This program aims to create awareness on disability inclusion for persons with intellectual disabilities in all sectors through training and mentoring persons with disabilities on their rights and how to claim them. We have also worked with families and communities to improve their understanding of the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities, and how they can promote those rights which will in turn contribute to an environment that supports persons with intellectual disabilities to claim and realise their rights
Participants taking part in a training on CRPD in Rubindi, Mbarara subcounty
Self advocates in Bubaare subcounty Mbarara district pose for a photo after training on the CRPD
Over the past four years, Inclusion Uganda has witnessed significant progress in enhancing the ability of Persons with intellectual disabilities to be able to make their own decisions. With over 1600 persons with intellectual disabilities and their families trained on their rights and how to claim them, they have gained the ability (knowledge, skills, empowerment, independence) to make informed choices and decisions about their lives.
With increased awareness on decision making, self advocates are now more independent in navigating various aspects of governance through participating in elections and taking on leadership positions. Many of them are also emerging as trainers of trainers tackling disability challenges in their communities on various platforms which has inspired other persons with intellectual disabilities.
As a result of the Together for Inclusion project, Inclusion Uganda is increasingly playing an important role on the local and national disability scene. A total of 20 staff and board members have attended several trainings on organizational operations and leadership. Over the years, Inclusion Uganda has also gained membership of the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) and always consulted on national issues. Mr. Mukasa Edward, a board member from Inclusion Uganda is currently representing parents of persons with intellectual disability on the NUDIPU board.
We have also been given platforms for insightful dialogues with government officials, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, civil society organisations and Non-government organisations to further enhance increased inclusion of PWIDs and also generate momentum towards a coherent and coordinated group advocacy agenda.
Despite initial resistance from some government duty bearers, our interventions are greatly leading to mindset change towards the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities. Through trainings on intellectual disability, the Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities and the Sustainable Development Goals, local leaders are more observant and sensitive to disability inclusion.
At the start of the Together for Inclusion project, some sub county and district locations were not accessible. This was evident as many of our participants had difficulty accessing the buildings. However government officials are lobbying for funds for modifications of their buildings. It is interesting to note that 7 sub county buildings recieved funding for modifications and are now fully accessible to persons with disabilities.
Our Local Executive Committees have parent representatives on sub county and district disability councils mandated by the constitution. This means that persons with intellectual disabilities are equally represented and thus involved in decision making processes for programs concerning persons with disabilities. We are also looking forward to having representation on the district union councils
Inclusion Uganda is non-governmental organization that works with persons with intellectual disabilities and their families. Inclusion Uganda was established in 1983 by a group of parents and professionals of children with intellectual disabilities who came together to find a common solution to the problems that were affecting their children both at home and their communities.
