FIFTH REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF USAID DISABILITY POLICY

December 2008 Reports on the implementation of USAID’s Disability Policy are produced biannually. Previous reports as well as more detailed information on USAID’s efforts to make its programs accessible to all can be found at www.usaid.gov/about_ usaid/disability.

For more information, please contact:

Lloyd Feinberg USAID Disability Coordinator (202) 712-5725 Email: [email protected]

Additional copies of this publication may be downloaded from USAID’s Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC).To download, go to www.dec.org and enter the document identification number (PD-ACM-100) or go directly to http://pdf. usaid.gov/pdf_docs/pdacm100.pdf.

Cover photo

In Uganda, Sign Language is constitutionally recognized as one of the official languages of the country. USAID supports the promotion of Sign Language through community-level training in Gulu and Lira Districts in Northern Uganda and has also extended support to the Uganda National Association of the Deaf to promote Sign Language in other parts of the country.

The photo on the cover shows a Northern Ugandan youth who is deaf, signing the letter “e.” Photo courtesy of Sue Eitel. FIFTH REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF USAID DISABILITY POLICY

CONTENTS

Introduction ...... v

Executive Summary ...... vii

Highlights of Inclusive Practices ...... 1

Recommendations ...... 5

Appendixes

Appendix A: Global Highlights from USAID Missions and Offices ...... 11

Appendix B: USAID Disability Policy Paper...... 57

Appendix C: AAPD 05-07 on Supporting USAID’s Standards for Accessibility for the Disabled in Contracts, Grants, and Cooperative Agreements ...... 61

Appendix D: AAPD 04-17 on Supporting USAID’s Disability Policy in Contracts, Grants, and Cooperative Agreements ...... 65

Abbreviations and Acronyms ...... 67

INTRODUCTION

In the past decade, the idea of inclu­ USAID recognizes that the most im­ In September 1997, USAID adopted a sive development—or the meaningful portant experts in the field of disability groundbreaking policy (see Appendix involvement and equitable participation and inclusive practices are people with B) with the goal of advancing a clear of people with disabilities in the de­ disabilities themselves and disabled per­ vision and framework for the Agency’s sign, implementation, and evaluation of sons organizations. They are especially efforts in the area of disability-related international development assistance— qualified to advise USAID on how to issues. USAID further institutionalized has become increasingly prominent in integrate the requirements of people its commitment to inclusive devel­ opment by establishing two policy the development community. The U.S. with disabilities into the design, imple­ directives (see Appendices C and D), Agency for International Development mentation, monitoring, and evaluation which (a) require contracting officers (USAID) has been and tries to remain of USAID programs and operations. and agreement officers to include a on the cutting edge of such practices. Therefore, efforts to build the capac­ provision supporting USAID’s disabil­ ity of local organizations of disabled ity policy in all solicitations and in the USAID is acknowledged in the devel­ persons around the world and to link resulting awards for contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements; and (b) opment community as an international USAID offices, bureaus, and missions to require that contractors and recipi­ leader in developing policies and pro­ those local organizations are becoming grams that raise awareness of disability ents of USAID funding comply with an increased focus worldwide. standards for accessibility in all new issues and address the needs of people construction, as well as in renovations with disabilities. USAID was one of the Today, the Agency remains fully com­ of structures, facilities, or buildings. first bi-lateral donor agencies to develop mitted to integrating people with dis­ a specific policy that addressed both dis­ abilities into all of its programming, crimination against people with disabili­ projects, and activities, plus develop­ ties and the need for including their con­ ing policies and initiatives that address cerns in all facets of development work. the needs and concerns of people with It was also one of the first international disabilities that they themselves define. donor agencies to establish standards in This report discusses USAID’s successes the area of accessible construction. and challenges in those efforts.

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy v

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

USAID is pleased to report on its prog­ for this report illustrates the Agency’s For this report and for USAID’s increased attention to the area of dis­ ress toward establishing more inclu­ work in general, the Agency sub­ sive programs and ensuring equitable ability in general. The responses reflect scribes to the definition of people participation in all its activities. The the Agency’s progress in recognizing with disabilities put forth by the accomplishments outlined in the previ­ and addressing issues of discrimina­ Americans with Disabilities Act ous report, Fourth Report on the Imple­ tion and barriers to inclusion within its (ADA).The ADA defines disability as “a physical or mental impairment mentation of USAID Disability Policy, own infrastructure, as well as progress that substantially limits one or more have served as important catalysts to in including people with disabilities in major life activities.” That defini­ action. Since the publication of that re­ its programs and activities worldwide. tion applies to people with physi­ port, the Agency has moved to institu­ A number of broad conclusions can be cal, sensory, intellectual, or mental/ tionalize the tenets of the USAID dis­ drawn from the responses: psychosocial disabilities.Although USAID recognizes that HIV/AIDS ability policy. It has looked critically at • USAID has increased its engagement can be a disabling condition, it does its own processes and has worked with not consider all individuals living with in disability issues. The Agency’s its partners in the development com­ HIV/AIDS to be disabled.Therefore, munity to promote inclusive practices. heightened awareness of disability is­ the fifth report includes only those sues is evidenced by the dramatic in­ HIV/AIDS programs that target or As this Fifth Report on the Implementa­ crease in the number of missions, of­ integrate all people with disabilities. tion of USAID Disability Policy illus­ fices, and bureaus reporting inclusive For more information on USAID’s general HIV/AIDS programs and the trates, USAID missions are increasingly development efforts. Mission reports U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for integrating people with disabilities into increased by 75 percent—from forty- AIDS Relief, please visit the USAID their programs and are also developing three reports received for the fourth website at www.usaid.gov. more specific programs that promote report to seventy-five for the fifth equality for and empowerment of peo­ report; the number of offices and bu­ sic principles of the policy, including ple with disabilities. This report further reaus reporting was almost five times nondiscrimination on the basis of shows that the Agency remains commit­ higher. disability. As mandated by the policy, ted to serving as an international leader language on disability inclusion is in the area of inclusive development and • Focus has been placed on the uniform now standard practice for USAID so­ to working proactively to remove barri­ implementation of USAID’s disability licitations. Increasingly, the presence ers that may limit the full participation policy. Reporting from both the field of a program component addressing of people with disabilities. and Washington, D.C., shows that the effect of USAID’s disability pol­ the needs of people with disabilities The vast response from missions, bu­ icy is widespread. Virtually all mis­ is among the selection criteria for re­ reaus, and offices to USAID’s inquiries sions report compliance with the ba- quests for proposals and applications.

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy vii Many missions report (a) distribut­ provision of mobility aids and assis­ standards, but that effort has not yet ing Agency policy papers to staff tive technology. resulted in a significant increase in the members, implementing partners, participation of people with disabilities • Efforts have been made to build the and other relevant stakeholders; (b) in the workplace. Missions continue to capacity of disabled persons organiza­ coordinating more closely with do­ lay important groundwork, however, tions. Those organizations, which nors in the area of disability; and (c) with improvements in the accessibility advocate on behalf of their mem­ establishing locally developed disabil­ of facilities and with websites that are bers and constituents, continue to ity inclusion plans. compliant with Section 508 of the Re­ increase, with more than one-quarter habilitation Act. • Individual missions have developed of countries reporting such activities. disability inclusion plans. There is USAID capacity-building activities, USAID continues to build on its dis­ a marked increase in the number coupled with support for awareness ability programming, thus achiev­ of missions that report having lo­ raising and legal advocacy, are neces­ ing significant progress in raising the cally developed disability inclusion sary efforts to create the infrastruc­ awareness of disability issues both plans already in place or in process. ture in which countries can begin to inside and outside the Agency, and in In the fourth report, only a “hand­ work independently on disability is­ implementing important programs ful” of missions reported the exis­ sues. Building local capacity, specifi­ that work to include people with dis­ tence of such a plan, in contrast to cally the capacity of disabled persons abilities in their communities today organizations to advocate on behalf more than 20 percent in the current and into the future. Although more of their members, is particularly im­ report. Moreover, most completed work remains, with continued sup­ portant in the wake of the recent pas­ plans were developed in collabora­ port for the current focus on capacity sage, signing, and ratification of the tion with disability groups, imple­ building, political participation, and United Nations Convention on the menting partners, and other relevant integration, USAID is laying the criti­ Rights of People with Disabilities. stakeholders. cal foundation for future activities and accomplishments. • Current USAID programs are ben­ Although an impressive number of efiting people with disabilities. The USAID missions and offices report in­ vast majority of responders—more corporating disability issues into their than 75 percent—report undertak­ program activities, participation of RECOMMENDATIONS ing activities benefiting people with people with disabilities in the planning To foster the replication and system­ disabilities. Those activities address and design of those programs remains atization of the many successes that an area for improvement. Approxi­ an array of issues. Common goals have occurred over the past two years, mately 10 percent of the overall reports around which many programs are and to advance the implementation of received this year describe having col­ designed include (a) integration of USAID’s disability policy, the Fifth Re­ lected explicit input from people with people with disabilities into their port on the Implementation of USAID disabilities. Responses are self-reported; communities through education, Disability Policy makes the following it is possible that such input is solicited training, and employment; (b) im­ recommendations: more frequently than reported, espe­ provements to the accessibility of the cially when considering the number built environment; and (c) sports 1. Increase outreach to and consultation of disabled persons organizations that programming. Reports also show a of disabled persons organizations and serve as implementing partners. Never­ significant trend toward promoting disability leaders by USAID mis­ theless, it is apparent that people with political participation and the civil sions, offices, and bureaus. disabilities need to be included more rights of people with disabilities. Sev­ commonly as participants and partners, 2. Systematize the inclusion of disabil­ eral countries report implementing not just as beneficiaries. ity into USAID program selection projects designed to increase voting criteria. or other types of political participa­ Similarly, few missions report hav­ tion among people with disabilities. ing people with disabilities on staff. 3. Increase formal and nonformal Multiple projects focus on preven­ The reports acknowledge compliance training opportunities, and raise tion and rehabilitation, including the with equal employment opportunity awareness on inclusive practices for

viii Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy USAID staff, implementing partners, and disabled persons organizations.

4. Increase the number of missions with disability plans.

Each recommendation is discussed in detail at the end of the “Recommenda­ tions” section of this report.

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy ix

HIGHLIGHTS OF INCLUSIVE PRACTICES

USAID missions, offices, and bureaus the environment. The mission has similarly demonstrate dedication to report conducting innovative activities a comprehensive disability plan in inclusive development practices. and programs to increase the participa­ place that it has shared with its stake­ • Vietnam has made great strides in tion of people with disabilities in their holders. The plan includes the ap­ developing policies and services to programs. Those programs range from pointment of a disability focal point address the needs of people with dis­ capacity-building activities that target for the mission and a requirement abilities. USAID/Vietnam has driven disabled persons organizations to pro­ that all new staff members take the the development of three key compo­ grams aimed at including people with USAID e-learning course titled “In­ nents in this effort: legal and regu­ disabilities in economic, democracy, clusive Development.” The mission latory reforms, educational main­ health, education, and other programs. also employs an individual with a dis­ streaming, and increased economic USAID has also worked to ensure that ability as a senior staff member. opportunities for Vietnamese with disability awareness increasingly be­ disabilities. USAID has galvanized comes part of all USAID activities, pro­ More recently, the mission extended the government to (a) create the Bar­ its commitment on disability issues grams, and operations with a focus on rier Free Codes and Standards, (b) to the local development community building inclusive programs in the field. codify accessibility into all new pub­ by hosting seminars on accessibility Highlights from field; USAID/Washing­ lic infrastructure, (c) develop a na­ and inclusive practices for USAID ton; and Agency-wide programs follow. tional action plan for disability, and implementing partners. Ecuador (d) create the government of Viet­ also supports several program initia­ nam’s long-term plan for promoting tives that target people with disabili­ FIELD INITIATIVES equal opportunities for people with • In Ecuador, the mission demonstrates ties. Among those programs are the disabilities. Technical and finan­ a commitment to integrating disabil­ workforce labor insertion program cial support from USAID is a key ity issues into both its internal opera­ through the National Federation of element behind the development of tions and its country programming. Ecuadorians with Physical Disabili­ Vietnam’s new law on disabilities. In USAID/Ecuador has made concerted ties (Federatión Nacional de Ecuato­ addition, USAID support has estab­ efforts to sensitize all of its employees rianos con Discapacidad Fisica) and lished and strengthened programs on on inclusive practices and to identify an economic opportunities program inclusive education of children with and break down barriers to ensure that offers computer training in part­ disabilities, vocational training pro­ that people with disabilities have nership with Microsoft. The strong grams, and an innovative job place­ equal access to USAID programs, commitment and involvement by ment program in which a consor­ including programs in democracy USAID in those efforts have galva­ tium of public and private partners is and governance, employment, and nized the government of Ecuador to facilitating the employment of people

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 1 with disabilities throughout the busi­ opment programs as participants, disabilities through the Consortium ness community and is encouraging agents, administrators, and con­ for Elections and Political Process employers of people with disabilities sultants. The project focuses on Strengthening (CEPPS) program in to share their success stories. strengthening the capacities of Albania, Armenia, Nicaragua, and USAID missions and local disabled Sierra Leone. It also provides training • The Omega Initiative, established persons organizations to reduce the for all new DG staff members in the in 2002, continues to make signifi­ barriers that people with disabilities area of inclusive development prac­ cant contributions to the empower­ encounter when they participate in tices. Starting in 2006 and continuing ment and full participation of people civic, social, and employment ac­ for 2007 and 2008, the cadres of new with disabilities in Africa. Through tivities. Phase one of the program entry professionals (NEPs) and junior one innovative effort, Omega estab­ focused on technical assistance to Al­ program officers (JOs) who will be lished a one-person office in north­ bania, Ecuador, and Guatemala and working in the area of democracy and ern Uganda and worked with a local their USAID missions. Phase two, governance were required to partici­ peer support committee to provide which begins in late 2008, will add pate in training sessions on how to more than sixty small grants to lo­ four more countries. better integrate disability into current cal disabled persons organizations. and future programming. A session Small grants were coupled with en­ AIR is developing pilot programs on disability was also included in the trepreneurial training, institutional and advocacy strategies to address June 2008 DG officer training, which strengthening, and broader commu­ the needs and to protect the rights of provided new skills and innovative nity awareness activities. As a result, individuals with disabilities. It works best practices in the area of democracy more than 90 percent of the small- with organizations representing peo­ and governance for existing DG offi­ grant activities continue to thrive ple with disabilities in three coun­ cers in Washington, D.C., and in the and provide economic, social, and tries where USAID has a significant field. As a result, new USAID foreign political opportunities for Ugandans presence. The pilot projects aim to service officers are heading to the field with disabilities in the north. increase opportunities for individu­ with greater understanding of the is­ als with disabilities to be involved in sues facing people with disabilities (a) the design and implementation and with the tools to make develop­ WASHINGTON-BASED of programs to improve the quality ment programs more inclusive. INITIATIVES of basic education in Pakistan, (b) • In June 2007, the Office of Microen­ These are highlights of initiatives in more equitable participation in de­ terprise Development, Bureau for Washington, D.C.: mocracy and governance in Mexico, and (c) ways to combat the spread of Economic Growth, Agriculture, and • The Building an Inclusive Develop­ HIV/AIDS in Zambia. AIR will also Trade (EGAT), organized a three-day ment Community program, imple­ design and convene training sessions electronic discussion titled “Dis­ mented by Mobility International for USAID and its implementing ability and Economic Opportuni­ USA (MIUSA), and Engaging with partners to foster a greater under­ ties.” More than forty-five disability Disabled Persons Organizations in standing of the strategies needed to experts and experts on microfinance Development Cooperation (EN­ advance inclusive development. Both and microenterprise, including rep­ GAGE), which is implemented by the MIUSA and AIR programs are resentatives from academia, donor the American Institute for Research demonstrating that capacity building organizations, and nongovernmen­ (AIR), are two DCHA/DB-based ini­ within local USAID missions and tal organizations (NGOs), partici­ tiatives that provide support to field pilot projects will increase the in­ pated in the event. The e-conference missions, as well as to pilot activities volvement of people with disabilities aimed to (a) establish a dialogue with disabled persons organizations. in USAID’s broader development about identifying and reducing bar­ initiatives. riers to participation, (b) outline best The MIUSA initiative seeks to in­ practices for inclusive economic pro­ crease the participation of people • The USAID Office of Democracy grams, and (c) provide recommen­ with disabilities, including women and Governance (DG) has conducted dations to both disabled persons or­ and girls, in international devel­ programs to integrate people with ganizations and the microenterprise

2 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy and microfinance community about sector, and roundtables for the Office of Thus, USAID staff members are linked ensuring equal access to programs. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) on with disabled persons organizations and This effort has increased the knowl­ disability and disasters. In addition, the disability leaders at every opportunity. edge base within the Agency on how team continues to promote the Agency’s Increased coordination and collabora­ economic opportunity programming comprehensive e-learning course on dis­ tion are emphasized. can be more inclusive of people with ability and development. This training disabilities. course provides staff members with the basic information, resources, tools, and IMPROVED CAPACITY OF skills to better enable them to promote DISABLED PERSONS ORGA­ AGENCY-WIDE and increase the participation of people NIZATIONS AND DISABILITY INITIATIVES with disabilities in USAID develop­ LEADERS In addition to managing the funding of USAID is committed to including peo­ ment programs and operations world­ programs that build the leadership and ple with disabilities in its operations and wide. The course is available online to administrative capacity of organizations activities throughout Washington, D.C., all Agency employees. The team also in the field, the USAID disability team and in all its overseas missions. To real­ promotes best practices through pub­ has provided direct capacity-building ize that commitment, in 2004 USAID lished articles on inclusive practices in trainings. For example, in December appointed an Agency disability coordi­ USAID’s internal newsletter, Frontlines, nator. This coordinator is the primary and through Agency-wide notices. 2006, USAID worked with the Depart­ point of contact for disability-related ment of Health and Human Services issues and activities, promoting the full (DHHS) to organize and implement the INCREASED TECHNICAL implementation of the disability policy, ninth International Congress on Com­ ASSISTANCE and managing the Disability Fund. munity Services for Children, Youth, Technical assistance to USAID mis­ Under the leadership of the disability and Families with Special Health Care sions, bureaus, and offices based in coordinator and a small disability team, Needs. During that four-day seminar, Washington, D.C., has significantly USAID has successfully (a) increased USAID hosted both formal and in­ increased since the publication of the the meaningful inclusion of people with formal meetings with disability lead­ last report. The disability team, in co­ disabilities in solicitations for funding, ers from around the world to explain ordination with international disability (b) provided USAID staff members with USAID’s funding mechanisms and to leaders, has produced technical notes, training, (c) raised awareness of disabil­ discuss more effective ways to approach tools, and other resources on acces­ ity issues and inclusive practices among USAID missions within their respec­ sibility standards, inclusive practices, its partners in the development com­ tive countries. Participants were pro­ language, and other disability-related munity, and (d) coordinated with other vided with handouts and checklists on topics. Those resources have been dis­ donors in the area of disability. Specific USAID’s policies and procedures and tributed to missions and offices and are achievements during the reporting pe­ suggestions for follow-up. available on USAID’s website at http:// riod are discussed below. www.usaid.gov/about_usaid/disability/. For example, the disability team has IMPROVED DONOR INCREASED DISABILITY developed resources for specific sectoral COORDINATION AWARENESS WITHIN USAID issues, such as a short paper on disabil­ Coordination with donors is strongly en­ The disability team has conducted ity, water, and sanitation in disasters for couraged among USAID field missions. numerous training programs for staff the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster As­ It is also a priority for USAID’s disabil­ members on how to better integrate sistance (OFDA), as well as on gender ity team based in Washington, D.C. To people with disabilities into all of and disability for USAID’s Office of ensure a cohesive and strategic approach USAID’s programs, projects, and activi­ Women in Development (WID). More to disability planning and programming, ties. Trainings have included roundta­ important, USAID recognizes that the members of the team regularly meet with bles on disability issues for NEPs, block best resources for disseminating infor­ members of the donor community. For training sessions to raise awareness of mation on disability issues and promot­ example, the Agency’s disability coordi­ and to use effective practices for address­ ing changes in attitudes and practices nator serves as a technical advisor to the ing disability issues in the democracy are people with disabilities themselves. Board of Directors of the International

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 3 Committee of the Red Cross, Special fices. Under that notification, requests and the administrator of USAID on the Fund for the Disabled. In addition, mem­ for concept papers were sent both to interests of people with disabilities in bers of the team have presented USAID’s USAID/Washington offices and to field the formulation and implementation of work and strategic plans related to dis­ missions. The purpose of the request was U.S. foreign policy and foreign assis­ ability in donor coordination meetings multifaceted: (a) to build the capacity of tance programs. The advisory commit- hosted by the World Bank, the Global disabled persons organizations to better tee comprises the U.S. secretary of state, Partnership for Disability and Develop­ advocate for the rights of people with the administrator and director of U.S. ment (GPDD), and others. The team en­ disabilities, (b) to increase the awareness foreign assistance, an executive direc­ sures frequent communication with other of disability issues among community tor, and eight members drawn from the U.S. government agencies and founda­ members, (c) to empower people with public. Since its inception, the commit- tions such as the National Council on disabilities, and (d) to better integrate tee has convened five public meetings Disability, the State Department, DHHS, people with disabilities into USAID core and is working to provide USAID and the Department of Education, and the development programs that deal with is- the State Department with recommen­ Disability Rights Fund. Team mem­ sues such as health, education, employ­ dations on how to better integrate peo­ bers have also shared information on the ment, and disaster assistance. In order to ple with disabilities into their programs Agency’s disability policy and accessibil­ promote increased participation of dis- and operations. USAID’s disability co­ ity standards with a United Nations (UN) ability organizations that are based both ordinator and team are core participants interagency working group in prepara­ in the United States and abroad, the on this committee. tion for the implementation of the UN availability of funding was announced Convention on the Rights of People with through all major international elec­ Disabilities. tronic mailing lists for people with dis­ abilities and through mechanisms such at the National Council of Disability INCREASED ACCESS TO International Watch Call. In 2007, more USAID FUNDS BY DISABLED than fifty missions and Washington, PERSONS ORGANIZATIONS D.C., offices submitted 100 proposals; In 2005, Congress appropriated $2.5 among them, twenty-seven programs million in economic support funds for were selected. programs to address the needs and to protect the rights of people with dis­ The Disability Fund currently supports abilities in developing countries. Those programs in more than thirty countries. funds are administered by the Bureau for The programs place a strong empha­ Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitar­ sis on raising the awareness of govern­ ian Assistance/Office of Democracy and ment, community, and family on issues Governance/Special Programs to Address concerning people with disabilities, on the Needs of Survivors and are managed advocating for rights and services for by the Agency’s disability coordinator. In people with disabilities, and on build­ subsequent years, Congress has increased ing the organizational capacities of local the funding to approximately $4 million disabled persons organizations. per year. This Disability Fund comple­ ments USAID’s broader commitment to including people with disabilities in de­ U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT/ velopment programs and to empowering USAID ADVISORY COMMITTEE people with disabilities to advocate for ON PERSONS WITH their own rights. DISABILITIES In 2004, the Advisory Committee on In 2006 and 2007, the grants were Persons with Disabilities was estab­ awarded through a notification of funds lished. The purpose of the committee availability to USAID missions and of­ is to advise the U.S. Secretary of State

