwegian Association of the Disabled (NAD), have successfully validated findings from a comprehensive baseline study conducted across five key thematic areas: Human Rights and Organizational Development, Economic Empowerment, Inclusive Climate Change Adaptation, Inclusive Education, and Inclusive Health.
The validation workshop brought together programme partners and stakeholders to review the findings, identify critical gaps, and agree on priority actions that will guide implementation of the programme. The exercise represents an important milestone in ensuring that future interventions are informed by reliable evidence and respond to the lived experiences of persons with disabilities.
The study identified several challenges that continue to hinder the full inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities. These include limited participation in community planning and decision-making, persistent economic exclusion, barriers to employment, inadequate access to rehabilitation and health services, and significant gaps in the implementation of inclusive education.
The findings also highlight promising opportunities for action. Planned interventions include transforming 66 schools into inclusive learning environments, strengthening access to rehabilitation services, improving economic empowerment initiatives, promoting disability-inclusive governance, and expanding digital learning opportunities for learners with disabilities.
Participants reaffirmed the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities, particularly women and young people, are meaningfully involved in decision-making processes and that disability inclusion is integrated across all sectors of development.
The validated baseline findings will serve as a foundation for monitoring progress throughout the CADiR Programme and will guide consortium partners in designing interventions that promote equal participation, improve access to quality services, strengthen livelihoods, and advance the rights of persons with disabilities.
CBR Africa Network (CAN) commends the collaborative efforts of all consortium partners and remains committed to promoting Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) and advancing disability inclusion across Africa through evidence-based advocacy, partnerships, and knowledge sharing.
