Social Inclusion and Protection

In Ethiopia and across the world, many persons with disabilities are consistently left out of development processes. In rural areas, discriminatory attitudes and a labor-intensive lifestyle limits their full participation in the community. One of the most common reasons given for not including persons with disabilities in development is perceived cost (Coe & Wapling, 2010). Due to their exclusion, persons with disabilities and their families are more likely to be poor, and greater effort is required for their inclusion in the community development as well as social protection programs. In Ethiopia, there are few disability-specific services available, and few mainstream development organizations and programs actively include persons with disabilities. This applies to all sectors of development, including education, health, women empowerment, income generation, transportation, and housing among others.

Program  Focus Areas

COMMUNITY AWARENESS ON PROTECTION AND INCLUSION

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE: Increased awareness and promotion of the protection of children, youth and adults with disabilities, and social inclusion by 2023

INCLUSION IN PASTORALIST COMMUNITIES

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE: Increased number of persons with disabilities in pastoralist communities participating in/benefiting from mainstream pastoralist development programs by 2023