Inclusion and Social Participation of People with Disability in Nepal

Role of CBR for Inclusion and Social Participation of People with Disability in Nepal

Dr. Bishnu Maya Dhungana Gender, Disability and Development Consultant Resource Center for Rehabilitation and Development 16-17 December 2012 [email protected]

Inclusion and Social Participation of People with Disability in Nepal Inclusion Inclusion is about involving everyone in society, making sure all have opportunities to work or take part in social activities

It also means not being excluded by society from doing anything based on their gender, social status, disability, age, ethnicity, language and culture etc. Independent income followed by public exposure is the key factor for inclusion in the family and in the community…

Inclusion and Social Participation of People with Disability in Nepal Gaps • Although a small numbers of people with disability started coming out of their houses, seeking for better opportunities, inclusion and social participation still remain very low for the majority of people with disability due to layers of barriers…. • Economic dependent on others mainly on families is the major factor blocking inclusion and social participation

• Acceptance of disability from oneself, from family members and from different stakeholders is still a key issue in particular where CBR Programme or DPOs remain passive and activities oriented…

Inclusion and Social Participation of People with Disability in Nepal Gaps • Although increased effort has seen in recent years, process of inclusion and social participation is missing from many CBR Programmes…

• Some DPOs not understanding real concept of CBR Programme, still considering it as medical model whereas it has gone to cover social needs of people with disability for their quality of life • There is lack of individual responsibility and contribution but often blaming the government, I/NGOs and DPOs; forgetting effort made by them in difficult circumstances…

Inclusion and Social Participation of People with Disability in Nepal Gaps • Despite significant work proper documentation about CBR Programme still lacking… • Regular follow up, monitoring and evaluation lacking… like any other project CBR programme get evaluated just before donor phase out… • Credit and ownership not properly shared… leading frustration to dedicated people…

• No culture of sharing information on time…duplication of same activities…. wasted of limited resources…

Inclusion and Social Participation of People with Disability in Nepal Process of inclusion • Employment/self employment: Needs based training based on local context… interaction with employers • Social mobilization and networking • Acceptance of disability • Developing and maintaining CBR database • Active involvement of family members, local government, NGOs • Sharing credit and ownership; acknowledging people contribution in CBR events • Partnership; should go beyond DPOs or related projects • Making a simple and practical action plan • Conducting evidence based research • Timely follow up and monitoring about CBR Programme

Inclusion and Social Participation of People with Disability in Nepal Way forward • With closed coordination with NGOs and DPOs, the government should take responsibility of CBR programme because there is always need of the CBR Programmme for inclusion

• A strong partnership with INGOs and international donors is required to sustain CBR Programme because inclusion and social participation is a long process and resource intensive • Although CBR Programme is unable to address livelihood issue for people with disability directly (apart from vocational training) it should play role of bridge… regular interactions and orientation, public awareness with public and private sectors (employers) is required

Inclusion and Social Participation of People with Disability in Nepal Way forward • Effort made by the government, family members and different stakeholders for the inclusion of people with disability should be acknowledged in special events of CBR Celebration

• Although resource is always a big issue CBR Programme should have regular follow up, monitoring because it provides regular feedback on progress of programme implementation, and the problems faced… this will help redesigning programme • Being as user groups, involvement of people with disability /their DPOs in all stages of CBR Programme is very crucial while planning programmes and the implementing them

As a individual my role in CBR/Disability Development To influence a person per day; depending on situation; level of understanding… “Nothing about us without all of us” Thank you so much!!!!!