4 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy RECOMMENDATIONS

Previous reports have included recom­ tance, increase awareness of inclusive 2. Establish mechanisms for identifying, mendations on how USAID could practices, and design pilot projects. documenting, and sharing best practices. improve its inclusion of people with These programs provide small grants Since the last report, much has been disabilities into programs and opera­ to DPOs and local partners. Their done to further identify, document, tions. Those recommendations not work demonstrates how people with and disseminate best practices on only guided the Agency’s focus for disabilities can be fully integrated disability-specific programs, as well the upcoming years, but also helped into programs. as to look for ways to more fully in­ the Agency monitor and track its past The disability team has also increased tegrate people with disabilities. achievements. its direct assistance to missions, of­ USAID’s dedicated webspace on dis­ fices, and bureaus both in Washing­ ability has become more robust. In ton, D.C., and around the world by RECOMMENDATIONS addition to providing downloadable organizing roundtables and trainings FROM THE FOURTH links to Agency policy and the previ­ on how disability can be integrated ous four disability reports, the space REPORT in sector-specific issues. For example, provides summary information for The recommendations included in the USAID has started a working group the small-grants program under the Fourth Report on the Implementation of of international disability leaders to Disability Fund. The webspace also USAID Disability Policy and the work help design guidance for missions contains numerous location-specific that has addressed those challenges are on how to develop disability plans personal accounts of successful inclu­ discussed below. and to make their programs inclu­ sive development efforts. 1. Increase the focus on and the technical sive. The USAID disability team and assistance to missions, offices, and dis­ other staff members have also met Much work has gone into developing abled persons organizations. with representatives from DPOs and and disseminating technically spe­ disability leaders, suggesting ways to cific materials for USAID offices and Technical assistance to missions, of­ best approach USAID offices and officers. For example, the Office for fices, and disabled persons organiza­ missions to build relationships, make Women in Development (WID) now tions has significantly increased since programs more inclusive, and seek has detailed resources and tools for the last report. Programs such as funding opportunities. In addition to better integrating women with disabil­ MIUSA and AIR work directly with engaging in such outreach activities, ities in programs. Those resources are missions, disabled persons organiza­ USAID increased its funding directly available on the WID Internet and in­ tions (DPOs), and implementing to disability groups and to other tranet sites. Additionally, in June 2007 partners to provide technical assis­ NGOs working on disability issues. the disability team and the USAID/

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 5 Frontlines, USAID’s employee news­ for people with disabilities. That Recommendations for USAID letter; the monthly electronic maga­ Missions, Bureaus, and Offi ces group conducts roundtables on dis­ zine from the Agency’s Bureau for ability and employment, and it en­ USAID encourages all USAID mis­ Democracy, Conflict, and Humani­ courages managers to hire staff mem­ sions, bureaus, and offices to do the tarian Assistance; World Bank pub­ bers and interns with disabilities. following: lications; and online forums such as International Watch. 4. Increase the level of activity and effec­ • Develop a disability plan, and tiveness of the Agency Disability Team. disseminate the plan to all 3. Increase the recruitment and level of implementing partners, govern­ Since publication of the last report, ment agencies, donors, and other people with disabilities within the substantial efforts have been made stakeholders. Agency. • Coordinate and consult with to increase the activity and effective­ disabled persons organizations to USAID has made great strides in in­ ness of the disability team, as well as receive advice on integration, and creasing its recruitment and staffing to publicize the disability policy and use disabled persons organiza­ levels of people with disabilities. To available support resources. A num­ tions as a resource to assess the increase diversity within the work­ ber of examples point to the Agency’s inclusiveness of current and future force, the Agency hired a full-time programs. success in these efforts. • Appoint a disability focal point recruiter to attract and hire minori­ within the mission to ensure the ties, including people with disabili­ First, the disability team has sought full integration of people with ties. Since the last report, USAID has opportunities both within and out­ disabilities, coordinate disability- (a) participated in several career fairs side the Agency to highlight the related activities, and implement dedicated to recruitment of people need to fully implement USAID’s the disability plan. disability policy and to educate its • Ensure that staff members take with disabilities, (b) encouraged the e-learning course, and en­ colleges with strong programs for staff members about issues related to courage other staff development people with disabilities to participate disability. Outreach efforts include activities related to increasing the in the Agency’s internship program, publishing articles on best practices knowledge of inclusive practices. and (c) advertised job openings in for inclusion in USAID’s Frontlines • Conduct annual reviews of their the winter 2008 issue of Careers & newsletter, issuing Agency-wide an­ programs in relation to the inclu­ sion of people with disabilities. the disAbled magazine. nouncements to highlight the Inter­ • Establish a mechanism to identify, national Day of People with Dis­ Furthermore, to encourage manag­ document, and distribute best abilities, and providing speakers at ers to hire and promote people with practices. international events and seminars. disabilities, USAID used Schedule A authority to create a new special EGATs microenterprise development Second, USAID has increased donor hiring authorities program, whereby office used the microLINKS Speak­ coordination efforts. It meets with two individuals with disabilities have er’s Corner platform to organize an the World Bank, U.N. agencies, do­ been placed within offices that have electronic discussion between leaders nors such as AusAid and the Depart­ critical needs for additional staff. of the microenterprise and disability ment for International Development Salaries for those individuals will be communities on best practices for dis­ (DFID), and private foundations to ability and economic opportunities. funded through the USAID Office ensure collaboration among disability A summary of the event and a list of of Human Resources. Each will be programs and funding. best practices have been posted on the given an initial one-year placement Third, in December 2006 the dis­ microLINKS website. and the opportunity for permanent employment. Additionally, USAID’s ability team, through an Investing Finally, as noted earlier, USAID Executive Diversity Council provides in Women and Development fel­ has used both internal and external promotion potential to minorities lowship, hired a disability expert. publications to highlight successful working within the Agency, as have That individual is devoted full time programs and disseminate lessons the council’s many interagency affili­ to promoting disability integration learned. Regular articles appear in ates, including a group specifically throughout the Agency.

6 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy Finally, through capacity building Greater emphasis should be placed on with disabilities as part of the selection of the USAID field staff, the dis­ people with disabilities and DPOs as criteria for requests for application and ability team is decentralizing inclu­ participants and partners in the devel­ requests for proposal (i.e., RFAs and sive development practices. USAID opment process and not solely as ben­ RFPs). believes that its technical officers on eficiaries. USAID will work to increase the ground are best positioned to the number of missions, offices, and 3. Increase formal and informal train­ influence government policies, to bureaus that establish and maintain pro­ ing opportunities, and raise awareness strengthen local DPOs, and to en­ ductive working relationships with local, on inclusive practices for USAID staff members, implementing partners, and sure that U.S. development efforts in-country disability groups and will disabled persons organizations. are as barrier free as possible. give those groups systematic opportuni­ ties not only to learn about USAID pro­ To ensure full inclusion of people with grams, but also to provide potentially disabilities, stakeholders must be made NEW valuable input on program design and more aware of and educated in inclusive RECOMMENDATIONS development. practices and designs. USAID should To foster the replication and systemati­ focus more on building the awareness 2. Systematize the inclusion of disability zation of the many successes that have of USAID staff members and imple­ policy into USAID’s program selection occurred over the past two years, the menting partners about best practices criteria. fifth report makes a number of recom­ for inclusion and the capacity of dis­ mendations that are discussed next. Although USAID policy requires all abled persons organizations to become contracting officers and agreement of­ more effective in seeking funding, as 1. Increase outreach to and consultation ficers to include a provision supporting well as on managing and implement­ of disabled persons organizations and USAID’s disability policy in all solicita­ ing development programs. All relevant disability leaders by USAID missions, tions and resulting awards for contracts, stakeholders should be involved so the offices, and bureaus. grants, and cooperative agreements, that development community can achieve a USAID recognizes that the best experts policy has yet to be implemented as em­ true understanding of the USAID dis­ in the field of disability and inclusive phatically as the spirit of the directive ability policy and the best mechanisms practices are people with disabilities had intended. Often, language support­ for its implementation. The Agency themselves. They and the organizations ing the disability policy is found only should conduct training and roundta­ that represent them can most effectively within the clausal language of a solicita­ bles for domestic disability groups and advise USAID on how to integrate their tion, which can result in the informa­ other implementing partners. Formal requirements into the design, imple­ tion being dismissed, ignored, or forgot­ and nonformal trainings will provide mentation, monitoring, and evaluation ten, and thus not being integrated into opportunities for the Agency to increase of USAID programs and operations. It the main text of implementing partners’ its inclusive practices. USAID should is important that missions, offices, and proposals and applications. For disabil­ also encourage field missions to conduct bureaus encourage disability leaders and ity issues to be meaningfully and signifi­ similar trainings, seminars, or round­ DPOs to participate in their programs cantly addressed in all applications and tables by providing technical assistance and to help identify the potential bar­ proposals, the policy should be incor­ as needed. riers that limit people with disabilities porated into selection criteria. Although 4. Increase the number of missions with disability issues have been included in from becoming fully integrated into disability plans. society. USAID has made significant some selection criteria in the past, their efforts in that regard. In fact, many inclusion is sporadic and relies heav­ A disability plan within a mission serves USAID missions, offices, and bureaus ily on individual interest. In instances as an individualized guide on how that already consult with disabled persons where review selection criteria clearly mission will attempt to reduce the phys­ organizations and disability leaders on noted the need to include disability, ap­ ical and societal barriers that may limit a regular basis, thus acknowledging the plications have provided more robust people with disabilities from participat­ importance of the participatory ap­ and systematic inclusion of people with ing in society. It also ensures the equi­ proach and input of people with dis­ disabilities. Therefore, USAID should table participation of people with dis­ abilities themselves. systematize the integration of people abilities in their families, communities,

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 7 and society. Although many USAID missions have already established plans that have been disseminated to disability groups, partners, and other stakehold­ ers, more people are in the process of developing such plans. All missions, as well as Washington offices and bureaus should have disability plans.

Efforts to achieve the goal of 100 per­ cent participation are already under way. The Agency’s disability team provides direct technical assistance to missions and offices, the Agency is disseminating established plans, and a joint USAID/ disability community working group is designing guidelines to facilitate the development of individualized disability plans.

8 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy APPENDIXES

APPENDIX A GLOBAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM USAID MISSIONS AND OFFICES

THE FOLLOWING SUMMARIES REPRESENT SELF-REPORTING BY USAID MISSIONS,AND WASHINGTON, D.C., OFFICES AND BUREAUS.

AFRICA USAID/Angola is open to anyone; the phone technology and online training. mission does not discriminate on the The mission is improving the availabil­ ANGOLA basis of any kind of disability. However, ity of and access to online training for USAID’s Leahy War Victims Fund the mission has not interviewed any ap­ all employees, including staff members (LWVF) has been supporting reha­ plicants with disabilities for any publi­ with disabilities. The mission is working bilitation efforts in Angola since 1991. cized job announcements. with a staff member who has a disability In fiscal year (FY) 2007, the LWVF to enable him to learn computer skills and to improve his French language skills resources supported the Civil Society BENIN (through an online course). Then, he will Strengthening Program, administered USAID/Benin encourages all USAID- be able to communicate with mission by World Learning, which provides supported programs to implement staff members and to perform his job funding for Angolan and, potentially, participatory practices in the planning, more effectively. Finally, the staff mem­ international nongovernmental organi­ implementation, and evaluation of their ber uses text-messaging using a mission- zations (NGOs) working with people activities. All funding awards made by provided cell phone to communicate and with disabilities. Partners have been en­ USAID include language that prohib­ coordinate work both within the mission couraged to submit concept papers, and its partners from discriminating against and with outside service providers. World Learning is expected to disburse people with disabilities and that requires grants in the first quarter of FY 2008. partners to make every effort to comply USAID/Benin does not have a disabil­ Additionally, in FY 2007 the program with the objectives of the Agency’s dis­ ity inclusion plan in place. Neither does launched a website compliant with Sec­ ability policy. the mission have any activities with the tion 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. specific goal of increasing the capacity USAID/Benin includes standard lan­ of disabled persons organizations. USAID/Angola does not have a disabil­ guage in all solicitations for employment ity inclusion plan in place. The work­ to indicate that the mission supports ing conditions at the mission provide equal opportunity employment (EOE). BURKINA FASO the necessary facilities for people with The mission employs one staff mem­ USAID does not maintain an office in disabilities, thus there are no physical ber with a hearing disability and is tak­ Burkina Faso, but it awarded a grant barriers that would prevent a person ing steps to increase his responsibilities to Handicap International for capac­ with a disability from being employed and to improve his ability to fulfill them ity building in Niger and Burkina Faso. by USAID/Angola. Employment at effectively through the use of mobile The grant is managed by USAID’s West

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 11 Africa Regional Program (WARP). The disability plan. The post is awaiting a Additionally, the capacity-building sup­ project focuses on strengthening exist­ visit by the Division of Safety, Health, port provided to this NGO has allowed ing disabled persons organizations in and Environmental Management it to expand from one center in Kinshasa those countries. When disabled persons (SHEM) to make formal recommen­ to six others throughout the country. organizations have completed training dations for appropriate improvements The organization has also been able to programs, Handicap International will to the complex, which was built in the engage in activities to provide young administer twelve subgrants to those 1960s. The mission will translate any of adults with the tools to become self-suf­ organizations. Additional subgrants are SHEM’s recommendations into a fund­ ficient and activities to integrate children available for disabled persons organiza­ ing request to the Bureau of Overseas into mainstream schools. By becoming tions to implement cultural and sport­ Building Operations (OBO). self-sufficent, the individuals assisted by ing events. Each organization must this program can, in turn, become key match 50 percent of the grant awarded. An option agreement for the purchase advocates for the rights of people with of land for a new embassy compound disabilities. The program provides indi­ In addition, USAID provides signifi­ was signed in October 2007. The next viduals and families with the economic cant funding for projects in the coun­ phase of the due diligence process is un­ power to have a voice in the community try through Catholic Relief Services der way, and OBO will seek funding for and with confidence that comes from (CRS). CRS Burkina Faso is implement­ the project. USAID will co-locate at the their success, which helps them guide ing a Millennium Challenge Corpora­ new compound. If funded, construc­ their personal advocacy. tion Threshold Program in collabora­ tion is scheduled to start in 2009, with tion with Plan International. CRS was USAID/DR Congo does not have a a targeted completion date in 2111. As responsible for constructing ninety-one disability inclusion plan in place. The school complexes, each of which in­ OBO guidance stipulates, the embassy mission has been successful in removing cluded a three-classroom school, a well, compound shall be constructed to be psychological barriers to the inclusion three teacher lodgings, two separate la­ accessible to people with disabilities. of people with disabilities in its activi­ trines (one for boys and one for girls), ties by ensuring that staff members have and a playground. USAID/Ghana ap­ DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF the opportunity to work with people proved this undertaking on the contin­ THE CONGO with disabilities as colleagues or supervi­ gency that CRS design and build all of In the Democratic Republic of the sors. The mission actively recruited and the schools with wheelchair-accessible has on staff two foreign service nationals Congo (DR Congo), the mission has a ramps. who are deaf. One of the seven direct- grant agreement with the NGO titled hire Americans—who is an office chief International Polio Victims Response and cognizant technical officer with re­ BURUNDI Committee. The program works with sponsibilities in strategic planning, pro­ In Burundi, USAID has provided assis­ children and young adults who have gram management, and evaluation—has tance to victims of violence and torture, mobility disabilities and whose func­ a mobility disability. The mission has some of whom are people with disabili­ tionality could benefit from aids such provided safe physical access to mission ties. This assistance is subject to terms as surgeries, leg braces, or crutches. It housing for this employee by providing and conditions of specific grants and actively involves young people with a first-floor apartment equipped with a contracts. USAID/Burundi will con­ disabilities, who are the focus of the railing to help the employee climb the tinue to strive to include people with activities. In Kinshasa and Bunia, the outside steps. To date, the mission has disabilities as stakeholders and partici­ program trains children and young ensured that its offices are accessible to pants in the planning, implementation, adult participants to construct braces the employee by implementing an ad and evaluation of USAID-supported and crutches, as well as to manage the hoc system whereby colleagues assist the programs whenever possible. operations of the residential centers for employee in climbing and descending USAID/Burundi does not have a dis­ project beneficiaries. The project has at­ the two flights of stairs to the USAID ability inclusion plan in place. In its tempted to become more self-sufficient offices, as well as the stairs in other post FY 2007 operational plan, the mission by means of a program-initiated small facilities, as needed. The mission con­ expressed the intent to develop its own business, which older clients manage. tinues to consider ways to better address

12 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy the issue of accessibility while consider­ tion of people with disabilities in politi­ was to ensure the smooth implementa­ ing the key issue of security. cal activities, and to promote and pro­ tion of the disability act. The seminars tect the rights of people with disabilities. also sought to ensure that disabled per­ The program is developing the insti­ sons organizations and their constitu­ DJIBOUTI tutional capacities of disabled persons ents have a full understanding of the act In FY 2006, USAID/Djibouti funded organizations by developing workshops so they can serve in an oversight capac­ the training of people with hearing and for those organizations. The workshops ity during its implementation. speaking disabilities under the com­ provide training on a variety of subjects, munity participation and nonformal including group development, advo­ In August 2007, two USAID partners, education activity. This activity has not cacy and lobbying, fundraising, under­ the Ghana Society of the Physically Dis­ continued, however, because the govern­ standing and becoming involved in the abled and the Center for Democratic ment of Djibouti is developing a na­ electoral process, and training for asser­ Development, organized a disability tional nonformal education strategy that tive behavior and confidence building forum that brought together represen­ will guide future related activities. (especially for women). The program tatives from leading disabled persons organizations to discuss (a) progress on In addition, USAID/Djibouti facilitated also aims to enhance the participation of the implementation of the disability the distribution of funds from the Com­ people with disabilities in local elections act, (b) use of local government funds bined Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa by monitoring and drawing attention earmarked for people with disabilities, by identifying program beneficiaries. to physical and other barriers that limit and (c) inclusion of people with disabili­ The mission identified people with vi­ their participation. The program makes ties within the National Youth Employ­ sual disabilities who were to receive eye­ a strong commitment to ensuring that ment Program. USAID increased public glasses and people with mobility disabil­ people with disabilities will contend for awareness of the rights of people with ities who were to receive wheelchairs. positions in the district assemblies and unit committees. disabilities by funding the production of Throughout the mission’s portfolio, an abridged version of the disability act USAID’s disability policy is cited in pro­ In addition to building the institutional and by translating the act into Braille gram implementing mechanisms, and capacities of disabled persons organiza­ and five local languages. In the future, partners are required to comply. The tions, USAID/Ghana has supported ad­ USAID/Ghana hopes to continue its ef­ mission will include criteria related to vocacy efforts on behalf of people with forts to educate the general public about people with disabilities in its program disabilities, including the removal of so­ the disability act by producing a TV monitoring and evaluation activities. cietal barriers, through its work related drama and a TV animation project that USAID/Djibouti does not have a disabil­ to Ghana’s disability act. The mission will inform the public of key disabil­ ity inclusion plan in place. The mission is promoted the passage of the disability ity-related issues and will help to fight supported by services from USAID/East act, which affirms the right of accessibil­ against the stigmatization of people with Africa and the American Embassy in Dji­ ity to public places, employment, trans­ disabilities. bouti, where USAID is co-located. portation, and medical care for people with disabilities. Disabled persons orga­ USAID/Ghana has also supported re­ nizations were actively involved in de­ search to develop appropriate training GHANA signing the bill and participated as part materials for teachers of children with USAID/Ghana engages in a variety of of the stakeholders’ review committee disabilities in the education system. In activities that both reach out to the dis­ that oversees the project. December 2006, USAID/Ghana spon­ ability community and increase the ca­ sored a six-member Ghanaian delegation pacity of disabled persons organizations The mission also strengthened the in­ to attend the ninth International Con­ to provide assistance to people with dis­ stitutional capacity of disabled persons gress on Community Services for Chil­ abilities and to advocate for their rights. organizations through advocacy train­ dren, Youth, and Families with Special One major initiative is being conducted ing and education about implementing Health Care Needs. The delegation com­ by the Ghana Center for Democratic the disability act. Seminars were held prised policymakers; individuals with Development. The program works to in Kumasi, Sunyani, Takoradi, and the physical, visual, and hearing disabilities; build the capacity of disabled persons Cape Coast with an average of sixty-five and advocates for people with disabili­ organizations, to increase the participa­ people at each seminar. The objective ties. The conference, held in Washing-

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 13 ton, D.C., offered sessions on ways to from participating in USAID programs chairs, and both buildings have elevators integrate children with disabilities into and activities. Stigma and discrimi­ and smooth sidewalks without steps. In everyday community life and dissemi­ nation remain the largest barriers. By addition, the mission acquires, to the nated ideas on how to develop appropri­ promoting a stigma-free environment, extent feasible, the equipment required ate national policies and practical local USAID/Ghana has helped ensure that to enable people with disabilities to per­ programs for people with disabilities. all individuals are able to participate in form their duties and to realize their em­ family, community, and society. ployment potential. In June 2007, the mission—in collabo­ ration with the Ghana Society of the USAID/Ghana’s office chiefs and dis­ Since the signing of the people with dis­ Physically Disabled—launched a dis­ ability liaison officer distributed the abilities policy directive in 2004, the tribution of 280 wheelchairs to all ten mission’s disability inclusion plan to all mission has included a statement en­ regions of Ghana. The project was made stakeholders on August 20, 2007. The couraging equitable access to its pro­ possible through a donation from the mission order outlines operational pro­ grams in all annual program statements Wheelchair Foundation in California cedures for promoting the inclusion of and program-related announcements and was facilitated through the offices people with disabilities in the design and of upcoming procurement actions. The of U.S. Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater implementation of all USAID programs. program office, in collaboration with and U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee. the strategic objective teams, will estab­ Also in FY 2007, the mission’s social as­ lish a list of contractor sources that rep­ GUINEA sistance activities, which are aimed at resent various forms of disability. The USAID/Guinea’s disability inclu­ improving the well-being and produc­ list will be made available missionwide sion plan, “Disability Policy: USAID/ tivity of the most vulnerable popula­ as preferred sources to be consulted on a Guinea,” is stated in its mission order tions in Ghana, directed food rations to regular basis. USAID/Guinea does not dated June 27, 2007. USAID/Guinea 11,151 beneficiaries, including people conduct any capacity-building activities strives to make its programs inclusive with physical and mental disabilities. with or for disabled persons organiza­ by maximizing awareness of disabil­ tions, but the program office will main­ In FY 2008, the mission will launch a ity issues within USAID, host-country tain statistics suitable for annual report­ sports diplomacy program in collabora­ counterparts, and other stakeholders, ing requirements on the disability policy tion with an established and experienced including contractors, grantees, and do­ and its implementation. disabled persons organization. The ini­ nors. USAID will consider all available tiative involves organizing an interre­ options if an employee with a disability gional wheelchair basketball tournament is unable to perform any essential func­ KENYA for men and women across Ghana. It tions of his or her position—even with USAID/Kenya operates two programs will provide specialized training for male reasonable accommodation—because of specifically designed to reach people and female athletes with disabilities and the disability. with disabilities. One USAID-supported will fund the procurement and mainte­ program is providing health care to The mission has developed policies that nance of sports wheelchairs. hundreds of children with physical dis­ are intended to remove barriers to the abilities. Those children are from poor People with disabilities have been sys­ participation of people with disabilities households and have no access to spe­ tematically included in the planning, in their work. All recruitment announce­ cialized medical care. The program is implementation, and evaluation of ments state that USAID/Guinea is an committed to caring for the emotional many USAID-supported programs. Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and physical needs of children and their Specifically, people with disabilities and that people with disabilities are en­ families. Children with disabilities and participated in planning civil society couraged to apply for vacant positions. their families will receive both counsel­ strengthening activities, as well as in The mission makes every effort to assist ing and medical services. To build the implementing teacher training methods people with disabilities in accessing its skills of national physicians to assist for children with special needs. USAID/ physical space. The new embassy and children with disabilities, the program Ghana consistently works with its part­ USAID buildings provide easy access for has incorporated formal training for ners to identify and reduce any barriers people with disabilities. All bathrooms doctors working in hospitals and other that may prevent people with disabilities have large stalls to accommodate wheel­ medical facilties.

14 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy The mission also funds a set of coor­ doorways to facilitate access to buildings ing materials are shared with its stake­ dinated activities in support of educa­ by adults and children in wheelchairs. holders, who are encouraged to address, tion for people who are deaf. Among as appropriate, the concerns and needs those services are mentoring support of people with disabilities. The mission LIBERIA for teachers who are deaf, training for consults with its partners, contractors, USAID/Liberia has supported stake­ Kenya Sign Language interpreters, and and grantees in their respective areas of holder consultations on elections, and tutoring and scholarship support for programming (child survival, reproduc­ government sector strategies have in­ students who are deaf. The program tive health, family planning, food secu­ cluded outreach to people with dis­ rity, population, human rights, and mi­ has mentored and tutored fifty-four abilities. Specifically, the mission has crofinance) to ensure that people with pupils who are deaf (thirty-two girls supported programs to ensure the par­ disabilities have access to U.S. govern­ and twenty-two boys). In addition, ten ticipation of people with disabilities in ment–funded activities. teacher trainees who are deaf have been the last national elections. Implement­ granted scholarships, and four sign lan­ ing organizations presented subgrants USAID/Madagascar has a disability guage interpreters have been trained. to organizations working directly with inclusion plan, which is included in all Currently, USAID/Kenya does not people with disabilities. RFAs and RFPs issued by the mission. conduct any capacity-building activities Offices are responsible for ensuring that with or for disabled persons organiza­ USAID/Liberia does not have a dis­ applicable components of the disabil­ tions. ability inclusion plan in place, but it intends to develop such a plan in 2008. ity plan are included in implementation USAID/Kenya has a disability action Plans for a new embassy compound plans. To the extent feasible and appro­ plan that lays out strategies the mission include recommendations for physical priate, offices identify and consult with will use to ensure that people with phys­ accessibility. The existing public affairs appropriate partners (organizations or ical and mental disabilities are included office has a ramp to enable physical ac­ individuals) to ensure that the concerns in implementing its programs. USAID cessibility for staff members, partners, and needs of people with disabilities are coordinates closely with Germany, the and stakeholders. addressed and respected under the rel­ United Kingdom, the United Nations evant objectives of their program. (UN), and the World Bank, to ensure MADAGASCAR that people with disabilities and groups One of the targeted clients of USAID/ MALAWI pursuing their interests benefit from do­ Madagascar’s Public Law 480 food aid USAID/Malawi refers to the USAID nor programs in Kenya. activities is people with disabilities. Policy on Standards for Accessibility for the Disabled in USAID-Financed Con­ The mission is taking several steps to Components of this program mitigate struction when the mission is consid­ remove barriers that limit the participa­ adverse conditions that people with dis­ ering any construction or addition to tion of people with disabilities in family abilities might face by removing barri­ existing construction. When construct­ and community life. The mission’s em­ ers and helping them integrate into the ing its new compound access control ployment and training policies explicitly community. USAID/Madagascar does building (completed in 2006), USAID/ prohibit discrimination against people not currently conduct any capacity- Malawi included the concepts of “uni­ with disabilities. The mission will con­ building activities with or for disabled persons organizations. versal design” described in the policy tinue to interact with its implementing mentioned earlier, as well as the require­ partners and local disability organiza­ The mission works to include people ments of the Americans with Disabili­ tions to ensure that people with dis­ with disabilities. It provides training ties Act, to create a building that is ac­ abilities benefit from employment and and disseminates information to staff cessible by everyone, especially people training opportunities. Furthermore, the members and stakeholders in order to with disabilities. mission ensures that any new buildings raise awareness about the concerns of will be specifically designed to accom­ people with disabilities. For relevant The mission does not have a disability modate the needs of people with physi­ staff members, USAID has provided inclusion plan in place. However, it is cal disabilities. Such accommodations training about programming for people in the process of developing a plan that consist of constructing ramps and wider with disabilities. Information and train­ will adopt the Agency’s principles as ex-

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 15 pressed in the USAID disability policy USAID’s other activities in Mali that USAID/Mozambique uses language in paper dated September 12, 1997, and address people with disabilities include all recruitment advertisements indicating Acquisition and Assistance Policy Direc­ increasing access to health services (a) that the mission is an EOE. The mission tive (AAPD) 04-17, “Disability Policy by improving availability and quality at staff includes two professional employees in Contracts, Grants, and Cooperative a community level and by conducting with physical disabilities. Neither em­ Agreements.” The mission will distrib­ outreach activities to ensure that people ployee has any limitations in performing ute this plan to all USAID/Malawi staff with disabilities are aware of such ser­ work-related duties. The mission offices members, post it on mission bulletin vices, (b) by training teachers and devel­ are located in a high-rise building, with boards, and encourage its distribution oping curricula with Mali’s Ministry of direct street access and functioning el­ to all implementing partners and other Education that better meet the needs of evators for easy wheelchair accessibility. stakeholders. Mali’s people with learning disabilities, Following guidance contained in AAPD and (c) by expanding radio program­ NAMIBIA 04-17, as well as in Automated Direc­ ming with development information. In Under its democracy and governance tives System 302 and 303, the mission addition, more than 4,000 community program, the U.S. government sup­ incorporates a disability clause into all health volunteers have worked to in­ ported a train-the-trainers workshop active awards. However, USAID/Malawi crease access to health messages, coun­ designed to facilitate dialogue among does not conduct any capacity-building seling, and commodities for persons representatives from the Namibian activities with or for disabled persons with disabilities. Continued financial government about gender-related is­ organizations. and technical support to the polio eradi­ sues for persons with disabilities. The cation campaign has prevented the out­ participants, including ten women and break of new polio cases along with the six men, were civil servants linked to MALI disability that frequently results from the disability resource unit in the prime The accelerated economic growth team polio infection. USAID/Mali does not minister’s office. This workshop has launched a new program with the led to a motion in Parliament to ratify private voluntary organization titled conduct any capacity-building activities the UN Convention on the Rights of Trickle Up to help develop small busi­ with or for disabled persons organiza­ Persons with Disabilities that requires nesses in Mali. Trickle Up has made a tions, and it does not have a disability real commitment to including people inclusion plan in place. member countries to adapt their na­ with disabilities in its programming. tional laws to encourage the participa­ tion of people with disabilities at all That commitment is reflected in the MOZAMBIQUE goal of ensuring that 10 percent of en­ levels of government. USAID/Namibia Although USAID/Mozambique em­ trepreneurs supported by the Trickle does not conduct any capacity-building ploys two people with disabilities, to Up program are people with disabili­ activities with or for disabled persons date the mission has not otherwise ties. One feature of the marginalization organizations. sought the specific participation of of people with disabilities is their gross people with disabilities in planning, Although USAID/Namibia does not underrepresentation in training envi­ implementing, or evaluating USAID’s have an independent disability plan, ronments and workplaces as trainees or the mission has adopted the Agency’s employees, or as individuals who are in-country programs. It is possible that individual government counterparts or principles as expressed in the USAID self-employed. Such lack of represen­ disability policy paper dated September tation in the workplace yields obvi­ implementing partners may have spe­ cifically targeted people with disabili­ 12, 1997. This policy paper has been ous negative consequences in terms of distributed to all USAID/Namibia staff ties in the past, but the mission has not unemployment, destitution, and de­ members and posted on the mission’s consciously noted such action. USAID/ pendency on family or social services. bulletin boards. Trickle Up focuses on two critical com­ Mozambique does not conduct any ponents of economic empowerment: capacity-building activities with or for the acquisition of business and voca­ disabled persons organizations, nor does NIGERIA tional skills, and the access to appropri­ the mission have a disability inclusion USAID/Nigeria’s implementing partners ate financial services. plan in place. for peace and democratic governance

16 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy joined forces to provide a well-rounded which was chaired by a former Supreme their fundamental human rights as program to ensure that people with dis­ Court Justice, attracted prominent per­ recognized in various international le­ abilities receive necessary health care and sonalities from human rights organiza­ gal instruments. IRI’s partnership with education and that they are given the as­ tions, political parties, disabled persons people with disabilities has been driven sistance they need to actively engage in organizations, and the general public. by a deep commitment (a) to clearly political activities and to advocate effec­ The USAID mission director was a pre­ recognize the needs of people with dis­ tively for their rights. The USAID mis­ senter, along with the minister for wom­ abilities in Nigerian society; (b) to take sion director has displayed remarkable en’s affairs and the former chairman of appropriate measures to promote the commitment to the cause of people with the Nigerian Court of Appeal. realization of the rights of people with disabilities and has participated in all disabilities; (c) to ensure that adequate events carried out by the peace and dem­ IRI and Pact Inc. (another USAID/Ni­ resources, including education, are avail­ ocratic governance team in support of geria implementing partner) are work­ able to the most vulnerable members of people with disabilities. USAID/Nigeria ing to better integrate people with dis­ society, and (d) to combat all forms of has a disability plan that will be shared abilities into society and to ensure equal discrimination against people with dis­ with disabled persons organizations and access to opportunities. Pact—through abilities. other stakeholders such as the Ministry its Advocacy, Awareness, and Civic Em­ of Education and the Ministry of Social powerment project—is involved in civil Working with Pact, JONAPWD, and Development. The mission has installed society strengthening, including (a) civic local civil society groups, IRI facilitates a ramp to the front door of the USAID engagement on elections and electoral both the participation of people with building for accessibility. The mission reform, (b) national- and state-level disabilities and the articulation of issues also has appointed as the disability focal budget monitoring and advocacy, (c) to expand their political participation point within the mission a foreign ser­ anticorruption and transparency, and at the ongoing zonal public hearings vice national who has a disability. (d) advocacy for legislative initiatives on electoral reform. Specifically, the and implementation. To date, the pro­ program helps streamline strategies for People with disabilities have been faced gram has supported twenty-six local or­ rights advocacy by facilitating their par­ with the issues of marginalization and ganizations through grants and capacity- ticipation at public hearings, submitting exclusion, especially in political activi­ their position papers, and articulating building activities. Among those groups ties in Nigeria. This exclusion is not the issues affecting their political partici­ is the Joint National Association of connected with the fact that the govern­ pation. IRI will continue to work with Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), ment and civil society still regard people the leadership of people with disabilities an umbrella organization that brings with disabilities as warranting chari­ to develop new strategies and techniques together all of the civil society organi­ table interventions, but rather is based to advocate more effectively for their zations in the country that deal with on issues related to human rights and rights at the grassroots level. IRI will people with disabilities. development. In this context—and with empower advocates to run campaigns to the idea of finding a way forward—the Support has included financial manage­ engage with legislators on how district International Republic Institute (IRI), ment, mentoring in strategic planning, policies and programs can be changed to a USAID implementing partner, hosted and program implementation. One of accommodate the needs of people with for stakeholders in Abuja in March the successful results of that support has disabilities. Additionally, because of its 2008 a one-day electoral reform seminar been the appointment of a JONAPWD historically strong working relationship about political participation of people member as the special assistant for dis­ with Nigeria’s political parties, IRI will with disabilities. Issues and concerns abilities and destitute matters to the assist disability organizations in effec­ from the seminar have been submitted governor in Kebbi State. tively communicating their needs and to the electoral reform committee in the interests to appropriate parties. The hope of removing barriers to the active IRI’s support to people with disabili­ program will educate political parties participation of persons with disabilities ties includes helping more than twenty on the importance of this prominent in the overall electoral process. Partici­ organizations to develop a common segment of their constituency, while si­ pating in the event were the peace and strategy for increasing their political multaneously assisting them and their democratic team leader and USAID/Ni­ participation and representation, as supporters to develop the skills neces­ geria’s disability coordinator. The event, well as helping to protect and ensure sary to make sure that their interests are

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 17 incorporated in political party platforms vocational skill training, and advocacy community buy-in and strengthens ef­ and legislative strategies. to reduce stigma toward and discrimina­ forts toward sustainability. tion against people who have had polio. Consistent with IRI’s overall politi­ cal party–strengthening objectives in In December 2006, the mission spon­ RWANDA Nigeria, the institute sees the empha­ sored nine people with disabilities to The mission in Rwanda has several sis on issue-based advocacy as an im­ attend the ninth International Congress programs that integrate people with dis­ portant way to enhance IRI’s existing on Children, Youth, and Families with abilities. USAID’s agribusiness activi­ USAID-funded party work. The goal is Special Health Care Needs in Washing­ ties do not discriminate against people to encourage political parties to develop ton, D.C. with disabilities. In fact, those activities issue-based strategies to target special include people with physical disabilities interest groups and thereby to broaden OMEGA INITIATIVE resulting from the 1994 genocide. Title party support for all citizens. Already, In Sub-Saharan Africa, the Omega Ini­ II food is distributed to food-insecure the People’s Democratic Party (Nigeria’s tiative, with implementing partner Pact people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as largest political party) has created an of­ Inc., provides funding and technical to those in institutional feeding centers. fice that will focus on disability-related support through subgrants for a broad Food aid also benefits residents of or­ issues, including inclusiveness. range of advocacy, awareness raising, phanages and homes for the elderly and There is considerable interest among and rehabilitation services for civil­ for people with disabilities. Democracy members of the national assembly in ians with disabilities that resulted from and governance efforts involve people equalizing opportunities for people with war in that region. In September 2001, with disabilities in a variety of ways, in­ disabilities. This sense of urgency came USAID awarded a cooperative agree­ cluding several activities that focus on after IRI brought together members ment to Pact to manage this $8 million genocide survivors—a group that has a of the national assembly, the judiciary, initiative. Pact serves as the lead organi­ disproportionate number of people with and the media to discuss issues affect­ zation and is responsible for overall pro­ disabilities. A program of more than ing people with disabilities and ways to gram management and coordination. 400 small grants to community organi­ support them. Members of the disability The key elements of the Omega Initia­ zations will be reviewed to ensure that community—including representatives tive revolve around the mandate (a) to people with disabilities have equal ac­ from groups dealing with leprosy and award, manage, and support subgrants cess. The mission does not conduct any hearing and vision impairments—trav­ to local and international organizations, capacity-building activities with or for including disabled persons organiza­ eled from across Nigeria to attend the disabled persons organizations. workshop. tions; (b) to support its broader pro­ gram goals; and (c) to provide technical USAID/Rwanda does not have a separate USAID is also partnering with the gov­ assistance to award recipients and other disability inclusion plan, but the mis­ ernment of Nigeria to eliminate po­ organizations. Omega has subgrants in sion is committed to upholding USAID’s lio through child immunization. The Kenya, Sudan, and Uganda. disability policy and to ensuring that Agency continuously engages with the policy is adopted by all partners. the media and local partners to create Since June 2005, the Omega Initiative The mission provides office and meet­ awareness of and mobilize initiatives on has piloted a small-grants and technical the need to immunize children against assistance program within two districts ing spaces that are accessible for people polio. The Agency assists individu­ in northern Uganda. The program has with disabilities. USAID/Rwanda also als who have contracted polio to fully provided more than fifty grants—pri­ has a mission order about implementing integrate them into society. Under its marily to local disability organizations— USAID’s disability policy in country. The Investing in People team, USAID/Ni­ totaling more than US$1 million. A USAID/Rwanda Partners’ Handbook, geria supports the Kano Polio Victims peer monitoring mechanism has been which is given to all new USAID imple­ Trust Association project, funded by the established in each district to support menting partners, informs those part­ Leahy War Victims Fund, to improve and monitor projects for at least one ners of the Agency’s policy with regard to the socioeconomic status of its members year after the funding period has ended. people with disabilities and asks them to through institutional capacity building, This unique mechanism helps promote abide by the policy’s guidance and spirit.

18 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy SENEGAL nizations in Louga, Thiès, and Ziguin­ ities in its work, and it has encouraged USAID/Senegal does not have a dis­ chor. People with disabilities helped partners to include people with disabili­ ability inclusion plan in place. How­ establish those organizations. Disabled ties in their activities. ever, the mission has reaffirmed its persons organizations negotiated health approach to serving people with dis­ insurance arrangements for their mem­ USAID/Sierra Leone includes in all its abilities by addressing their needs and bers to access health services. As one recruitment announcements a statement concerns through mainstream develop­ result, Handicap International set up a that USAID is an EOE and that persons ment activities rather than by targeting health insurance system for landmines with disabilities are encouraged to apply them as a separate group. In doing so, survivors in Ziguinchor. In Louga, for vacant positions. The new embassy the mission tries to avoid the stereotypes thirty-five people with disabilities en­ building is designed to be fully accessi­ and stigma attached to a group-specific rolled as members in the new mutual ble. The mission acquires, to the extent approach. Under the economic growth health organization titled La Linguere. feasible, equipment necessary to enable strategic objective (USAID/Wula Nafaa employees with disabilities to perform program), people with disabilities are their duties and to realize their employ­ members of some village committees SIERRA LEONE ment potential. Additionally, USAID that have been established to implement In Sierra Leone, political process and will consider all options available to an local conventions and forest manage­ elections initiatives sponsored by the employee who has a disability and who ment plans. They are also members of U.S. government specifically employ and is unable to perform essential functions producer groups organized and sup­ target people with disabilities. The goal of his or her position—even with rea­ ported by USAID/Wula Nafaa. Com­ of these activities is ensuring access to all sonable accommodation—as a result of munity members, including people with phases of the political process, including the disability. disabilities who are no longer able to en­ election information, participatory meet­ The mission will include a statement gage in traditional agricultural activities, ings, and voting. Training for people encouraging equitable access to its pro­ are trained to earn money by collecting with disabilities and disability organiza­ grams in all program-related solicita­ and selling forest products such as ca­ tions are part of the program. Democ­ tions and announcements of upcoming shew nuts, natural gums, and fruits. racy Sierra Leone, supported by the U.S. government, is an umbrella civil society procurement actions. The program of­ In FY 2007, the architectural plans for organization that consists of more than fice, in collaboration with technical unit middle schools to be constructed with eighty organizations, some of which teams, will establish a list of contractor USAID funding were revised to include are for DPOs. In addition to including sources that represent disabilities. The ramps for each building, including people with disabilities in the election list will regularly be made available mis­ classrooms, the administrative block, process, the mission is providing broader sionwide. The program office will also and bathrooms, to facilitate access by support for activities that raise awareness maintain statistics that are suitable for students, teachers, and administrative of and that sensitize people toward dis­ annual reporting requirements concern­ staff members with disabilities. Further­ ability issues. Advocacy training and or­ ing the disability policy and its imple­ more, the education program has added ganizational capacity building continue. mentation. disability as a recognized element in the revised scholarship eligibility criteria for USAID/Sierra Leone is paired with and SOMALIA girls, thereby giving preferential treat­ operates under the disability inclusion USAID does not have a mission in So­ ment to girls with disabilities. policy of USAID/Guinea. Under that policy, the key to making programs malia; issues and activities in Somalia USAID/Senegal does not conduct any more inclusive is maximizing the aware­ are supported by and housed within capacity-building activities with or for ness of disability issues within USAID USAID/East Africa. The USAID/East disabled persons organizations. How­ and among its host-country counter­ Africa disability plan drafted in FY 2006 ever, under the mission’s health pro­ parts and other stakeholders, including covers USAID/Somalia. The disability gram, disabled persons organizations contractors, grantees, and donors. In plan seeks to empower people with dis­ participated in a census of people with keeping with this policy, the mission has abilities and organizations representing disabilities to assist them in enrolling in attempted to remove internal barriers to them through existing programs and ac­ community-based mutual health orga­ the participation of persons with disabil­ tivities. Existing USAID/East Africa pro-

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 19 grams work with regional partners (a) to able children. Since 2004, PEPFAR has The facility is wheelchair accessible, and reduce the stigma associated with HIV/ supported NACCW’s Isibindi projects, other accommodations are provided on AIDs, (b) to mitigate conflict through­ thus providing direct services to vulner­ an “as needed” basis for employees and out the region, (c) to increase the aware­ able children and training for child and visitors. When selecting new staff mem­ ness of gender-based violence, and (d) to youth care workers in seven provinces bers, the mission does not discriminate reintegrate victims of violence and tor­ in South Africa. In 2008, NACCW on the basis of race, gender, or physical ture into the family and community. conducted a needs assessment of each disability. Isibindi site to identify children with dis­ The disability plan seeks to improve abilities requiring care and support. The awareness among staff members and staff will network with health care facili­ TANZANIA partners about the challenges faced by ties and service providers in each site to USAID/Tanzania’s primary disability fo­ and the opportunities open to people foster access to specialized services for cus is the support of educational activi­ with disabilities. The disability plan orphans and other vulnerable children ties that improve access to education for calls for people with disabilities to be with disabilities. A report for each site children with disabilities in Zanzibar. included as program participants and as will (a) document the number of chil­ This goal is being addressed primarily stakeholders in the planning and evalua­ dren with special needs, (b) describe the through a partnership with the Ministry tion process whenever possible. identified needs (for individual children of Education and Vocational Training’s and groups), (c) outline existing local inclusive education unit. However, the SOUTH AFRICA health and social service facilities, and mission is also actively partnering with People with disabilities have been incor­ (d) articulate an action plan. NACCW two local NGOs representing people porated into several of USAID/South mentors will meet with appropriate reha­ with disabilities to ensure that the new Africa’s broad initiatives. For example, bilitation departments at local hospitals Zanzibar Education Policy appropriately four Thuthuzela centers funded through or clinics for follow-up actions. addresses disability issues. the President’s Emergency Plan for USAID/South Africa finalized a mission USAID/Tanzania is actively supporting AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) under a coopera­ order on disability inclusion in April the finalization of the Zanzibar Educa­ tive agreement, are providing specialized 2008. In advance of the mission order, tion Development Program, which will counseling and offering sign language the operating unit adopted the broader include education for children with dis­ interpretation, when necessary, for peo­ USAID disability policy supporting the abilities as a part of inclusive education. ple with disabilities to facilitate commu­ inclusion of people with disabilities in The Zanzibar Education Policy and its nication between rape victims and the all aspects of its work, including em­ Education Development Program were center’s management. Thuthuzela cen­ ployment, program implementation, finalized in late 2007. In conjunction ters are one-stop shops providing services and evaluations. The operating unit with the Ministry of Education and Vo­ to victims of sexual assault. The centers’ promotes a policy of broad inclusion cational Training’s inclusive education buildings are user-friendly. regardless of gender, race, or physical unit, community sensitization semi­ From 2008 to 2010, the Women’s Jus­ disability. All solicitations and associated nars were conducted in all ten districts tice and Empowerment Initiative will awards issued by the Office of Assis­ in Zanzibar during late 2007 and early support fifteen to twenty such centers, tance and Acquisition include provi­ 2008. in addition to those supported by PEP­ sions regarding the inclusion of people Interactive radio instruction heard FAR. The operating unit will ensure with disabilities, as stipulated in AAPD throughout Zanzibar is also sensitiz­ that the new centers are accessible to and titled “Supporting USAID’s Dis­ ing children and parents to the rights people with disabilities and have special ability Policy in Contracts, Grants, and of people with disabilities. Additionally, facilities that address their needs. Cooperative Agreements” and the Pro­ the mission’s educational activities con­ gramming Policy Interim Update 05-07 tinue to work with twenty pilot schools The National Association of Childcare titled “Increased Utilization of Service- in Zanzibar that are being mainstreamed Workers (NACCW) provides accredited Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses.” child and youth care training to commu­ with government schools in mid-2008. nity members in order to provide holis­ The mission’s physical environment is The education programs are working tic services to orphans and other vulner­ accessible to people with disabilities. closely with the regional governments

20 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy of Lindi and Mtwara (southern coastal in Uganda, to enhance the capacity of awareness and understanding of HIV/ mainland) to begin pilot activities based leaders in the disability community to AIDS among students. It will introduce on the work being done in Zanzibar. participate effectively in the planning into schools an HIV/AIDS awareness and budgeting process of local govern­ and prevention curriculum that is based In addition to the activities that focus ments. To strengthen the potential sus­ on and adapted from existing curricu­ on improving access to education for tainability of the process, a training of lum used by PEPFAR providers, as well children with disabilities, the mission trainers at the regional level was con­ as a civic education curriculum on the also provides capacity-building support ducted for selected disability leaders so responsibilities and rights of citizens to disabled persons organizations. On that they could cascade the training to with disabilities. As part of the overall the mainland, the civil society strength­ other people with disabilities, both indi­ program, the Zambian Federation of the ening activity supports the Association vidually and in groups. No other signifi­ Disabled will form a working group on of People with Disabilities Tanzania, a cant action was taken in FY 2007. disability and development that will po­ network of NGOs working on a variety sition Zambian disability leaders so they of disability issues. can participate in international develop­ ZAMBIA USAID/Tanzania does not have a dis­ ment activities carried out by USAID’s USAID/Zambia reports that people ability inclusion plan in place; however, implementing partners and other do­ with disabilities have improved access to the mission does work to implement the nors. In particular, the working group its mission offices. A new office building broader USAID policy. A mission no­ will work to position the federation and addition completed in 2006 was con­ tice of August 10, 2005, stipulates that its member organizations as potential structed in accordance with the USAID the U.S. government will not discrimi­ stakeholders and partners in USAID- policy titled “Standards for Accessibil­ nate against any minorities, including funded (PEPFAR) programs addressing ity for the Disabled in USAID-Financed people with disabilities. The contracting HIV/AIDS. Construction.” The new addition pro­ office ensures that the disability clauses vides workspace that is accessible by ev­ USAID/Zambia does not have a disabil­ provided in AAPD 04-17 are included, eryone, including people with disabili­ ity inclusion plan in place, but the mis­ as stipulated, in RFAs and RFPs and in ties. USAID/Zambia incorporates the sion has adopted the Agency’s principles resulting grants and contracts. USAID concepts of universal design, as well as as expressed in the USAID disability is co-located in a new office building the requirements of the Americans with policy paper dated September 12, 1997, that was constructed to give full access Disabilities Act when it considers any and in AAPD 04-17 titled “Supporting to people with disabilities. There are new construction or addition to exist­ USAID’s Disability Policy in Contracts, ramps, elevators big enough to accom­ ing construction. For the new addition, Grants, and Cooperative Agreements.” modate wheelchairs, and bathrooms the concepts were incorporated in the The mission has distributed those outfitted for people with disabilities. design of access ramping, door open­ documents to all USAID/Zambia staff ings, hall widths, meeting rooms, office members, posted them on the mission’s UGANDA spaces, and bathrooms. bulletin boards, and encouraged their USAID/Uganda reports that disability is distribution to all implementing part­ In December 2007, Zambia began one of the mission’s cross-cutting issues. ners and other stakeholders. working with the American Institute The program office takes advantage of for Research (AIR) to implement the new activity and performance reviews Engaging with Disabled Persons Or­ ZIMBABWE to raise issues relevant to the inclusion ganizations in Development Coopera­ USAID/Zimbabwe reports that it does of people with disabilities in mission tion (ENGAGE) program that has as its not have a disability inclusion plan in programs. However, USAID/Uganda objective the introduction of a disabil­ reports that it does not have a disability place. However, in FY 2007, the mis­ inclusion plan in place. ity dimension to HIV/AIDS programs. sion’s civil society program provided ca­ This project will specifically focus on pacity-building support to the National During FY 2007, USAID worked with reaching those students with disabili­ Association of Societies for the Care of the National Union of Disabled People ties who attend Zambia’s “segregated” the Handicapped (NASCOH), which in Uganda, the primary national um­ schools. The project seeks to assess, represents fifty-three member organiza­ brella group for disability organizations through survey instruments, the level of tions. All members provide assistance

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 21 to or advocate on behalf of people with grams and as stakeholders in planning with disabilities in the two regions of disabilities. USAID’s support for NA­ and evaluating programs. Burkina Faso that are involved in the SCOH’s advocacy for promotion and activities (Fada and Tenkodogo). Finally, South Africa Regional. In FY 2007, protection of the rights of people with Handicap International provides techni­ the regional agriculture program pro­ disabilities has resulted in the govern­ cal and financial support for organizing vided technical expertise and training in ment’s reserving fifteen seats in parlia­ workshops that will assist disabled per­ vegetable production to a community ment for people with disabilities. sons organizations in developing train­ of people who are blind. The vegetables ing and monitoring plans. This mission also incorporates people were then sold to the Sun International with disabilities in its work through its Hotel in Zambia. USAID/West Africa does not have a orphan and vulnerable children pro­ disability inclusion plan in place, but it USAID/Southern Africa does not have gram. The mission works with the J. F. acknowledges the need to develop such a disability inclusion plan in place. A Kapnek Trust, a local organization that a plan in 2008. In the future, USAID/ draft mission order dated March 21, helps to care and provide for orphans West Africa will make the inclusion 2007, to establish the mission’s disabil­ and vulnerable children, including those of people with disabilities a part of its ity policy was not finalized because of with disabilities. Under this program, program implementation review by en­ the merger of the regional mission with the mission supports advocacy on behalf USAID/South Africa and the subse­ couraging cognizant technical officers of children with disabilities. Orphans quent relocation of the regional pro­ to request that implementing partners and vulnerable children were also in­ gram from Botswana to South Africa. identify and provide opportunities for cluded as participants in a workshop to That mission order will be finalized and people with disabilities to be involved in develop standards of quality for services implemented in FY 2008. activities or to be employed by partner for such children. organizations. Furthermore, the mis­ West Africa Regional. USAID/West sion will work to ensure that buildings Africa provides support for Handicap REGIONAL OFFICES are updated or new arrangements are International’s project titled Improv­ East Africa Regional. USAID/East made to facilitate requests for reasonable ing the Participation of Citizens in a Africa’s programs work with regional accommodations for people with dis­ Disabling Situation in Burkina Faso partners (a) to reduce stigma associated abilities who are newly hired or already and in Niger for the Recognition of with HIV/AIDS, (b) to mitigate conflict employed by USAID and are working their Rights through the Strengthen­ throughout the region, (c) to increase in USAID-supported buildings. ing of Their Organizations. The project awareness in the region of gender-based extended from September 2006 to Sep­ violence, and (d) to reintegrate vic­ tember 2008. The target group for the tims of violence and torture into their ASIA AND THE NEAR project is people with disabilities, insti­ families and communities. USAID/East EAST tutional stakeholders, and civil society. Africa reports that a disability plan has been completed. The plan encompasses The Handicap International project AFGHANISTAN the areas served by USAID/East Africa, provides substantial capacity-building USAID/Afghanistan supported the as well as the limited presence country support for disabled persons organiza­ NGO Consortium for the Psychoso­ of Somalia. As outlined in its disability tions in Burkina Faso and Niger. Ca­ cial Care and Protection of Children plan, USAID/East Africa seeks to em­ pacity building for those organizations (Christian Children’s Fund, Interna­ power people with disabilities and the takes the form of workshops for project tional Rescue Committee, and Save the organizations representing them through development, trainings, and support in Children Federation Inc.) from April its existing programs and activities, and the implementation of microprojects 2003 to June 2008 to implement the to improve awareness among staff mem­ that promote the rights and participa­ Assistance for Afghanistan’s Most Vul­ bers and partners of the challenges faced tion of citizens with disabilities in each nerable Children program. The project by and opportunities available for people country. The project also supports and assisted particularly vulnerable Afghan with disabilities. The plan calls for the prepares disabled persons organizations children, including orphans, children inclusion of people with disabilities to conduct participative territorial di­ living with disabilities, working chil­ whenever possible as participants in pro­ agnoses of the local situation of people dren, and former child soldiers. Project

22 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy teams worked with communities and BANGLADESH dren with disabilities may experience dif­ government workers in six provinces in USAID/Bangladesh supports several ferent challenges from children without four regions (a) to identify threats to projects related to disability issues. Peo­ disabilities, they should be given appro­ the physical, psychological, emotional, ple with disabilities and disabled persons priate opportunities to participate. and social well-being of children; (b) to organizations are actively incorporated provide assistance for particularly vul­ into aspects of relevant mission pro­ The mission reports that some barriers nerable children and families; and (c) to gramming. The U.S. government held a to direct participation in USAID activi­ advocate for government action on child high-profile conference in conjunction ties have been removed while others protection issues. Among the programs’ with the National Alliance of Disabled remain. Although USAID/Bangladesh accomplishments in the past year was People’s Organizations (NADPO) to reports that it does not have a disabil­ its role in integrating more than seventy increase access for voters with disabili­ ity inclusion plan in place, the mission children with disabilities into main­ ties and to encourage their participa­ intends to develop a plan in FY 2008. stream government schools. tion in the elections process. NADPO Human resources sends every notice of presented the concerns and recommen­ employment opportunities at the mis­ In addition, USAID/Afghanistan and dations raised at this conference to elec­ sion to a group that advocates for people the Leahy War Victims Fund issued tion commission officials, civil society, with disabilities. However, the mission twelve service contracts to both national and political party leaders. As a result, does not have specific language encour­ and international NGOs to implement the election commission has incorpo­ aging people with disabilities to apply. services for people with disabilities in rated many of the recommendations in The mission reports that such informa­ the areas of Faryab, Herat, Jalalabad, its voter registration implementation tion can and will be added. Kabul, Kandahar, and Parwan. Those plan, and it has made special provi­ programs provide services in a number sions to ensure that voters with disabili­ Accessibility also varies. Websites devel­ of areas, including physical rehabilita­ ties receive registration forms and have oped locally may meet some require­ tion, community-based rehabilitation, their photographs taken for national ments of Section 508 of the Rehabili­ income generation, education, aware­ ID cards—a by-product of the voter list tation Act, but they are not designed ness raising and community education, preparation. to specifically address the Section 508 sign-language development, and au­ requirement. Some portions of the U.S. diometrics. The programs have directly USAID’s early childhood development mission facilities meet the accessibility reached 7,964 people with disabilities projects specifically target inclusive devel­ requirements of the Americans with Dis­ (2,753 women and girls; 5,211 men and opment. USAID-sponsored SUCCEED abilities Act. For example, the chancery boys). In addition, the program has con­ preschools encourage the enrollment of has elevators that provide access to all ducted workshops and exchange visits children with mild disabilities, who make floors, a main lobby with push switches with seventy-three people with disabili­ up approximately 5 percent of total en­ on both doors, restrooms that are on the ties who represent five national disabled rollment in USAID-funded preschools. ground floor and that are accessible to persons organizations. The program has Sesame Street Bangladesh television epi­ men and women with disabilities, and a provided them with information about sodes encourage children with disabilities parking space reserved for people with their basic rights and knowledge on lob­ to develop self-esteem for their own abili­ disabilities. Although the main entrance bying and advocacy skills; produced a ties and efforts. Live segments of televi­ has push switches installed, they are cur­ weekly radio program, “Qahir-Qara­ sion episodes highlight what children rently rendered inoperative for security man,” which shares information and in­ with disabilities are capable of rather than reasons. forms the public of issues related to dis­ what limits them. Sesame Street Bangla­ ability; and established a resource center desh programs teach children to under­ on disability in the National Program stand different types of disabilities—in­ CAMBODIA for Action on Disability office, which cluding motor, vision, speech, hearing, USAID/Cambodia supports a partner is accessible to the government, NGOs, communication, physical, and behav­ that works in the disabilities sector, Vet­ and disabled persons organizations. The ioral—and how people with disabilities erans International–Cambodia (VI-C). resource center houses more than 400 can be included in community activities. This organization focuses on rehabilita­ publications, including CDs, videos, Furthermore, the television show pro­ tion services within a framework of so­ and printed materials. motes awareness that, even though chil­ cial and economic integration of people

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 23 with disabilities. Funding for the VI-C vices, which in some cases are paid for and to the Association for the Welfare of project has been provided by USAID’s by USAID. The program works closely People with Handicaps to provide a cen­ Leahy War Victims Fund. VI-C, one of with other organizations such as Opera­ ter for people with high support needs the mission’s few partnering organiza­ tion Smile and Handicap International. disabilities. tions managed by a Cambodian staff, For example, Handicap International USAID/Cyprus does not have a disabil­ has taken steps to establish an endow­ recently provided a wheelchair to a stu­ ity inclusion plan. Instead, it uses the ment that will ensure a continual flow dent with a disability as a result of polio. USAID disability policy as the basis for of funds to successfully maintain its op­ implementation. erations—providing support to people After the children return to their homes with disabilities well into the future. and communities, they are integrated into the local schools, sometimes for the EAST TIMOR USAID also provides grants to the Dis­ first time. Within USAID-sponsored In previous years, USAID provided ability Action Council (DAC). This schools, the program also trains teachers small grants to organizations working organization secures rights and services on how to work with students with dis­ with people with disabilities, includ­ for people with disabilities. Through abilities. Simple solutions such as mov­ ing a grant to the Ministry of Labor and those initiatives and in cooperation with ing students with low vision or who are Community Reinsertion to develop a other donors, stakeholders, and the hard of hearing to the front of the class­ national policy on disability and a grant government of Cambodia, the mission room are encouraged. The program also to the Association for the Equality of supports the Ministry of Social Affairs, uses a child-to-child network to provide the Disabled People of Timor for “stop­ Veterans, and Youth in its attempts to in-school assistance to students with gap” support for an international phys­ establish legislation that focuses on the disabilities, as well as to other disadvan­ iotherapist. The International Catholic rights of Cambodians with disabilities. taged students. Older students provide Migration Commission is implementing assistance in core subjects. In FY 2006, USAID/Cambodia sup­ an ongoing USAID-supported Survi­ ported an evaluation of the DAC, thus USAID/Cambodia reports that it does vors of Torture program for victims of soliciting input from Cambodians with not have a disability inclusion plan in torture and their families who suffered disabilities. The feedback guides the or­ place. However, the mission is diligent during the twenty-four-year occupation ganization in further efforts to support in ensuring that partners are aware of by Indonesia. people with disabilities in the country their obligation to include people with USAID/East Timor reports that it does through activities such as job training, disabilities in their programs. In June not have a disability inclusion plan in access to education, and microfinance 2006, the mission moved into a new place. New USAID/Timor-Leste facili­ opportunities. The U.S. government facility that complies with all current ties have been constructed to facilitate also supported an evaluation of the re­ U.S. standards for access and inclu­ access by people with disabilities. For habilitation sector. Input from people sion of people with disabilities. USAID/ example, a ramp has been installed at with disabilities was used to study how Cambodia is an Equal Opportunity the building’s entrance and doorways the provision of rehabilitation services Employer and promotes this fact in all and hallways are wider. Automatic door could be made sustainable in the long hiring initiatives. openers have not yet been installed; term. however, office guards are available at doorways to assist people with disabili­ USAID/Cambodia also implements an CYPRUS ties. People with disabilities are always education program that assists children Implementation of the Action for Co­ encouraged to participate in USAID- with disabilities through both medi­ operation and Trust program has ben­ supported programs. cal and classroom activities. Medical efited people with disabilities. Through assistance is provided to children with the program, USAID has provided disabilities and with health issues that subgrants to organizations whose objec­ EGYPT restrict them from attending school. tive is to employ and mainstream people USAID/Egypt supports programming Children from target communities who with disabilities. For example, grants aimed at both the prevention of disabil­ have visual, auditory, or mobility dis­ were provided to Cyprus Dyslexia As­ ity and the greater inclusion of people abilities are provided with medical ser­ sociation to strengthen special education with disabilities in all areas of society,

24 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy including education and economic and and knowledge about disability rights, grants, and cooperative agreements. civic participation. Disability preven­ empowering people with disabilities to However, USAID/Egypt reports that it tion activities are primarily focused on work collectively to attain those rights does not have a disability inclusion plan the eradication of polio from Egypt. in the public sphere, and sensitizing in place. The mission has been working closely governorate-level decisionmakers to is­ with the government of Egypt toward sues affecting people with disabilities The mission’s new office building was that goal. in order to facilitate their inclusion and built in compliance with U.S. stan­ participation. In addition, the mission dards to ensure universal accessibility for The mission operates an information supported the establishment of gover­ people with disabilities. The facility has, and communications technology proj­ norate-based disabilities committees in for example, curb cuts, ramps, modified ect under its economic growth objec­ all governorates to ensure that disability elevators, and parking spaces designated tive. One of the subprojects consists of issues are not neglected. for people with disabilities. The mis­ a grant to Ain Shams University, one sion has employed a number of people of Egypt’s most important centers of Aid to another local NGO, Coptie with disabilities, both American and learning, for its audiology unit. The ob­ Evangelical Organization for Social Egyptian, and it has taken steps to meet jective is to develop a localized Arabic- Services (CEOSS), supported a rights- staff needs for specialized furniture and language multimedia software package based initiative to engage people with equipment. to assist children with central auditory disabilities in the decision-making pro­ processing disorder. Two other grants cesses of their communities. Examples INDIA were awarded to help people with visual of the types of issues dealt with in the USAID/India operates a variety of pro­ disabilities access computer systems. CEOSS activities are (a) access to public grams that incorporate people with dis­ Software, hardware and training were transportation for people with disabili­ abilities into their goals and activities. provided. ties and (b) allocation of space in lit­ The mission’s disaster management pro­ eracy classes. CEOSS worked at the lo­ gram aims to reduce the vulnerability of People with disabilities are included in cal level to raise the awareness of people all segments of society, including persons the mission’s program for small and mi­ with disabilities regarding their right to with disabilities. The mission’s access to croenterprises. One of this program’s ac­ participate in the community, facilitated education program addresses the special tivities helps people with disabilities in engagement with local decisionmak­ needs of children with disabilities, work­ Upper Egypt through a partner micro- ers, and assisted in the issuance of birth ing to ensure that those children are finance institution, the Assiut Business certificates and national identity cards enrolled and retained in school. The pro­ Association. to help people with disabilities fully in­ gram has three NGO partners that work tegrate in life. CEOSS partnered with The democracy and governance annual with children with disabilities. The en­ three disabled persons organizations and program statement promotes citizenship vironment program has helped facilitate other groups to implement those activi­ and tolerance for all Egyptian citizens. an environmentally green building certi­ ties. The CEOSS-funded subgrants in­ It has focused on supporting groups fication program, which includes access volved capacity building for the partner that promote the inclusion of people for people with disabilities as a criterion disabled persons organizations, which with disabilities, a historically disen­ for building certification. Finally, people are located in Beni Seuf and Cairo. franchised group, with USAID support. with disabilities are beneficiaries of ac­ Two grants—one with the International Finally, the education program is in­ tivities in the health arena. USAID/India Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) volved with the National Book Program. does not conduct any capacity-building and the other with a local disability To cultivate a culture of inclusion, some activities with or for disabled persons or­ NGO, Shumuu—directly targeted the of the books are distributed to school li­ ganizations. promotion of civic and political partici­ braries for children with disabilities. pation of people with disabilities nation­ The offices of USAID/India are fully wide. Under the grant to Shumuu, the USAID/Egypt incorporates the stan­ accessible to people with disabilities. first Braille training manual in Egypt dard provisions supporting USAID’s The mission is co-located with the De­ was developed and widely disseminated. inclusive disability policy in all solicita­ partment of State on the U.S. Embassy Activities included raising awareness tions and resulting awards for contracts, compound. Embassy facilities have

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 25 ramps, and those facilities are reported The goal of the Targeted Election Man­ holders have a wealth of experience in to comply with Uniform Federal Acces­ agement Assistance (TEMA) Program is inclusive education training, monitoring, sibility Standards. The USAID mis­ to ensure that—throughout Indonesia and evaluation. They provide input on sion is accessible by elevator on a single during the 2009 national elections— curriculum and learning materials; coun­ level, and an open office environment is polling operations and voter registration seling support; and training, monitoring, maintained. USAID offices and public processes are more inclusive of the needs and evaluation of headmasters, teachers, areas are equipped with signs marked in of people with disabilities. Disabled trainers, and government partners. They Braille, and wide and unobstructed hall­ persons organizations and disabled ad­ are also members of the policy task force ways are maintained to accommodate vocacy groups in the TEMA program for inclusive education in Jakarta and people with disabilities. will participate in the development of three provinces where the Decentralized electoral procedures. For example, one Education Program is operating. USAID/India reports that it does not activity will assist the national elec­ have a disability inclusion plan in place, tion commission in creating posters People with disabilities are also being and the mission does not target people and guidebooks in Braille about how to incorporated into reconstruction efforts with disabilities for participation in vote. through the promotion of accessibility. planning, implementation, and evalu­ The ongoing construction of the Banda ation of programs. USAID/India’s dis­ The Opportunities for Vulnerable Aceh to Calang road includes acces­ ability policy includes the objective of Children (OVC) program is improving sible sidewalks with approaches on both ensuring that employment opportuni­ access to education. Continued col­ sides of the roadway and to and from all ties are open to people with disabilities. laboration with government counter­ bridges. A number of those facilities are The mission accordingly considers hir­ parts, disabled persons organizations, under construction. ing people with disabilities when ap­ and other stakeholders is ensuring the propriate. As a result, one person with a inclusion of children with disabilities USAID/Indonesia reports that a mis­ disability, a foreign service national, was in the public school system. The OVC sion order on the USAID/Indonesia hired by the mission in 2004. program partners with 158 schools in disability inclusion plan is in the final Jakarta and is looking to expand to 100 clearance stage and that the plan will be schools in three other provinces. The shared with all stakeholders once it has INDONESIA program has provided access to educa­ been approved. USAID/Indonesia operates a number tion and support services to more than of programs designed to improve ac­ 1,000 children with disabilities. cess for people with disabilities to basic JORDAN USAID/Jordan is engaged in a project rights such as voting and education. For The OVC program provides capacity with Handicap International to help example, the local government support building and direct technical assistance improve the advocacy capacity of com­ program assists a citizen-led good gov­ in the form of training, management munity development organizations to ernance task force in West Java Province support, and grant writing to more than promote democracy, human rights, and that places a high priority on providing fifteen local disabled persons organi­ development for people with disabilities access to basic education for children zations. Such support will allow those in their communities. The objective of with disabilities. The program’s efforts to organizations to increase their technical, the project is to establish a comprehen­ make local governments more effective, management, and fundraising capaci­ sive local network of disabled persons accountable, and responsive involve, in ties. Eventually, those organizations will organizations that will promote and part, working to strengthen the manage­ become proficient in designing and im­ protect the rights of people with disabil­ ment capacity of local institutions and plementing programs similar to OVC. their financial capacity to handle issues ities. This network will serve as a model related to people with disabilities. The OVC also has a substantial number of for the rest of the country. In addition program is also working with people people with disabilities who participate to training and equipping those groups with disabilities, including disabled per­ in all aspects of the program, includ­ to advocate effectively and be involved sons organizations, to increase their par­ ing senior management and OVC staff in the decision-making process on be­ ticipation in local government decision members, as well as experienced educa­ half of their communities, local authori­ making and advocacy for their rights. tors with disabilities. Those senior stake­ ties will be trained and equipped with

26 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy relevant information and skills to pre­ ten communities each); (2) comple­ USAID’s planning, implementation, pare a disability policy that can be intro­ tion of the Baseline Study Report: People and evaluation of programs. An ongoing duced into their routine procedures. Lo­ with Disabilities in Target Communities portion of USAID’s assistance portfolio cal partners also will receive assistance to of Nong, Vilabuly, and Xepon Districts, is designed to improve the livelihood of design and implement a cycle of small Savannakhet Province and Vangvieng and to empower people with disabilities grants that address issues of inclusion District, Vientiane Province, Lao PDR in Lebanon. Under economic growth and accessibility for persons with dis­ (September 2005); (3) creation of a re­ programs, the war and landmine victim abilities in local communities, thereby source room at the Provincial Rehabili­ assistance program through the World targeting infrastructure and information tation Center, which houses a reference Rehabilitation Fund Inc. provides job campaigns to raise public awareness of library; (4) enrollment of nine people opportunities and creates income- disability issues. Several community- with disabilities in a six-month voca­ generating activities for landmine and level grants from the outreach program tional training course; and (5) produc­ war victims in southern Lebanon. The have been provided to community- tion of weekly national radio broadcasts small-grants program provides social based organizations that work with chil­ on disability issues in support of the services and assistance to vulnerable dren with disabilities to increase oppor­ advocacy issues of the Lao Disabled Peo­ populations, including marginalized tunities for those children. ple’s Association. persons with disabilities. Under de­ mocracy and governance programs, the USAID/Jordan does not have a dis­ In addition, USAID has supported transparency and accountability grants ability inclusion plan, but the mission Catholic Relief Services (CRS), which, program supports the advancement of works closely with the U.S. Embassy in partnership with the Ministry of Edu­ rights of persons with disabilities in to ensure inclusion of people with dis­ cation, has been implementing an inclu­ Lebanon. abilities. USAID/Jordan has no barriers sive education program titled Strength­ to participation of people with disabili­ ening Community and School Support USAID also provides technical assis­ ties. The mission is located within the for Children with Disabilities. This tance, training, and equipment to build embassy, where facilities are available to project builds on the experience and the capacity of local NGOs and disabled eliminate barriers to communication, lessons learned by the USAID-funded persons organizations to, in turn, pro­ physical accessibility, and employment CRS/Vietnam inclusive education pro­ vide assistance to people with disabilities opportunities. The mission also has an gram while adapting it to fit the Laotian and to advocate successfully for their active equal opportunity policy, which context. The project can be divided into rights. For example, under the war and is closely followed. Qualified individuals three main components: (a) developing landmine victim assistance program and are hired regardless of any disabilities. capacity within the Ministry of Educa­ through the provision of equipment, tion, the provincial and district educa­ sustainable income-generation activities, tion offices, and the National Rehabilita­ and capacity building, USAID is em­ LAOS tion Center; (b) improving the skills of powering a local development coopera­ USAID does not maintain a mission in teachers and school principals to imple­ tive whose members and beneficiaries Laos, so all programming is managed ment inclusive education at the school are landmine survivors and their fami­ through the Regional Development and community levels; and (c) working lies. The small-grants program improves Mission Asia. In Laos, USAID sup­ with communities to support children the capabilities of local NGOs to pro­ ports Handicap International Belgium, with special needs, both in and out of vide assistance to persons with disabili­ which, in partnership with people with school. Working with every teacher in all ties. To illustrate, in FY 2007 USAID disabilities, their families, and commu­ 140 primary schools and with every vil­ provided equipment for a skills-training nities, employs medical, educational, lage in the target districts, the three-year workshop of the Father Roberts Insti­ socioeconomic, and advocacy interven­ project aims to directly benefit 800 chil­ tute, a local NGO that provides skills tions to improve the quality of life of dren with disabilities in three districts. and education services for young people persons with disabilities. Among the with hearing loss. program’s accomplishments are (1) training of thirty community-based re­ LEBANON USAID/Lebanon does not have a dis­ habilitation workers who work in thirty Meeting the needs of persons with ability inclusion plan that has been dis­ target communities (three districts, with disabilities has been integrated into tributed to all partners. However, staff-

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 27 ing for the U.S. Department of State, Although USAID/Mongolia does not of the government of Pakistan’s polio USAID, and U.S. implementing part­ have a specific disability inclusion plan eradication campaign in collaboration ners is based on EOE principles. Evalu­ in place, the Agency’s policy on people with USAID funding to UNICEF. Each ation of applicants is based on the skills with disabilities has been distributed episode tells a personal story of what and expertise required for the position to all implementing partners. USAID/ it is like in Pakistan to have a disabil­ and excludes any type of discrimination. Mongolia recruits without prejudice ity as a result of polio. The episodes are USAID/Lebanon has implementing regarding disability. Should people with aired during prime time across Pakistan mechanisms documents that have been disabilities be hired, USAID would re­ ahead of polio immunization cam­ issued by the regional contracting office move any and all barriers to their active paigns to draw public attention to the in Egypt and that include certifications participation as a member of the mis­ ongoing dangers of the polio virus and and assurances of compliance with laws sion team. All restroom facilities in the to encourage compliance with eradica­ USAID office are located on the first and regulations governing nondiscrimi­ tion efforts. The episodes have also been floor. adapted for the print media, and copies nation in federally assisted programs. have been shared with the Global Po­ Despite those policies, some barriers lio Eradication Initiative so that other MOROCCO remain. The Lebanon operating unit countries where polio is endemic may USAID/Morocco does not have any has unique working conditions; it is lo­ produce a similar series in their own programs for people with disabilities. contexts. cated in a temporary compound where However, the mission has incorporated the sloped topographic gradient and in its office compound layout a num­ In December 2007, the American In­ high security measures create accessibil­ ber of ramps that give access to its two stitute for Research (AIR) began the ity challenges. However, the operating office buildings, to its main conference ENGAGE project in Pakistan to com­ unit can provide alternative office space room, and from its parking to each of plement the work being done by the and assistance to increase accessibility the locations. Revitalizing, Innovating, Strengthening for visitors and employees with disabili­ Education (RISE) program and to in­ ties on a case-by-case basis. The oper­ tegrate people with disabilities into the PAKISTAN ating unit has also reduced barriers to programming by strengthening teacher USAID/Pakistan’s health and popula­ accessing its public outreach websites by skills and education system readiness tion welfare program provides support bringing the websites into compliance to address the needs of children with to programs that strive to prevent dis­ with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation disabilities. Specifically, the ENGAGE ability. When prevention efforts fail, Act, which requires federal agencies to project will introduce a two-day train­ programs are implemented that aim to make their electronic and information ing program for all 10,000 teachers on improve the lives of persons with dis­ technology accessible to people with dis­ inclusive education and will work with abilities through effective referrals for local disability and education partners abilities. assistance. to deepen training for primary school Disability prevention efforts focus on teachers in Bagh, a district in Kashmir MONGOLIA a polio eradication initiative. USAID with a population of nearly 400,000. In Mongolia, people with disabilities is providing funding to UNICEF to AIR will work with Pakistani educa­ have been assisted by USAID proj­ strengthen routine immunization, to tion and disability experts to develop a ects that provide business services, loan hold national immunization days for training curriculum that will (a) support facilitation assistance, and vocational polio eradication, and to conduct fol­ teachers in the classroom in one-on-one training. A USAID judicial reform low-up campaigns to reach all children sessions to develop educational strate­ project has resulted in locating pub­ still unvaccinated. Social mobilization is gies for improving learning outcomes lic access terminals on the first floor of a particular focus of activities to ensure for students with disabilities and (b) in­ courtrooms to ensure maximum access. community demand for immunization. struct clusters of teachers about how to USAID/Mongolia does not conduct any Polio True Stories is a thirteen-part televi­ share classroom case studies and to how capacity-building activities with or for sion series of four-and-one-half-minute introduce and advance strategies of in­ disabled persons organizations. episodes that were produced as part clusive education.

28 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy To complement that work, the EN­ PHILIPPINES The mission’s website has also been GAGE team has also been asked (a) to The Wheelchairs for Mindanao proj­ developed to meet disability standards work with the Bagh-based teacher train­ ect is a USAID-supported program of under Section 508 of the amended Re­ ing institutes to introduce curriculum Handicap International. The project habilitation Act. With regard to em­ on inclusive and special needs education, provides for the first customized wheel­ ployment, the mission provides equal (b) to work with Bagh’s district public chair production facility in Mindanao opportunities to people with disabilities education officers to help them develop and establishes distribution and main­ and, in choosing the most qualified can­ a strategic plan for educating children tenance centers in strategic locations didate, does not include any evaluation with disabilities, and (c) to work with in­ throughout Mindanao. The grant pro­ criteria that would put people with dis­ dividual school management committees vides technical assistance for developing abilities at a disadvantage. (composed of parents, teaches, and com­ local capacities to provide services to fa­ munity leaders) to help them conduct cilitate integrating people with disabili­ SRI LANKA prevalence studies of childhood disabili­ ties, including war victims, into the so­ USAID/Sri Lanka’s humanitarian as­ ties in their communities. cioeconomic life of their communities. Wheelchair production, distribution, sistance efforts included a program in USAID/Pakistan does not have a dis­ maintenance, training, and other sup­ FY 2007 to improve the availability and ability inclusion plan. The Pakistan port have been developed in partnership quality of services for people with dis­ Earthquake Reconstruction Program with five local organizations. USAID abilities. The mission worked in con­ has two programs designed to benefit funds provide initial working capital for junction with Motivation Charitable people with disabilities directly. Un­ wheelchair production and distribution Trust (MCT), an international NGO der the implementation phase of the facilities, technical assistance, public ad­ based in the United Kingdom, that new programs, the reconstruction office vocacy, and information dissemination. acted as the implementing agency and is conducting social assessment stud­ with six Sri Lankan disability organiza­ USAID/Philippines envisions no further ies whereby people with disabilities are tion partners. With funding from the efforts on disability assistance under consulted to determine the number and Leahy War Victims Fund, the disability the current strategy for FY 2004 to FY needs of people with disabilities. support program represented a $3.74 2009. The mission reports that the gov­ million, five-year commitment to com­ ernment of the Republic of the Philip­ The first project, CDM, is reconstruct­ prehensive rehabilitation for people pines is fully committed to addressing ing schools and health care facilities with mobility disabilities. The program the issues and concerns of people with in the earthquake-affected areas of the made strides in building the organi­ Mansehra and Bagh Districts. This pro­ disabilities and is relatively advanced in addressing those concerns. zational and service-provision capac­ gram formulates architectural designs ity of partner organizations, supported and implements construction that will USAID/Philippines reports that, al­ international standards training and enable easy access to and use of the though it does not have a disability in­ certification of prosthetic and orthotic ground level of new facilities for people clusion plan in place, the mission is cog­ practitioners, and made important con­ with physical disabilities. The second nizant of the Agency’s disability policy tributions to improving the status and project, RISE, aims to strengthen the and encourages partners to seek oppor­ quality of life for people with disabili­ education sector in the earthquake-af­ tunities to involve people with disabili­ ties through job skills training, advo­ fected areas. RISE has included inter­ ties in their programs. USAID/Philip­ cacy, and public awareness raising. ventions whereby a study assesses the pines took a number of steps to reduce number of people with disabilities who barriers for people with disabilities when In the planning stages of the disability are currently not enrolled in or attend­ the mission offices moved to a new lo­ support program, people with disabili­ ing primary school. The study, com­ cation in 2001. Ramps were installed ties were consulted and their input di­ pleted in mid-2008, will yield data for access, a restroom was built for staff rectly influenced how the program took that can be used to design interven­ members with disabilities, and an agree­ shape. Two of the program’s former local tions intended to motivate and facilitate ment from the building administration partners are themselves staffed and gov­ stakeholders in enrolling children with was obtained to run elevators on week­ erned by people with disabilities. Those disabilities in nearby schools. ends to ensure access to USAID offices. individuals partnered with USAID in

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 29 day-to-day planning, service implemen­ ple with disabilities attempting to seek and Orphans Fund, USAID has devel­ tation, and regular evaluation. and maintain employment. It was suc­ oped several key components in Viet­ cessful in placing 233 people with dis­ nam’s planning: the creation of the Bar­ The program’s rehabilitation services and abilities in jobs. rier Free Codes and Standards, which activities were managed by USAID’s im­ codifies accessibility into all new public plementing partner, MCT. Over the life The program reinforced the legal pro­ infrastructure, and the development of of the program, MCT has served nearly tection and status of people with disabil­ the National Action Plan for Disabil­ 10,000 people with disabilities, including ities through advocacy activities, making ity, which lays out the government of 4,000 patients who received prosthetic major contributions to the drafting of a Vietnam’s long-term plan for promoting limbs and 1,500 patients who received disability rights bill and accessibility reg­ equal opportunities for people with dis­ spinal and upper limb orthotic devices. It ulations for the built environment. The abilities. has provided more than 700 customized bill was translated in all local languages wheelchairs and other mobility devices and was submitted for parliamentary re­ Technical and financial support from and has facilitated employment for more view by the end of the reporting period. USAID has been key to develop­ than 200 people with disabilities. Finally, the program contributed signifi­ ing Vietnam’s new law on disabilities. cantly to advocacy and public awareness USAID has supported technical guid­ The program also worked to build and activities to ensure that all reconstruc­ ance for the drafting procedure as well strengthen the capacity of indigenous tion efforts for tsunami-damaged infra­ as for the extensive citizens’ consultative organizations to provide high-quality, structure be designed with accessibility meetings on the draft law. sustainable services. To that end, MCT needs in mind. The USAID/Sri Lanka In support of government legislation conducted a comprehensive assessment disability support program for 2003– on disabilities, USAID has created pilot of the capacity and training needs of its 2007 has ended, but it has received fol­ bus routes for people with disabilities, partner organizations. New activities low-on funding from another donor. and training modules addressing identi­ provided technical assistance to make fied needs were installed, including (a) USAID/Sri Lanka seeks to have the future transportation accessible, worked developing a standardized patient data­ highest level of participation from peo­ with the Ministries of Construction and base, (b) streamlining the clinical service ple with disabilities in its work. Staff­ Transportation to incorporate accessibil­ structure, and (c) training twenty-eight ing opportunities are posted as widely as ity into their training programs, cre­ technicians in metal workshop skills. possible, with an open invitation to the ated provincial “enforcement units” to The program made infrastructure im­ general community, including people enforce accessibility codes, and continu­ provements that were necessary for the with disabilities. As necessary, the mis­ ously lobbied for the inclusion of issues local partner organizations to provide sion is prepared to accommodate an in­ important to people with disabilities in services and equipment to people with dividual’s specific needs with physically any new government activities. disabilities, including improved work­ accessible workspaces. USAID/Sri Lanka With USAID’s financial support, the shop area design and safety, computer reports that all stakeholders are aware of government of Vietnam’s Ministry of equipment, and office furnishings. USAID’s policy of inclusion; however, Education and Training and its Min­ no disability inclusion plan exists. Future The disability support program contrib­ istry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Af­ solicitations are expected to include lan­ uted significantly to improving the so­ fairs have developed special curricula guage reflecting a policy of inclusion for cial status and quality of life for people and didactic materials for children with individuals with disabilities. with mobility disabilities. Through disabilities. USAID programs promote three initiatives, the program facilitated the inclusion of children with disabili­ employment searches, advocated to state VIETNAM ties into the regular education system, authorities on behalf of people with dis­ People with disabilities and disabled support the development of Vietnam’s abilities, and provided for public aware­ persons organizations are widely con­ National Education Program for Chil­ ness activities. The program also con­ sulted in the planning and execution of dren with Disabilities, provide teacher ducted training courses for 737 people USAID-funded activities in Vietnam. training, and assist with policy develop­ with disabilities to provide knowledge, With funds from the Leahy War Vic­ ment for inclusive education systems skills, and confidence building for peo­ tims Fund and the Displaced Children and for legislation to increase educa­

30 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy tional opportunities for children with persons organization titled Inclusive screened on the basis of their qualifica­ disabilities. Development in Action. It is now an tions, experience, and overall respon­ independent, self-supporting institution siveness to the requirements of the In addition to promoting primary and that focuses on building the capacity of position. No staff members with dis­ secondary education opportunities, disabled persons organizations through abilities are now employed by the mis­ USAID has supported vocational train­ training in leadership skills, team build­ sion, although a top-ranked candidate ing for adolescents with disabilities and ing, information and communication, with a mobility disability was recently job placement services. Through the and resource development activities. In offered a position but declined. USAID Hanoi College for Information Technol­ total, USAID/Vietnam’s programs assist ogy, USAID has provided a pilot infor­ offices and work space are designed and eighty-eight disabled persons organiza­ equipped to meet the needs of peo­ mation technology (IT) project to train tions throughout Vietnam and are work­ ple with disabilities, including physi­ adolescents with disabilities. The first ing to establish the National Disabled cal accessibility upgrades and facilities class of twenty-seven students graduated Persons Association. in June 2008, and a number of them to accommodate mobility aids such as have found work in Vietnam’s growing With assistance, Vietnam’s National wheelchairs. IT sector. In the lowland provinces and Coordinating Council on Disability was in Vietnam’s central highlands, USAID established to improve strategic plan­ YEMEN provides vocational training and busi­ ning for policy development and coor­ USAID/Yemen, in line with its man­ ness development services for adoles­ dination among line ministries and to date, addresses the needs of people with cents with disabilities and for the busi­ incorporate the needs of people with nesses that employ them. disabilities in their strategies. USAID disabilities within its operations, as evi­ also worked with the Committee of denced by the education program, Ye­ Economic inclusion has been a focus of Social Affairs of the national assembly men Educational Quality Improvement USAID/Vietnam’s programs, including to promote the Ordinance on Disabled Program (EQUIP) 1. That program is the establishment of the Blue Ribbon Persons and to solicit feedback from renovating seventy-seven schools and is Employers Council. As a groundbreak­ grassroots-level organizations on the ef­ building eight multipurpose rooms. All ing initiative by a consortium of public fectiveness of the implementation of the EQUIP 1 designs feature classrooms, and private partners who saw the need ordinance. bathrooms, and multipurpose rooms to link into Vietnam’s vast untapped that are accessible to people with mo­ labor force of people with disabilities, USAID’s disability policies have been bility disabilities and to those who are the council brings together a diverse widely shared with its implementing blind. The construction projects comply group of employers and national and partners, including grantees and coop­ with U.S. standards set out in the Amer­ international organizations to promote erative agreement awardees, as well as icans with Disabilities Act. People with employment of people with disabilities institutional contractors. Those policies disabilities are included in the planning in Vietnam. The council reaches out also instituted at the mission through and implementation of all stages of the to potential employees with disabili­ employment practices and the removal EQUIP 1 project. ties and encourages them to share their of barriers to accessibility. USAID’s ulti­ experience with other businesses. That mate objective is to ensure that all of the People with disabilities are included in exposure encourages those businesses mission’s development programs con­ the mission’s development programs, as to diversify their workforce and to hire sider the needs and concerns of people appropriate. However, USAID/Yemen persons with disabilities. The coun­ with disabilities and include people with does not conduct any capacity-building cil also gives public recognition and disabilities in program planning, imple­ activities with or for disabled persons awards to companies that hire people mentation, and evaluation. The U.S. organizations. USAID/Yemen reports with disabilities. Embassy now posts all job opportunities that, although it does not have a disabil­ on the disability forum distribution list. USAID continues to invest in organiza­ ity inclusion plan in place, the mission tional capacity building in Vietnam. The As vacancies arise or as new positions is located within the premises of the mission supported the establishment and are approved, they are advertised in the U.S. Embassy and follows the embassy’s development of a Hanoi-based disabled major daily newspapers. Applicants are administrative procedures.

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 31 REGIONAL OFFICES ing, and disability policies. RDMA and ways are maintained to accommodate Middle East Regional. USAID/Middle its partners recognize the importance people with disabilities. East does not have a disability inclusion and value of including people with dis­ plan in place. The office reports that abilities in all aspects of its assistance to USAID/South Asia Regional reports that it does not have a disability inclusion disability tends to be a bilateral, coun­ people with disabilities. try-specific issue, rather than a regional plan in place, nor does it target people or transboundary issue, thus placing it In addition, through the American with disabilities for participation in the out of the scope of the Office of Middle Refugee Committee International and planning, implementation, and evalua­ East Programs. Right to Play, RDMA provides refugee tion of its programs. No capacity-build­ children and youth in Thailand with ing activities have been conducted with Regional Development Mission Asia. access to regular and inclusive sports or for disabled persons organizations. The Regional Development Mission and play to enhance their physical and Office disability policy includes the Asia (RDMA) makes every effort to psychosocial development. The project objective of ensuring that employment include people with disabilities in the aims to provide all children in the refu­ opportunities are open to people with design and implementation of USAID gee camps—including girls and children disabilities. The mission accordingly programming. To that end, there are with disabilities—with life, leadership, considers hiring people with disabilities, two positions at RDMA that directly and communication skills, as well as when appropriate. In 2004, one foreign involve people with disabilities: the dis­ with a sense of discipline and fair play. ability program coordinator in Hanoi service national with a disability was and the equal opportunity officer in RDMA does not have a disability inclu­ hired, and he continues to work within Bangkok. The disability program coor­ sion plan. However, the mission intends the mission. dinator has conducted disability aware­ to draft and distribute an inclusion ness sessions and has ensured that the plan to all employees and stakehold­ facilities are accessible to people with ers in FY 2008. RDMA programming EUROPE AND EURASIA disabilities. In Bangkok, the equal op­ in Laos and Vietnam supports disabled portunity officer maintains fairness in persons organizations in advocacy and ALBANIA recruitment and hiring, relevant train­ policy efforts, and RDMA specifically The Albanian Disability Rights Founda­ ing, career mobility and counseling, and assists people with disabilities in estab­ tion program focuses on promoting and equal pay and promotion for all em­ lishing such organizations and commu­ protecting the civil rights of people with ployees. In addition, RDMA’s regional nity groups. RDMA also provides those disabilities by facilitating the imple­ office of procurement ensures that every groups with assistance in conducting mentation of a disability policy and a contracting mechanism contains lan­ awareness campaigns regarding issues legal framework, as well as by develop­ guage that encourages contractors and that affect people with disabilities. ing an instrument for their ongoing grantees to involve people with disabili­ monitoring. The project focuses on the USAID/South Asia Regional. USAID/ ties in their activities and to provide following actions: (a) improving the South Asia Regional, which is co-located people with disabilities with equal op­ understanding and attitudes of relevant with the mission offices of USAID/In­ portunities for employment. governmental and nongovernmental dia, is fully accessible to people with agencies and policymakers through the RDMA conducts programming in Laos, disabilities. The program offices are co­ promotion of the national disability Vietnam, and Burma that focuses on located with the Department of State on strategy at national and local levels; (b) people with disabilities; in turn, this the U.S. Embassy compound. Embassy increasing the capacity of disabled per­ target group is directly involved in the facilities have ramps, and these facilities sons organizations and relevant stake­ planning, implementation, and evalua­ are reported to comply with Federal Ac­ holders through training and techni­ tion of RDMA’s programs. In Laos and cessibility Standards. The USAID mis­ cal expertise and through consultancy Vietnam, for example, RDMA supports sion is accessible by elevator on a single by national, regional, and international the inclusion of people with disabilities level, and an open office environment is disability professionals; (c) increas­ in community working groups dealing maintained. USAID offices and public ing responsibility and accountability with inclusive education, rehabilitation areas are equipped with signs marked in by developing annual monitoring and and medical services, vocational train­ Braille, and wide and unobstructed hall­ shadow reports to assess the implemen­

32 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy tation of the national disability strat­ cial education in schools; other grants special needs children. The Community egy; (d) developing extended networks were designed to address transportation Connections special education partici­ to advance and mainstream disability problems for people with disabilities pants were also provided training in ad­ in other advocacy and reform agendas, to ensure their greater integration into vocacy for inclusive or integrated educa­ thus challenging exclusion and fragmen­ society. tion practices. tary intervention; and (e) promoting an all-inclusive society. As part of the Social Protection Systems USAID/Armenia provided training to Strengthening project, five grants were the staff of fourteen community centers In 2007, USAID supported the ad­ awarded to local Armenian NGOs to to better serve 690 children with dis­ vocacy components of the Albanian create community daycare centers for abilities and special needs, and it helped Disability Rights Foundation program people with disabilities. The project is establish two new centers through the and provided a grant so the foundation working to expand protection systems mission’s Children in Especially Diffi­ could provide support services to people for vulnerable populations by develop­ cult Circumstances project. The project with disabilities. As a result, more than ing appropriate policies and regulations, also helped forty-five children with dis­ 150 wheelchairs were produced for and including those related to people with abilities in boarding schools to reunify provided to people with disabilities. disabilities. with their families and provided train­ In June 2007, Mobility International The mission supported a number of ing on inclusive education to 320 teach­ USA conducted in Albania a series of activities about rights of children with ers and 486 parents. workshops that were about inclusive disabilities. USAID/Armenia supported USAID/Armenia supports activities development policies and practices and the participation of four people to the related to the promotion of disability were attended by USAID staff mem­ ninth International Congress on Com­ rights in general. The mission’s civic bers, contractors, and grantees. The munity Services for Children, Youth, technical assistance and expertise were and Families with Special Health Care advocacy support project monitors the intended to advance disability inclusion Needs held in the United States (De­ implementation of laws related to dis­ from policy to practice. As a result, a cember 4–7, 2006). The theme of the ability issues, as well as drafting amend­ coalition of stakeholders agreed to work congress, “Community Access and Re­ ments to laws on psychiatric care for together on promoting and supporting sources for Everyone,” focused on ways persons with psychosocial disabilities. disability and development work. to protect the civil and human rights of Finally, the mission developed a pilot people with disabilities. USAID/Albania does not have a dis­ project to increase the number of vot­ ability inclusion plan. However, the The Community Connections project ers with disabilities who participated office building is compliant with the supported the participation of ten spe­ in the 2007 parliamentary elections. Americans with Disabilities Act, and cial education teachers and government In eight cities across Armenia, polling the mission adheres to U.S. government representatives in a three-week practical stations were made fully accessible to standards in all hiring practices and internship in the United States. Top­ voters with disabilities. Among other evaluation standards. ics addressed included the following: (a) activities, the project is working with new teaching methodologies in the field local election officials in those cities ARMENIA of special education, (b) curriculum to include components in voter infor­ USAID/Armenia is implementing sev­ development for special needs schools, mation campaigns that inform voters eral key projects to support people with (c) use of modern methods with special with disabilities about improved access disabilities. In addition to projects that needs children, (d) ways to provide per­ to polling stations and that encourage aim to improve the situations of people manent support to students with special them to vote. with disabilities, USAID supports train­ needs to help them become full mem­ ing initiatives and the development of bers of society (e.g., job opportunities USAID/Armenia does not have a dis­ capacity around a variety of disabil­ and placement), (e) ways to create equal ability inclusion plan in place. The mis­ ity rights issues. For example, a series education opportunities for people with sion moved to a new embassy compound of grants provided support to disabled disabilities, and (f) ways to provide in 2005. The building is accessible to persons organizations that work on spe­ psychological support to the parents of people with mobility disabilities.

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 33 AZERBAIJAN/CAUCASUS lic website on the rights of people with ticipatory needs assessment for the To­ The USAID/Azerbaijan/Caucasus of­ disabilities; the Zaur Charity Founda­ gether for a Special Child project. fice targets children with disabilities tion organized an online forum on the Small grants were then awarded to the through the Community-Based Chil­ problems and challenges faced by people Belarusian Association of Assistance to dren’s Support Program. The program with disabilities in Azeri society. USAID Children and Young People with Dis­ promotes inclusion of vulnerable popu­ will continue to promote the active use abilities, the Kobrin branch of the as­ lations and provides services to at-risk of the Internet and improved computer sociation, and the NGO titled Healthy children—including those with disabil­ literacy skills to build understanding of Choice. As a result, 270 children with ities—through its Children and Family the treatment needs of people with dis­ disabilities in targeted communities en­ Support Centers. Those services include abilities and to promote the effective in­ joyed community-based services such (a) assisting pre- and primary-school­ tegration of people with disabilities into aged children with special educational as toy libraries, ergotherapeutic equip­ mainstream society. needs by addressing their physical and ment, day and night care, integrated psychosocial rehabilitation needs, (b) USAID/Azerbaijan/Caucasus does not playgroups, volunteer assistance, and improving children’s communications have a disability inclusion plan in place. recreation retreats. skills and promoting creative thinking, USAID/Belarus has also incorporated (c) training children in basic life skills, people with disabilities into several of and (d) working with parents to en­ BELARUS its other programs targeting vulnerable sure that sustainable community-based In FY 2007, the USAID-funded proj­ populations. For example, in FY 2007, alternatives to institutionalization are ect for orphans and vulnerable children among the beneficiaries of measures to available. maintained a special focus on services prevent trafficking in persons in Belarus for children with disabilities and their were eighty-four people with disabili­ USAID funded a nine-month advo­ families to better integrate them into ties who fell in the group “potentially cacy grant and a related campaign to community life. More than 200 fami­ highly vulnerable to mistreatment and raise consciousness and reform sup­ lies of children with disabilities in three trafficking.” Also in FY 2007, USAID port for a coalition of disabled persons communities of Belarus were directly continued to support capacity building organizations. The coalition is led by involved in implementing the Together the Intibah Social Development Union, of university legal clinics that provide for a Special Child project. In the three which represents various regional gov­ pro bono legal consultations to vulner­ targeted communities, parents of chil­ ernment and nongovernmental organi­ able groups such as people who are un­ dren with disabilities participated in the zations. The coalition worked to protect employed, the elderly, and people with elaboration of community strategies for the rights of women with disabilities, to disabilities. deinstitutionalization, the development ensure that relevant government institu­ of integrated community-based services The USAID mission for Ukraine, Be­ tions respond effectively to their needs, for vulnerable groups, and the evalua­ larus, and Moldova is committed to to increase public awareness about the pursuing advocacy for, outreach to, problems and rights of women with dis­ tion of project results. and inclusion of people with physical, abilities, and to provide legal and psy­ The NGO titled Belarusian Association sensory, and mental disabilities to the chological assistance to those women. of Assistance to Children and Young maximum extent feasible in the design The coalition’s campaign principally People with Disabilities was chosen as a and implementation of its programs. covers the Aran-Garabakh region and national partner for the Together for a USAID programs work to engage host- the surrounding areas of Aghdam, Tar- Special Child project, which was imple­ country counterparts, governments, Tar, and Agjabedi. mented by the Christian Children’s implementing organizations, and other USAID increased the advocacy capac­ Fund. The association represents 4,000 donors in promoting nondiscrimina­ ity of two disabled persons organiza­ families of children with disabilities and tion against—and equal opportunity tions—the Parallax and the Zaur Char­ has rich experience in implementing for—people with disabilities. The mis­ ity Foundation—by providing training various rehabilitation, social adaptation, sion communicates the USAID disabil­ in web design and presentation skills. and professional education programs. ity policy and sets legal requirements As a result, Parallax has created a pub­ The NGO was also involved in a par­ (special provisions), including nondis­

34 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy crimination requirements, for every ernment by giving input into strategic GEORGIA FY 2007 and FY 2008 award, and it planning, influencing decision making, The central activity that addresses is­ provides guidance to all implementing and advocating for change or reform. sues affecting people with disabilities in partners for making that commitment Disabled persons organizations are rep­ USAID/Georgia’s portfolio is the Sup­ operational. resented on the council. The represen­ porting Equal Opportunities for People tative from the Association of Youth with Disabilities (SEOPD) project. The USAID office in Belarus is acces­ with Invalidity “InfoPart” is tasked Funded by the Displaced Children and sible for people with disabilities. All with representing all local NGOs and Orphans Fund, the project was initi­ program information, including event citizen associations of people with dis­ announcements, calls for grant propos­ ated in September 2006 and has been abilities. The center also works with the extended until the end of September als, and employment opportunities, is NGO coalition To Work and Succeed distributed among all Belarusian NGOs 2009. The Coalition for Independent Together, which consists of nearly 400 Living, which is made up of disabled (including disabled persons organiza­ NGOs. More than forty of those NGOs persons organizations throughout Geor­ tions and other groups working with work on disability issues. people with disabilities) through e-mail gia, is the primary local counterpart for and public web resources. USAID/Be­ USAID/BiH does not have a disability the project’s implementing partner, Save larus does not have a disability inclusion inclusion plan, but the mission’s build­ the Children. plan in place. ing is designed to allow for persons with The SEOPD project is primarily meant disabilities to use all facilities. The evac­ to increase the capacity of disabled uation plan for the building includes BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA instructions to floor wardens for provid­ persons organizations to advocate for USAID/Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) ing special assistance to persons with the rights of people with disabilities. does not implement any activities tar­ disabilities. To meet that goal, SEOPD fosters the geted specifically at people with disabili­ conditions for equal opportunities and ties; however, representatives of dis­ full participation of people with dis­ abled persons organizations are involved BULGARIA abilities in the political, economic, and in some of the mission’s initiatives. The Health for Everyone Foundation, social life of Georgia. The project aims Through the Center for Civil Soci­ Pleven, program in Bulgaria focuses on to (a) support inclusive education for ety Promotion, a local NGO, USAID/ job creation and employment for people children with disabilities; (b) establish BiH is partnering with government with disabilities. The project is establish­ social rehabilitation services for people and business sectors to implement the ing twelve social enterprises that offer with disabilities; (c) strengthen the in­ Sustainable Development of the Non- jobs and skill development in collabora­ stitutional capacities of the Coalition Profit Sector project in BiH. The overall tion with local businesses. In addition, for Independent Living; (d) enhance objective of the project is to modernize a social network consisting of twenty- advocacy skills and networking of local civil society in BiH by supporting local eight regional partners is being estab­ and regional disabled persons organiza­ NGOs in assuming ownership of the lished with disabled persons organiza­ tions; (e) increase the organizational ca­ agenda for civil society development. tions, local government, and business. pacity of disabled persons organizations The center aims to institutionalize re­ Through four training centers, 1,000 lationships between the government people with disabilities per year will re­ and NGOs; (f) enhance coordination and the entire NGO sector including ceive job skills training and placement among NGOs, international organiza­ people with disabilities. A cooperation services. Through those programs, the tions, and governmental organizations agreement between NGOs and the BiH project will improve the capacity of the to elaborate a coherent policy and strat­ council of ministers was signed in May participating displaced persons organi­ egies to respond to the needs of people 2007; as a result, the first BiH NGO zations. Bulgaria became a member of with disabilities; (g) increase the partici­ council, consisting of representatives the European Union as of January 2007. pation of disabled persons organizations of thirty-one different NGO catego­ Under the Support to Eastern European and people with disabilities in elections ries, was established. The purpose of Democracy (SEED) Act, economic as­ at local and national levels; and (h) en­ the council is to represent the interests sistance provided by USAID ended as of hance public awareness of the rights and of civil society in the work of the gov­ September 2008. needs of people with disabilities.

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 35 The Coalition for Independent Living motional broadcasting on disability is­ tion Company (UEDC) developed a was actively involved in the SEOPD sues throughout Georgia involved about set of approaches for promoting the project from the initial planning stage, 1,000 people, including people with interests of people with disabilities. For including assessments of the existing disabilities, their family members, the instance, UEDC management noted situation, identification of needs, and government, and NGO representatives. that 9 percent of Georgians have some overall project design. Those activities Finally, the first National Disability Day sort of disability and that the company were conducted through discussions and was celebrated on a large scale in Geor­ should take a leadership role in both (a) meetings with the coalition’s manage­ gia on June 14, 2007. Plans for future promoting employment of people with ment and its member disabled persons activities include the production of four disabilities, including making proper organizations, as well as with the in­ programs on elections and accessibility accommodations as feasible; and (b) eas­ volvement of international organizations that will air on television and radio. ing barriers to people with disabilities and the Ministry of Education and Sci­ in their interactions with the company ence. The coalition’s involvement in all The Strategic Technical Assistance for (e.g., paying bills, contacting company aspects of the project implementation Results with Training activity provided personnel). Those ideas were shared process is the key means for strength­ funding for eight people (members of with the new private utility operator, ening its capacity for independently the Coalition for Independent Living Energo-Pro, and are being expanded for continuing disability initiatives in the and representatives of the Ministry of the rollout of a new program to employ future. Education and the Ministry of Health people with disabilities (with employ­ and Social Affairs) to attend the ninth ment targets expected to be 1–2 percent Achievements of the first year of im­ International Congress on Community of the workforce within the first year’s plementation of the SEOPD project Services for Children, Youth, and Fami­ time, and growing thereafter). The plan include capacity building for twenty lies with Special Health Care Needs, in identified the steps to be taken through of the coalition’s member organiza­ Washington, D.C., in December 2006. the customer service unit of the com­ tions through six trainings on coali­ The congress, sponsored by the U.S. pany to improve interaction with con­ tion building and management, strate­ Department of Health and Human Ser­ sumers who have disabilities. Energo- gic planning, community mobilization, vices, was held in support of the U.S. Pro, working with representatives of advocacy and networking, project man­ government’s New Freedom Initiative. a local NGO on the design of these agement, and training-of-trainers skills. That initiative is committed to tearing efforts, was to roll out those changes be­ The skills and knowledge gained from down barriers to the full integration of fore the end of 2007. those training sessions will enable the people with disabilities into community coalition to act as a strong representative life by (a) increasing access to assistive Through a small project assistance ac­ body of disabled persons organizations. technology and design, (b) expanding tivity, a Peace Corps volunteer worked educational and vocational opportuni­ with Orioni, a local NGO that sup­ The project also mobilized national ties, (c) promoting homeownership, (d) ports people with disabilities and their working groups for disability issues in improving health and medical care, (e) families in the Zestaponi region. Orioni several regions of Georgia and estab­ integrating into the workplace, (f) ex­ runs a day center where children with lished a national working group on dis­ panding transportation options, and (g) disabilities study independent living ability comprising relevant ministerial promoting full access to community life. skills, receive physical or speech therapy, departments and disabled persons or­ On their return, members of congress and plan and prepare for their future ganizations. Approximately 200 people shared information with their colleagues endeavors. The assistance contributed with disabilities were involved in various and counterparts, and then that infor­ to (a) the organization of the first in­ project activities including the develop­ mation was integrated into SEOPD’s tegrated children’s festival on June 1, ment of disability policy recommenda­ activities. 2007, which was devoted to the Inter­ tions that cover (a) policy priorities on national Day for Children’s Protection; disability, (b) strategic objectives, and USAID/Georgia has supported two (b) the establishment of an integrated (c) proposed changes in governmental other initiatives aimed at the fuller in­ children’s theater; and (c) the produc­ structural and functional alignments to tegration of people with disabilities. tion of a show that promoted child pro­ meet strategic priorities. Other semi­ The USAID-sponsored management tection. Fifty children with and without nars, workshops, campaigns, and pro­ team at the United Energy Distribu­ disabilities participated in presenting the

36 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy show at nine different schools. Children technical assistance to disabled persons During FY 2007, under the sponsor­ with disabilities from three other towns organizations; (c) public hearings and ship of USAID’s civil society program, of western Georgia also participated. regional and international networking a number of people with disabilities–led among disabled persons organizations advocacy efforts addressed issues such as USAID/Georgia does not have a dis­ and the government; and (d) partner­ employment, access to education, and ability inclusion plan in place. However, ship, advocacy campaign, and social capacity building for disabled persons USAID/Georgia will soon be removing enterprise grants. Counterpart’s imple­ organizations. In addition, assistance some barriers to participation for people menting partner for this program is the was provided to the Kosovo government with disabilities by increasing physical Civil Society Support Center Network in drafting a plan for deinstitutional­ access to its offices. USAID moved in Association in Kazakhstan, which is ac­ izing the Special Institution for People April 2008 to new U.S. government– tive nationwide. Counterpart also works with Mental Disabilities. built facilities in the new U.S. Embassy with a variety of disabled persons orga­ compound, which has appropriate ac­ nizations from the United States, Eu­ USAID/Kosovo’s civil society program cessibility infrastructure. Additionally, rope, and countries of the former Soviet supported seven campaigns, six of which USAID’s website complies with the Union as resource partners through its were implemented by disabled persons Agency’s guidelines to support use by partnership grant program. organizations. The project titled Increas­ people with disabilities. ing Awareness to Employ People with USAID/Kazakhstan does not have a Disabilities at the Local Level advocated disability inclusion plan. Although for increased employment opportuni­ KAZAKHSTAN USAID/Central Asian Republics ties for people with disabilities through USAID helps support the Eurasia Foun­ (USAID/CAR) does not employ people raising the awareness of local officials. dation Central Asia, which operates pro­ with disabilities on its staff in Kazakh­ The project engaged 140 people with grams in Kazakhstan that include people stan, the mission is fully prepared to disabilities in seven regions and thirty with disabilities. As part of the foun­ include people with disabilities in the municipal representatives. Another dation’s Enbekshaikazakh Community planning, implementation, and evalua­ project, Equal Opportunities for People Development Program, the organiza­ tion of USAID-supported programs. To with Disabilities, helped raise awareness tion titled Kamfor, in cooperation with ensure full accessibility, USAID installed about disabilities among the local com­ a Kazakhstan municipal government, an elevator in the building where the munity in north Mitrovica. Efforts to helped place seven people with disabili­ USAID/CAR mission operates in Al­ initiate sustainable partnerships among ties in jobs, worked with children with maty. Also, the office of USAID/CAR’s people with disabilities included inter- disabilities, and distributed wheelchairs representative from Kazakhstan moved municipal exchange visits, social activi­ and clothing to people with disabilities. from Astana to a new embassy com­ ties, and sport gatherings. Furthermore, as part of the program, pound in FY 2007 that is equipped with the Shelek Association of people who wheelchair accessibility, elevator signs Initiating and Implementing Draft Laws are blind set up a Braille training center in Braille, and emergency exit signs in for People with Disabilities promoted for rural residents. Braille. increased participation of people with disabilities in the drafting process of USAID also provides significant capac­ construction and public transportation ity-building resources for disabled per­ KOSOVO laws. The Place for Equal Opportuni­ sons organizations through Counterpart People with disabilities are among the ties project created a network of NGOs International. There are four core com­ target groups in USAID/Kosovo’s civil working on disability issues in the ponents of Counterpart International’s society and community-level assistance ethnic minority enclave of Gracanica. Promoting the Rights of Individuals programs. Wherever appropriate and The Disabled Access to Prizren Schools with Disabilities program: (a) organiza­ within resource limitations, USAID/Ko­ project promoted equal access to edu­ tional development training and men­ sovo includes disability considerations cation for children with disabilities in toring for disabled persons organizations into the mission’s portfolio and supports Prizren municipality. Fifteen public de­ that are based on Counterpart’s newly initiatives that promote and address bates were held. The goal of the Who created precertification methodology; disability issues, including initiatives Am I project was to increase integration (b) advanced advocacy training and led by disabled persons organizations. of children with Down syndrome into

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 37 preschool and primary schools through ments and solicitations emphasize diver­ ment. The Parliamentary Development television campaigns and educational sity and equal employment opportunity Program has established a partnership lectures. Finally, the Equality for All principles. Physical accessibility for peo­ with the local NGO, Polio Plus, which program advocated the opportunity for ple with disabilities to USAID/Kosovo is Macedonia’s leading advocacy organi­ people who are blind or have low vision facilities is a great challenge because the zation for people with disabilities. Polio to vote in local and central elections. mission is constrained by uneven terrain Plus benefits people with disabilities Activities included awareness-raising on the physical site, thus preventing the by providing them with a voice in the through media campaigns and advocacy installation of ramps, and by scarce re­ political process. USAID supports Po­ efforts that promote the use of Braille in sources. To the extent possible, the mis­ lio Plus’s efforts to advocate for legisla­ elections. sion explores ways to increase accessibil­ tion to protect the rights of people with ity. For example, a back entrance door disabilities, as well as its work to raise As part of the larger community en­ enables access from the car parking area issues of disability rights directly with hancement and development program to the mission’s public area and confer­ members of Parliament. focusing on minority communities in ence room. Kosovo, USAID/Kosovo partnered USAID/Macedonia also supports the with a local disabled persons organiza­ NGO titled Open the Windows, which tion, HandiKos, in constructing acces­ KYRGYZSTAN uses specially equipped computers to sible road crossings in north Mitrovica. USAID helps support the Eurasia Foun­ assist people with disabilities in access­ The mission also continued to support dation Central Asia, which operates a ing information, education, and train­ a stand-alone activity funded with FY program in Kyrgyzstan that includes ing. Six assistive IT centers, each run 2005 funds, the Initiative for Inclu­ people with disabilities. The founda­ by a different organization, are now sion for People with Mental Disabilities, tion was integral in setting up the NGO equipped with special computer hard­ which over two years created regional Phenomenon that has assisted people ware and software. The project also peer support programs for people with who are blind by creating more than includes training for staff members. mental disabilities. The activity estab­ twenty audio books covering Kyrgyz le­ Support has been provided by the Foun­ lished a National Council on Disabil­ gal topics, including the Kyrgyz consti­ dation of Lord Michelham of Hellingly. ity to represent people with psychoso­ tutions and the Kyrgyz criminal code. The project was conceived and is being cial and developmental disabilities. The implemented by a team including Dao initiative also drafted a plan which was USAID/Kyrgyzstan does not have a Tran, a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer who submitted to the government of Kosovo, disability inclusion plan. Although works with Open the Windows and to close institutions in Shtime/Štimlje. USAID/CAR does not employ people who helped the NGO prepare a pro­ The plan recommended the transition with disabilities on its staff in Kyrgyz­ posal for USAID funding. The inter­ of services from institutional to commu­ stan, the mission is fully prepared to active software provided to the centers nity-based settings, as well as the inclu­ include people with disabilities in the aims to help improve the user’s memory, sion of people with mental disabilities in planning, implementation, and evalua­ concentration, attention, analysis and the planning of services. tion of USAID-supported programs. In synthesis, and ability to differentiate col­ FY 2007, USAID/CAR’s country office ors and forms. All kinds of educational USAID/Kosovo does not have a formal in Bishkek moved into a new embassy games are included: puzzles, games with disability plan that supports disability- compound that is equipped with wheel­ rules, games that require fast reactions, related programs. However, a mission chair accessibility, elevator signs, and and identification of sounds and forms. order issued in January 2002 defines emergency exit signs in Braille. Computers have enlarged icons on the the USAID/Kosovo disability policy in desktop, cursor, and captions buttons. accordance with the USAID disability policy paper dated September 12, 1997. MACEDONIA In each of the new awards in Macedonia, USAID/Kosovo is committed to provid­ USAID/Macedonia supports both dis­ the standard USAID disability policy, ing equal employment opportunities to ability rights advocacy initiatives and dated September 12, 1997, is included in all individuals without regard to race, projects designed to foster inclusive­ the RFP. USAID/Macedonia works with color, religion, gender, ethnic origin, ness through the removal of barriers to implementing partners and host-country age, or disability. Mission advertise­ participation in education and employ­ counterparts to proactively foster a cli­

38 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy mate of nondiscrimination against people nondiscrimination requirements, for the equipment, the association bags with disabilities. That effort includes every FY 2007 and FY 2008 award and single-serving packets of sugar and sells working with all stakeholders during the provides guidance to all implementing them to local businesses such as hotels, design and implementation of program partners for making that commitment cafes, and restaurants. The project was activities and, in particular, during the operational. supported to provide employment and work planning process. USAID/Mace­ income-generating opportunities for donia promotes the inclusion of people The location and layout of the USAID people with disabilities. It was cofunded with disabilities, both within USAID office in Moldova are accessible for by the municipality of Pljevlja. programs and in host-country programs people with disabilities. All program that have USAID involvement. Unfortu­ information, including event announce­ USAID/Montenegro does not have a nately, because of budgetary constraints, ments, calls for grant proposals, and em­ disability inclusion plan. the mission has not been able to evaluate ployment opportunities, is distributed among all Moldovan NGOs (including the effect and effectiveness of its disabil­ ROMANIA disabled persons organizations and those ity programming. USAID/Romania manages the Motiva­ working with people with disabilities) tion Romania Foundation program that through e-mail distribution and public works to create regional solutions to MOLDOVA web resources. USAID/Moldova does the overwhelming need for affordable, The anti-trafficking initiative, Better not have a disability inclusion plan in high-quality wheelchairs and to improve Opportunities for Youth and Women place. in Moldova, offered direct assistance to the quality of life and integration of people with disabilities who have left people with disabilities in southeastern State orphanages and boarding schools MONTENEGRO Europe. In addition to providing direct and are presumed to be victims of traf­ Through capacity-building activities services to people with disabilities, this ficking. Those beneficiaries were offered implemented by The Society of Handi­ program has trained seventy-two people social reintegration services and a safe, crafts and Agricultural Work, the U.S. in wheelchair use and independent liv­ affordable, supervised learning and liv­ government provides grant assistance to ing skills, such as driving, to increase ing environment. In addition, USAID the Association of Paraplegics of Mon­ their opportunities for integration; has supported capacity-building in univer­ tenegro, which advocates for the rights raised awareness of the issues and needs sity legal clinics by providing pro bono of the estimated 80,000 people with dis­ of wheelchair users among 152 doc­ legal consultations to vulnerable groups, abilities in the country. Under the Mon­ tors, parents, and specialists in Roma­ including people who are unemployed, tenegro advocacy program, the associa­ nia; has conducted a regional peer group people who are elderly, and people with tion monitors enforcement of the law consensus conference; and has initiated disabilities. governing education of children with a network of disabled persons organi­ disabilities by the Ministry of Educa­ zations in Serbia, Bulgaria, and Mace­ The USAID Mission for Ukraine, Be­ tion. The aim is to ensure that all school donia. On January 1, 2007, Romania larus, and Moldova is committed to buildings in the capital and two other joined the European Union. Develop­ pursuing advocacy for, outreach to, and cities are made physically accessible to ment assistance from the U.S. Govern­ inclusion of people with physical and people with disabilities, according to a ment ends in 2008. mental disabilities—to the maximum key provision in the law. To date, the extent feasible—in the design and im­ NGO has ensured that fourteen school RUSSIA plementation of its programs. USAID buildings have been adapted to the programs engage host-country counter­ needs of people with disabilities. USAID/Russia has a disability action parts, governments, implementing orga­ plan in place that outlines the measures nizations, and other donors in promot­ In addition, the Northern Montene­ needed to best support the inclusion of ing nondiscrimination against and equal gro Community Revitalization through people with disabilities in its work. The opportunity for people with disabilities. Democratic Action—Economy program mission will incorporate, as appropriate, The mission communicates the USAID has procured packaging equipment for a disability analysis into the design stage disability policy and sets legal require­ the Association of Paraplegics in Pljev­ of program activities. In many cases, ments (special provisions), including lja, which has fifty-eight members. With people with disabilities have the same or

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 39 similar needs as others for health care, of people with disabilities in Russia intervention services in the Krasnoyarsk family planning, training, and employ­ through its programs. Simultaneously, region to assist children residing in fam­ ment. Through minor modification at USAID/Russia has consistently operated ilies, as well as in baby homes. The other the design stage, many activities can in an inclusive manner within the mis­ important area of program assistance for be developed to include people with sion, providing all assistance necessary children with disabilities is mainstream­ disabilities among the targeted popu­ for people with disabilities to access the ing them into regular schools. lation. For instance, economic activi­ mission’s facilities. ties, such as small-business loans, can USAID/Russia also supported the Spe­ Since 1999, the Assistance to Russian be developed to ensure that people with cial Olympics program from July 2004 Orphans program has served almost disabilities have equal access to loans. to February 2007. That support estab­ 70,000 of Russia’s most vulnerable chil­ To the greatest extent possible, people lished a comprehensive model of com­ dren, including more than 32,000 chil­ with disabilities and those who provide munity-based services in eleven regions: dren with disabilities, in the program’s services or advocate on their behalf will Chelyabinsk, Irkutsk, Moscow, Omsk, priority regions of Khabarovsk, Maga­ be included in program activities. And Saratov, Smolensk, St. Petersburg, Stav­ dan, Novgorod, Tomsk, and Tver, as as appropriate, the mission will consult ropol, Sverdlovsk, Tomsk, and Yaroslavl. well as in other regions of Russia. More with people with disabilities, those who In 2005, a USAID representative par­ than 140 grants have been awarded to provide services, or those who advocate ticipated in the sixth All-Russia Confer­ support innovative rehabilitation and on their behalf during the design stage. ence, with the theme “Special Olympics community-integration services for Russia: Adaptive Physical Culture is the children with visual or hearing dis­ USAID/Russia will continue, through Scientific Basis of Our Work.” During abilities, as well as children with de­ specific activities of its health strate­ that conference, the USAID represen­ velopmental disabilities such as Down gic objective, to emphasize prevention tative also attended a special meeting syndrome, Usher syndrome, autism, of disabling diseases and support for and discussion on the USAID-funded cleft palate, cerebral palsy, and hearing people with disabilities. USAID/Russia Special Olympics activity to brief the re­ and visual disabilities. Early develop­ will also continue—through its rule of gional representatives of Special Olym­ mental programs have been set up for law, civil society, and cross-cutting stra­ pics Russia on the status, perspectives, children with disabilities who are living tegic objectives—to emphasize (a) the and future challenges of the activity. enhancement of services provided to in families, as well as for those who are people with disabilities by NGOs, (b) orphans. Early habilitation assistance The Special Olympics activities enable the protection of their legal and human has been introduced in four baby homes children and adults with intellectual rights, and (c) their broader integration in Khabarovsk and Tver to help 126 disabilities to participate in sports ac­ into society. orphans with disabilities, from birth to tivities. Those sports activities, com­ four years. As the result of early inter­ bined with community mobilization The mission also promotes increased vention, thirty-one of those children activities, facilitate community involve­ awareness of disability issues. USAID/ have been adopted by Russian families. ment, advocacy, and public awareness Russia explores existing opportuni­ related to people with disabilities and ties in the Agency to provide training In 2007, Assistance to Russian Orphans their needs. Children and adults with to its staff members and implementing initiated the rollout of successful models intellectual disabilities are integrated partners on disability issues. Training of habilitation and mainstreaming as­ into all those activities. The program’s sessions will introduce practical recom­ sistance to children with disabilities in seven main components which were mendations on how people with dis­ six new regions, including Khabarovsky realized in each of the eleven participat­ abilities can be included in mainstream Krai and Vladivostok. The program ing regions, are adapted physical educa­ program activities. USAID/Russia is also began establishing an association of tion, the Special Olympics Get Into It making its website fully responsive to Russian baby homes that provide skilled curriculum, the leadership programs for the needs of people with disabilities. early developmental techniques specially adapted for institutionalized children, athletes, the family support network, Since the completion of the disability and it began replicating the program the Healthy Athletes health screenings, action plan in 2003, the mission staff in baby homes in forty-eight regions of the a Special Olympics torch run, and has focused its attention on the needs Russia. The program introduced early the opening and closing ceremonies.

40 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy The Athlete Leadership Programs com­ The mission also supports similar proj­ All Coalition, implements a program to ponent of the Special Olympics has al­ ects being implemented by Perspektiva, ensure educational equality for Russian lowed athletes to explore opportunities a Russian NGO. Draft legislation on in­ youth and children. The program uses in roles previously considered nontradi­ clusive education was developed in 2006 disability advocacy teams to focus on tional. Examples of such opportunities by Perspektiva’s lawyers, together with twelve communities of Russia. Objec­ are (a) serving as a member of a board lawyers of the Federal Duma Commit­ tives include the following: (a) strength­ of directors or local organizing commit­ tee on Education and Science. The need ening the capacity of the Education for tee; (b) acting as a team captain, assis­ for such a law was expressed by Russian All Coalition to effectively advocate, tant coach, or referee or official; or (c) ombudsmen, members of the public promote, and implement inclusive edu­ being the spokesperson in the media. A chamber, and the disability community. cation practices at the local and national total of 152 athletes from throughout The draft legislation has been presented levels; (b) promoting positive images of the participating regions were trained to the Duma, and official feedback from people with disabilities in twelve com­ by Special Olympics Russia to serve as the government is expected. munities to break down barriers and advocates. negative attitudes toward implementing Within Russia, Perspektiva has also been inclusive schools; and (c) increasing the The Special Olympics programs were closely involved in promoting the UN ability of parents and people with dis­ organized for approximately 790 ath­ Convention on the Rights of Persons abilities to advocate locally and nation­ letes, who received oral and dental with Disabilities. Perspektiva’s lawyer ally for the rights of children and youths screening, and more than 7,890 fam­ participated as an observer in the last with disabilities to an equal education ad hoc committee meeting in August ily members. More than 15,300 chil­ and for the rights of people with dis­ 2006. Her participation led to close dren and adults participated, including abilities in general. ties with representatives of the Minis­ 13,401 students from regular schools try of Foreign Affairs who were respon­ The program also works to expand the who served as volunteers. Among the sible for negotiating the convention. network of advocates that focus on dis­ 5,503 coaches who were retrained, The Perspektiva representative, together ability issues by including legal profes­ more than 170 were certified to work with other members of the disability sionals, parents, and disability activists. with Special Olympics teams in sports community, made corrections to the Seventeen lawyers and ten law students schools and sports academies through­ translation and lobbied for the removal are part of the Education for All net­ out the eleven project regions. Special of a footnote that was proposed by the work, providing legal assistance and Olympics teams from the project re­ Russian delegation. Finally, Perspektiva, support to parents and disability activ­ gions participated in the 2007 World the United Nations Information Cen­ ists in their communities, including rep­ Summer Games in Shanghai, China. ter (UNIC), the World Bank, and the resenting their interests in court. USAID/Russia also supports the use of Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized a roundtable to inform government of­ In May 2007, the Children Should legal advocacy in attempts to promote Go to School Together campaign was inclusiveness for people with disabili­ ficials and NGO leaders about the con­ vention and to discuss steps for its ratifi­ launched in twenty-one regions of Rus­ ties. The Protection of the Human and sia. The campaign works with regional Legal Rights of Russians with Disabili­ cation in Russia. Perspektiva continued close collaboration with UNIC and disabled persons organizations and ties program strengthens the capacity became one of the leaders of a disabil­ parents’ organizations as partners to of disabled persons organizations to use ity rights working group established by promote inclusive education in their legal advocacy to enforce and defend UNIC. Perspektiva’s lawyers have also communities by (a) leading disabil­ the human and legal rights of adults and started to educate the disability commu­ ity awareness trainings for children children with disabilities to an equal nity in Russia about the convention. and teachers, (b) raising awareness of education. Program activities increase children and adults without disabili­ the public’s awareness and support for USAID/Russia supports a variety of ties through public education activities, the human and legal rights of adults and programs that work to improve access (c) training professionals and special children with disabilities, and commu­ to education for children with disabili­ educators, (d) supporting schools in be­ nity coalitions are used to enforce laws ties. Perspektiva, together with eleven coming inclusive, and (e) working with supporting access to equal education. regional members of the Education for officials and legislators to develop new

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 41 policies that aim to include children nally, as part of a public advocacy cam­ sistance to and advocating for persons with disabilities in mainstream schools. paign, the Third International Disability with disabilities are not directly engaged Those activities have built capacity Film Festival, “Breaking Down Barri­ in USAID/Serbia’s programs. Mission among disabled persons organizations ers,” took place in November 2006 in activities are in full compliance with and parents’ organizations to effec­ Moscow. More than 100 documenta­ USAID environmental procedures 22 tively advocate, promote, and imple­ ries, animated films, and public service CFR 216. ment inclusive education practices at announcements from twenty countries the regional and national levels. Those were featured. More than 1,500 people organizations have become recognized attended the four-day event. TAJIKISTAN experts and are influential in their com­ USAID/Tajikistan helps support Eurasia munities, and they have been included Foundation Central Asia. Through the SERBIA in a number of government committees foundation, the Khamodoni Zonal So­ as well. USAID/Serbia strives to ensure that all ciety of Disabled People rehabilitated a activities with applicable components fish farm to provide sustainable income Since 2005, more than 5,000 mem­ remove barriers to the participation of for its members and a new source of nu­ bers of the community across Russia— people with disabilities. Mission pro­ tritional food for the community. government officials, schoolchildren, grams are designed to enhance citizens’ school administrators, media repre­ participation with local governments. To Although USAID/CAR has no people sentatives, and activists—have par­ the extent that people with disabilities with disabilities on staff in Tajikistan, ticipated in trainings and awareness- are engaged at the local level, their needs the mission is fully prepared to include raising activities. Rallies and public should be reflected in USAID–munic­ people with disabilities in the plan­ education activities were held in seven ipal government activities that improve ning, implementation, and evaluation Russian cities. In Moscow, Department physical access and assistance to people of USAID-supported programs. In FY of Education officials, school teachers, with disabilities. For example, Commu­ 2007, USAID/CAR’s country office in and children from Moscow’s inclusive nity Revitalization Through Democratic Dushanbe moved into a new embassy schools joined parents and disabil­ Action (CRDA) implemented a six-year compound that is equipped with wheel­ ity activists to speak out for inclusive project, working with target municipal chair accessibility and with elevator and education. Coalition members in nine authorities and public institutions. Each emergency exit signs in Braille. regions of Russia have established close CRDA implementing partner organized ties with mainstream schools and are a number of public town hall meetings USAID/Tajikistan does not have a dis­ actively working with twenty-four of where local community members, in­ ability inclusion plan in place. them. Nineteen schools are receiving cluding people with disabilities, pre­ support from partners in order to be­ sented their own priorities. Many of TURKMENISTAN come inclusive. Twenty-three advocacy those concerns were used to guide sub­ projects, which aim to improve access sequent activities, including accessibil­ USAID/Turkmenistan does not have a to education for children with disabili­ ity improvements, provision of assistive disability inclusion plan in place, and ties, were carried out in the coalition technologies, employment support and no projects in FY 2007 were specifically regions. Additional funds have been job training for people with disabilities, designed or implemented with the goal solicited from UNICEF and the Euro­ sports programming for people with dis­ of increasing the capacity of disabled pean Union to support inclusive educa­ abilities, and provision of equipment for persons organizations. tion in the coalition regions. children with disabilities in schools and Although USAID/CAR has no people classrooms. Disability and parents’ organizations with disabilities on staff in Turkmeni­ are preparing for a public education USAID/Serbia does not have a disability stan, the mission is fully prepared to campaign to promote inclusive educa­ inclusion plan in place. Current USAID include people with disabilities in the tion. Public service announcements activities focus on capacity building and planning, implementation, and evalu­ and posters are being designed for the technical assistance to promote Serbia’s ation of USAID-supported programs. campaign, which will declare that “All entry into Euro-Atlantic institutions. USAID/CAR’s country office in Ash­ Children Should Study Together.” Fi­ Organizations engaged in providing as­ gabat is equipped with ramps into the

42 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy building and elevators that allow wheel­ LATIN AMERICA AND accessible buildings and grounds. Provi­ chair accessibility. THE CARIBBEAN sions for the safety of staff members and visitors with disabilities are also explic­ BOLIVIA itly covered in the mission’s security and UZBEKISTAN In December 2006, USAID/Bolivia emergency contingency planning. USAID/Uzbekistan does not have a dis­ sponsored several Bolivian partici­ ability inclusion plan in place, and no pants—young people with disabilities, projects in FY 2007 were specifically BRAZIL policymakers, advocates, and organi­ designed or implemented with the goal USAID/Brazil considers disability a pri­ zational leaders—to attend the ninth of increasing the capacity of disabled ority and a cross-cutting issue. The mis­ Community Services for Children, persons organizations. sion met with all implementing part­ Youth, and Families with Special Health ners and reviewed their working plans Although USAID/CAR has no people Care Needs, in Washington, D.C. in order to increase their awareness of with disabilities on staff in Uzbekistan, Follow-up meetings were held to en­ disability issues, as well as to advocate the mission is fully prepared to include sure that the synergies from the confer­ on behalf of the interests of people with people with disabilities in the plan­ ence would continue among the various disabilities. USAID/Brazil is encourag­ ning, implementation, and evaluation of groups represented. ing the formation of effective partner­ USAID-supported programs. USAID/ The mission developed a disability ac­ ships between U.S. private voluntary CAR’s country office in Tashkent moved tion plan in late 1999, which was sub­ organizations and local NGOs that are interested in disability issues. into a new embassy compound that is mitted to and approved by USAID/ equipped with wheelchair accessibility Washington. That plan will be reviewed USAID/Brazil, through a program and with elevator and emergency exit to ascertain whether it meets current managed by the American Institute for signs in Braille. Agency and U.S. government policies Research (AIR), works to increase the on disability issues. In FY 2007, the employability of disadvantaged youth REGIONAL OFFICE: CENTRAL mission continued to incorporate dis­ in the northeastern cities of Fortaleza, ASIA REGIONAL ability issues into its operations and into Recife, and Salvador by offering train­ In FY 2007, no projects that used the planning and implementation of its ing in job readiness and related skills. USAID/CAR regional funds were de­ programs to the fullest extent possible in Among the program’s accomplishments signed or implemented with the goal the absence of additional resources for in the past year has been the enrollment of increasing the capacity of disabled this purpose. of more than 100 youth with disabilities its basic training module, which pro­ persons organizations or of incorporat­ The mission’s acquisition and assistance vides classes in language and math, in­ ing people with disabilities into regional office, cognizant technical officers, and formation communication and technol­ initiatives. However, there were some activity managers ensure that grant/ ogy, and job hunting. relevant country-specific activities in the agreement recipients and contractors region, which are described in the indi­ comply fully with Section 508 of the The mission is in the process of trans­ vidual country reports. Rehabilitation Act, and with related pol­ lating its disability inclusion plan and icy directives on disability issues in the USAID/Central Asia Regional reports intends to distribute it by the end of FY planning, implementation, and evalu­ that it does not have a disability inclu­ 2008. Mission offices are located within ation of USAID programs. The office the embassy compound, which is acces­ sion plan. Although USAID/CAR has also incorporates required provisions sible to people with physical disabilities. no people with disabilities on its staff, that support the Agency’s disability po­ USAID/Brazil will identify and address the mission is fully prepared to include lices into all solicitations and resulting further barriers as the disability inclusion people with disabilities in the plan­ awards for contracts, grants, and coop­ plan is implemented within the mission. ning, implementation, and evaluation of erative agreements. USAID-supported programs. To ensure full accessibility, USAID installed an el­ USAID/Bolivia ensures that it is in full COLOMBIA evator in the building where the USAID/ compliance with standards regarding USAID/Colombia supports the work of CAR mission operates in Almaty. disabilities in the workplace, including the NGO Tecnovo, one of the leading

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 43 NGO advocates for disability rights in Tecnovo is considered a model for labor force persons who are deaf or per­ Colombia. After more than forty years public-private sector alliances because, sons who have low hearing. of armed conflict, Colombia has a large in addition to receiving support from USAID/Colombia also supports some population of people with war-related USAID and the OAS trust, the program capacity-building efforts for both dis­ disabilities, including both veterans and has received significant cash and in-kind abled persons organizations and service civilians. Many of those people are un­ support from Microsoft, the Colombian providers for people with disabilities. able to provide for their families because Chamber of Commerce, the National USAID/Colombia is currently develop­ Federation of Merchants, universities, of their disabilities. Tecnovo is a vo­ ing support for the National Federation and other donors. Tecnovo products are cational training and assistance pro­ of the Deaf in Colombia (FENASCOL) now being marketed in Colombia in gram that helps people with disabilities to address issues of public policy for peo­ some of the country’s largest department develop the skills needed to reintegrate ple with disabilities. A proposal from the store chains and in the United States by into society and to live productive, satis­ Alberto Arango Restrepo Cooperation is such well-known companies as Donna fying lives. also being considered to support public Karan. policy efforts in the Caldas region. With Tecnovo’s support, beneficiaries Other efforts to increase employment receive psychosocial counseling to help El Instituto Para Niños Ciegos y Sordos opportunities for people with disabilities them regain the self-confidence and so­ (Institute for Blind and Deaf Children) are implemented through the USAID- cial skills needed to function in Colom­ of the Cauca Valley specializes in the supported Más Inversión Desarrollo Al­ bian society. All students participate in rehabilitation of children with visual ternativo Sostenible (MIDAS, Increased state-of-the-art training in computer or auditory disabilities. Operating for Investment in Alternative Sustainable systems; they learn to use the Internet more than seventy years, the institute Development) alternative development provides services, especially to the needy and to work with Microsoft Windows program. The program aims to increase and poor population of Cauca Valley and Microsoft Office software pack­ and expand the small- and medium-size through its facilities in Cali. The insti­ ages. After they have completed the enterprise sector. Three MIDAS proj­ tute’s auditory and visual services have systems training, students choose from ects have incorporated the employment experienced a high growth rate in recent a number of vocational skill–training of people with disabilities into their years; in 2006, the number of medical programs. Along with the vocational business plans. With technical support consultations increased by 13 percent training, students receive complemen­ delivered by MIDAS, Distribuidora de from 2005. To respond to this growing tary training in business development Aceites y Grasas del Valle (Distribu­ demand, the institute is in the process of and administration. After the students tor of Oils and Vegetable Greases of the improving, expanding, and modernizing complete the training, they participate Valley) is implementing a commercial its services. USAID’s assistance through in a job placement program. strategy to attract institutional clients MIDAS is focused on strengthening the and big chain stores. If successful, its Tecnovo also works with the private institute’s service capacity, keeping the actions should result in the need for an ISO 9001:2000 certification that the in­ sector to sensitize firms on the needs increased labor force to meet the market stitution has had since 2004, and achiev­ of people with disabilities and to bring demand. The company is focusing on ing the accreditation as an “institution increasing numbers of people with dis­ hiring people from vulnerable groups, of excellence,” which is awarded by the abilities into the formal workforce. especially people with disabilities. Súper Colombian Institute of Technical Stan­ USAID’s support to Tecnovo was origi­ de Alimentos (Super Food), a candy dards and Certifications (ICONTEC) nally channeled through the Organiza­ and sweets enterprise targeting both for reaching international standards. tion of American States (OAS) Trust for domestic and export markets in Latin the Americas, which provided institu­ America, is also receiving support from Other efforts for enhancing the participa­ tional strengthening support. A second MIDAS. The firm has received Interna­ tion of people with disabilities in USAID phase of the program is now under way, tional Organization for Standardization programs occur at both the mission and and it is focused on marketing products 9000 quality certification and Social the implementing partner levels. For produced by people with disabilities and Accountability 8000 social responsibil­ example, USAID is planning a new pro­ other vulnerable groups. ity certification for including within its gram for landmine survivors. The pro­

44 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy gram, which involves people with disabil­ USAID/Dominican Republic has re­ proximately 100,000 members of the ities in the design, will be an integrated modeled the front entrance to its build­ electoral tribunal, the military, and the initiative providing prostheses, psychoso­ ing to make it accessible to people with police force about the rights of people cial support, and income-generation al­ physical disabilities. with disabilities to access their polling ternatives for the beneficiaries. A number stations and to vote. All 36,000 poll­ of USAID grantees have procured special ing stations completed a survey that will ECUADOR equipment that gives people with dis­ provide FENEDIF and the government abilities access to office equipment. For Since 2006, USAID/Ecuador has made of Ecuador with information on poll example, Tecnovo has special equipment a concerted and missionwide effort to accessibility. Finally, the project printed so that people who cannot use their arms sensitize all of its employees to inclusive­ and distributed 24,000 Braille ballots to can operate computers with their feet. ness concerns, to implement programs all polling sites. Finally, Applying Global Experience for specifically targeted to people with dis­ People-Oriented Results (ARD), the con­ abilities, and to proactively modify its During the September 2007 elections, tractor for the mission’s large alternative other programs to incorporate disability FENEDIF’s project titled They Have development programs, has an affirma­ elements. the Right to Vote was expanded from Quito to include two additional cities, tive action program that addresses work­ Five national disabilities federations, ers with disabilities. Cuenca and Tulcan. Through its taxi sol­ comprising 166 associations of people idario (shared taxi) campaign, the proj­ USAID/Colombia drafted an initial dis­ with disabilities throughout Ecuador, ect assisted more than 300 people with ability plan in early 2006. An assessment used a participatory workshop to pre­ disabilities during the election process. looking at USAID’s work on disability pare a proposal aimed at promoting It provided 200 free taxis to transport issues, as well as on the overall situation the ability of people with disabilities to voters with disabilities from their homes for people with disabilities in Colombia, exercise their political and labor rights. to the polls and back, and it organized a will be conducted in FY 2008. This as­ Subsequently, USAID/Ecuador received cadre of volunteers to provide assistance sessment will be used to update the ear­ funding from the Bureau for Democ­ to individuals. When a person with a lier plan and to serve as the foundation racy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assis­ disability was unable to navigate the for a future strategy on disability issues. tance/Office of Democracy and Gov­ stairs at a poll, a volunteer would either After USAID/Colombia has updated its ernance to support an eighteen-month advise a poll worker to bring a ballot disability plan, the mission will distrib­ program for promoting and protecting down to the street level so the person ute the plan to its partners. the rights of persons with disabilities. with a disability could vote, or the vol­ The overall objective of the project, unteer would carry the person up the which is implemented by the National steps to the polling place—a fairly com­ DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Federation of Ecuadorians with Disabil­ mon occurrence. In an unusual twist, USAID/Dominican Republic has not ities (FENEDIF), is to contribute to the former members of the youth gang yet prepared a disability inclusion plan; practice and enforcement of the rights Latin Kings participated as volunteers however, the mission has been work­ of people with disabilities in Ecuador by in Quito in September 2007. Approxi­ ing in FY 2008 to fully comply with promoting political participation and mately 80 university students and 120 requirements so that all USAID/Do­ job placement. former gang members volunteered on minican Republic stakeholders ensure election day to help people with disabil­ The project encourages people with dis­ appropriate conditions for the inclu­ ities so they could vote. sion of people with disabilities. Over abilities to participate in elections by the course of FY 2008, USAID will also implementing public awareness cam­ FENEDIF is also implementing a job work to ensure that people with dis­ paigns, increasing access to polling sta­ placement service for people with dis­ abilities are included in the planning of tions, and providing transportation to abilities. In December 2005, Ecuador USAID-supported programs. Capacity- the polls for people with disabilities. In passed an amendment to its labor code building activities for disabled persons 2007, the project reached approximately that requires public institutions and pri­ organizations are not part of the mis­ 50,000 people with disabilities through vate companies with more than twenty- sion’s programs and activities under its its public awareness–raising activities. five employees to hire persons with current strategic plan. In addition, the project sensitized ap­ disabilities. FENEDIF is making public-

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 45 and private-sector entities aware of their ernment building. One mobile and thir­ The democracy office, working in con­ responsibilities in hiring and training teen permanent ramps were constructed junction with Participación Ciudadana people with disabilities so that they can at those four sites. (Citizen Participation), included in its find permanent employment. In 2007, election survey questions regarding ac­ the job placement service trained 722 Two other programs of USAID/Ecua­ cess to polls for persons with disabilities. people with disabilities, and 243 people dor assist people with disabilities. In FENEDIF was incorporated as a mem­ with disabilities were hired. Addition­ December 2006, FENEDIF received ber of a national NGO federation titled ally, the project contacted 454 compa­ a grant from Microsoft to comple­ Grupo Promotor (Advocacy Group), to nies and sensitized them about the labor ment the USAID-funded program. formulate constitutional reform propos­ rights of people with disabilities. That grant will equip four telecenters als by civil society, including human and with appropriate information technol­ political rights for people with disabili­ Mobility International USA (MIUSA) ogy (IT) for people with disabilities, ties. The proposals will be disseminated also implemented a Building an Inclu­ and it will allow people with disabilities to the public and the Constituent As­ sive Development Community (BIDC) to access information and benefit from sembly in FY 2008. Another NGO co­ program in Ecuador to strengthen the classes that will improve their IT skills alition, which includes FENEDIF and capacity of disability groups to partici­ and their ability to find gainful and Participación Ciudadana, incorporated pate in development, collaborate with permanent employment. One center the need for disability policies as one of other development organizations, and has already been inaugurated. seventeen priority topics identified by manage grants. The BIDC program FENEDIF and Participación Ciudadana USAID/Ecuador complemented its partnered with FENEDIF and focused coalition for discussion with presidential FENEDIF program through small on three main components: (1) train­ candidates and their technical advisory grants to five disabled persons organi­ ing disability groups and implement­ teams in early FY 2007. ing partners, (2) providing technical zations in FY 2007. The organizations assistance to the various stakeholders, used the grants to finance the purchase USAID/Ecuador has also made signifi­ and (3) supporting disability groups by of equipment so that people with dis­ cant efforts toward internal inclusive­ providing small grants to establish pi­ abilities could establish microenter­ ness. The mission completed its disabil­ lot projects on inclusive development. prises, such as a bakery, a furniture- ity inclusion plan in September 2005. In addition to supporting FENEDIF making workshop, a document center, The plan was distributed internally programs through the small grants a cafeteria, and housecleaning services. and to implementing partners. At the component, MIUSA also provided a Those enterprises are run by and em­ mission’s request, the contracting and grant to the Association of People with ploy people with disabilities. The pro­ agreement officers included a provi­ Disabilities in Azuay to implement a gram benefited an estimated 150 direct sion supporting the disability policy in microenterprise program and a grant to and 1,300 indirect beneficiaries. all solicitations for awards and in cur­ the National Commission of Women rent grants, cooperative agreements, The mission has also integrated dis­ with Physical Disabilities (CNMDF) in and contracts. Furthermore, all mission ability concerns into other components Guayaquil to support inclusive women’s staff members have taken the e-learning of its portfolio. The economic growth health care. course titled Inclusive Development, office has directed its trade and invest­ which is designed to assist in imple­ ment contractor to give preference— In August 2007, USAID staff members, menting USAID’s disability policy. along with the president of FENEDIF when selecting for its cluster program— and the chargé d’affaires, inaugurated to productive sectors where people with Mission facilities (i.e., entrance gate, el­ the construction of USAID-funded disabilities can readily work (e.g., the evators, office space) have been adapted ramps for people with disabilities. flower and garment industries). In addi­ for persons with disabilities, and the USAID, through FENEDIF, purchased tion, the World Organization of Credit new embassy compound is accessible. In the materials to construct the ramps, Unions program established ten rural FY 2007, the mission used mission op­ and U.S. Navy Seabees in conjunction telecenters and modified their designs to erating expenses for the disability proj­ with the USNS Comfort constructed the include the construction of ramps and ect to purchase a small bus with a lift. ramps at two schools, one hospital (at accessible facilities so that people with The cognizant technical officer/systems the emergency entrance), and one gov­ disabilities could use those telecenters. manager of the persons with disabilities

46 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy program, uses the wheelchair-accessible Guatemala Wal-mart stores, with sales its activities, the BIDC project reached a bus. In 2006, that individual, who has totaling approximately US$10,000. total of 129 people from disabled persons worked for USAID/Ecuador for seven­ organizations, advocacy groups, govern­ teen years, assumed the responsibility USAID/El Salvador does not have a ment, and service organizations in work­ as inclusive development coordinator formal disability inclusion plan. In each shop and training settings. and cognizant technology officer for the statement of work to be completed, project titled Promotion and Enforce­ USAID incorporates specific language MIUSA, COPDIGUA, and ASCATED ment of Political and Labor-Related requesting contractors and recipients conducted eight onsite disability and Rights for People with Disabilities in to consider people with disabilities in development discussions with USAID Ecuador. program implementation and to explain personnel and USAID partners, includ­ how this effort will be achieved. Con­ ing Catholic Relief Services, the Na­ tractors and recipients are also encour­ tional Coffee Association (ANACAFE), EL SALVADOR aged to promote a climate of nondis­ the ministry of education, Juarez and USAID/El Salvador supports the crimination and equal opportunity for Associates, Counterpart International, Strengthening Basic Education pro­ people with disabilities. The mission re­ Foundation of Support to the Genera­ gram. This program works with the ports that most proposals describe how tion of Local Income (Fundación AGIL), Ministry of Education’s special educa­ people with disabilities will be consid­ Centro para la Acción de la Respons­ tion unit, which includes a staff mem­ ered, when appropriate. abilidad Social Empresarial (CentraRSE, ber with a disability, to ensure that Center for the Action of the Enterprise educational materials such as textbooks, The mission provides equal employ­ Social Responsibility of Guatemala), and teacher guides, and student workbooks ment opportunities in all personnel op­ USAID democracy and governance con­ that are being developed for primary- erations. The physical environment of tractors working on the elections (Orga­ level education actually incorporate the office complies with norms and re­ nization of American States [OAS], Na­ inclusive education. It also works to in­ quirements for people with disabilities. tional Democratic Institute, and Acción corporate inclusive education as a cross­ Chidden). cutting topic in the in-service train­ GUATEMALA ing program for teachers and school Each of the organizations participat­ USAID/Guatemala does not have a dis­ principals. Modules being developed to ing in the onsite disability and develop­ ability inclusion plan in place; however, address the topics of diversity and con­ ment sessions identified several action the mission has been addressing issues tinuous assessment should include aca­ items. Several participating organizations of inclusion for people with disabilities demic reinforcement for children with have designed and conducted a variety in partnership with Mobility Interna­ special learning needs. of follow-on activities resulting from the tional USA (MIUSA) through a DCHA- BIDC project. Catholic Relief Services A second program, the USAID Artisan funded project, Building an Inclusive De­ requested follow-on training for forty-five Development Program, worked with velopment Community (BIDC). BIDC staff members based in Guatemala City two groups of artisans with disabilities, is a centrally funded small-grant program and the regional office. In September who are based in San Salvador. El Hogar that focuses on inclusive education and 2007, COPDIGUA facilitated a training de Parálisis Cerebral (Cerebral Palsy capacity building for disabled persons or­ event on disability in development for Home) and the Cooperative Associa­ ganizations. In 2007, as part of the BIDC all staff members. The training covered tion of the Integral Pro-Rehabilitation project, MIUSA, the Coordinating As­ disability culture and the rights of people Independent Group (ACOGIPRI), sew­ sociation of Organizations of People with disabilities. Fundación AGIL also ing and pottery workshops respectively, with Disabilities of Guatemala (COP­ requested a training event for its staff on employ around thirty-two artisans. The DIGUA), the Association for Training aspects of disability and development program provided marketing and design and Technical Assistance on Education that affect rural and agricultural families. support to ACOGIPRI, with result­ and Disability (ASCATED), and FEN­ In September 2007, COPDIGUA facili­ ing sales totaling US$3,000. During FY EDIF worked with various development tated two staff meetings. As a result, Fun­ 2007, El Hogar received technical and entities to further inclusive practices and dación AGIL staff members and repre­ marketing assistance in its efforts to ex­ to build the capacity of local disabled per­ sentatives of rural-based disabled persons port products to a U.S. importer and to sons organizations and activists. Through organizations are coordinating activities

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 47 at the community level. COPDIGUA nizations took part in a training event importance of education and to train is also following up with ANACAFE to aimed at increasing the participation of teachers to better integrate children with further promote the integration of people people with disabilities in the elections. disabilities into classes. with disabilities into the implementation of USAID-funded programs. BIDC activities also resulted in follow- on activities relating to access to educa­ HAITI OAS facilitated a meeting between Gua­ tion for people with disabilities. MIUSA The OAS human rights project, funded temalan disabled persons organizations has been working with Juarez and As­ through a grant from USAID, aims to and the Supreme Electoral Tribunal; the sociates and the local Guatemalan par­ increase the capacity of people with dis­ intended outcome was to increase the ent advocacy organization, ASCATED, abilities to participate in society. OAS participation of people with disabilities to support inclusive education across has begun efforts to support the newly in the September 2007 and November Guatemala. There are two levels of sup­ developed position of the secretary of 2007 elections. In August 2007, repre­ port: (a) recommendations and guid­ state for the integration of handicapped sentatives of COPDIGUA, the Associa­ ance to better incorporate inclusion in persons. In August and September, tion of the Blind, and the Association of the Guatemalan national standards in 2007, the activity provided technical as­ the Deaf met with the electoral tribunal. education, and (b) the involvement of sistance for the preparation of an inau­ They agreed to produce an awareness- disabled persons organizations and par­ gural event, the National Forum on the raising campaign on election information ent advocacy organizations in the imple­ Problems of the Handicapped, which for multiple media outlets. As a result, mentation of the Guatemalan ministry was attended by President René Préval, the tribunal produced a range of com­ of education’s inclusive education plan. many cabinet members, NGOs, and munications products to raise awareness During the in-country training and members of the press. The activity plans among the public and elected officials technical assistance activities, MIUSA, to deepen its support to the secretariat about the needs of people with disabili­ ASCATED, and Juarez and Associ­ through additional technical assistance ties during an election. For the election ates facilitated a meeting that gener­ and financial support so it can acquire board members, the tribunal printed ated commentary from disabled persons mobility devices and aids (canes, wheel­ training material that described ways to organizations; parent advocacy groups; chairs, and walking sticks for people who assist people with disabilities during the school representatives, including special are blind) for people with disabilities, as voting process. Other materials, such as education instructors and standard edu­ well as office materials for the bureau. ballots printed in Braille, provided as­ cation instructors; and representatives of sistance to people with disabilities at the the ministry of education. USAID/Haiti does not have a disability polls. As a result, information on vot­ inclusion plan. In FY 2008, the mis­ ing in sign language and Braille was, for BIDC is also implementing a small- sion will be moving to the new embassy the first time, much more systematically grants program, providing two small compound, which will be accessible to available before the elections. Television grants of $3,000 to $4,000 for insti­ people with physical disabilities. spots using sign language were aired be­ tutional strengthening and one larger fore the elections, and the voting tables grant of $18,000 to local disabled per­ HONDURAS carried ballots printed in Braille on elec­ sons organizations. Ten applications for USAID/Honduras is financing technical tion day. The efforts to make voting the small-grants program were received; assistance to help the Ministry of Edu­ more accessible to voters who are blind five met the basic program criteria and cation develop and implement monthly and deaf had mixed results. were evaluated by an outside panel of experts. Awards were made in Octo­ student progress tests in Spanish and Acción Ciudadana (Citizen Action), a ber 2007. The review team selected the mathematics for more than 1.2 million local Guatemalan organization that pro­ Association of Parents and Friends of children in primary schools in Hondu­ motes citizen participation in the elec­ People with Disabilities (ADISA) of ras. The monthly tests are being imple­ tions, invited COPDIGUA to participate Santiago, Atitlan, as the recipient of a mented and validated to track student in a nationwide domestic observation small grant that will integrate children progress and to identify students having effort called Mirador Electoral (Electoral with disabilities into the formal educa­ difficulties, including those with sight or Observer). As part of the project, repre­ tion system. The goal of the grant is to hearing disabilities. USAID/Honduras sentatives of four disabled persons orga­ raise awareness among parents about the does not conduct any capacity-building

48 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy activities with or for disabled persons Approximately thirty to forty students Discovery, a nonprofit agency dedicated organizations. from Jamaica and its neighboring is­ to providing nurturing, supportive, lands entered this unique program in healthy, and accessible environments for USAID/Honduras does not have a dis­ September 2007. When the students people with disabilities. The grant will ability inclusion plan. The USAID- who are deaf matriculate into Mico create a Discovery International Fellow­ leased office building is equipped with Teachers’ College and UWI’s teacher ship Program that will bring eight indi­ two wheelchair-accessible ramps at training program, fifteen interpreters viduals from Mexico—primarily from the building’s two entrances, as well as will be ready. Global Deaf Connection the border states of Chihuahua and two elevators for access throughout the will assist UWI in developing a new Sonora—to the Center for Discovery seven-story building. The mission em­ partnership with an interpreter training for a six-month intensive program on ploys one person with a physical disabil­ program in Minnesota. The partnership leadership training and skills building in ity in its mailroom, and it has facilitated will help strengthen UWI’s program by the community and on patient-centered the employee’s accessibility within the providing support and supervision dur­ themes of clinical, rehabilitative, and office by providing an electric cart. ing student internships and by provid­ family care. ing networking opportunities within the The U.S. Embassy in Mexico released field of sign language interpreting. JAMAICA a management procedure to all em­ USAID/Jamaica collaborated with the USAID/Jamaica does not have a disabil­ bassy employees in Mexico City in May Global Deaf Connection and the Ja­ ity inclusion plan. The mission reports 2004 that outlined the embassy’s equal maica Association for the Deaf to imple­ that there are no barriers to the partici­ employment opportunity policy for ment an academic enrichment program pation of people with disabilities in the locally employed staff members. The known as Building Human Capacity mission’s work. However, people with policy defines relevant terms, outlines among At-Risk Deaf Jamaican Youth disabilities have not been included in the the Department of State’s responsibili­ through Academic Support. Through planning or evaluation of any USAID- ties under the policy, and describes the that program, Fast Track was imple­ supported programs, and they have been employees’ rights and responsibilities mented for forty-two at-risk people beneficiaries of only one project. under the policy. When hiring people who are deaf. Fast Track helps students with disabilities, the embassy provides achieve the literacy skills and knowledge reasonable accommodations so that to pass matriculation examinations for MEXICO those individuals can effectively perform the national teachers’ college or for the USAID/Mexico supports several proj­ duties essential to their given positions. teacher training program at the Univer­ ects designed to build capacity among In support of the disability employment sity of the West Indies (UWI). The pro­ service providers for people with disabil­ program, the embassy established a dis­ gram also trained ninety teachers and ities. The Agency supports the Training, ability review committee to ensure equal interpreters so they can educate students Internships, Exchanges, and Scholar­ employment opportunity for individuals who are deaf and to interpret for stu­ ships (TIES) partnerships program, a with disabilities and to make determina­ dents who are deaf and who are already comprehensive program with North tions on requests for reasonable accom­ attending teacher training colleges. Texas University and the Independent modation. The USAID/Mexico Mis­ University of Guadalajara to improve sion is in full compliance with the U.S. USAID/Jamaica has been engaged in the leadership capabilities among service Embassy’s equal employment opportu­ one capacity-building activity to in­ providers for persons with disabilities. nity policy for locally employed staff, crease the ability of a disabled persons TIES supports exchanges between Mex­ the embassy’s discriminatory harassment organization to provide assistance to ican and U.S. universities to provide ad­ policy, USAID’s equal employment op­ people with disabilities. The mission vanced professional training in Mexico. portunity policy, and USAID’s disability supported the Jamaica Association for employment program. the Deaf in its partnership with UWI Institute of the New Dawn provides ed­ to develop a diploma program in sign ucation, medical attention, and human One key member of USAID/Mexico’s language interpretation. The program development to 340 children and young rule of law staff has a disability. He is has evolved to become the Caribbean’s people with cerebral palsy. USAID/ an essential team member and contrib­ first such bachelor’s degree program. Mexico has a grant with the Center for utes (a) to the drafting of the codes of

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 49 criminal procedure for state and federal pal ministry personnel on Nicaraguan the new facilities are in full compliance jurisdictions; (b) to the development disability law; (f) training teachers and with U.S. Department of State stan­ of training modules for judges, pros­ parents on inclusive education; and (g) dards for people with disabilities. The ecutors, defense counsel, and human presenting the results of the project in a mission complies with the Equal Op­ rights defenders; and (c) to the design national forum. portunity Employment (EOE) Act. As of implementation plans for jurisdic­ such, it considers all applicants for job USAID/Nicaragua also has activities tions adopting a new code of criminal positions, regardless of disabilities. procedure. USAID/Mexico has also planned in its ruling justly and demo­ mandated that its rule of law contrac­ cratically program. At the end of the tor, Management Systems International, reporting period, USAID/Nicaragua’s PARAGUAY abide by ADA requirements because partner received funding from DCHA USAID is funding the Centro de Infor­ one of the contractor’s key personnel is to undertake a census of voters with mación y Recursos para el Desarrollo a person with a disability. As a result, disabilities in order to ensure that they (CIRD) program in Paraguay. The pro­ USAID/Mexico’s Mexican counterparts have voter identification cards and that gram increased the participation of peo­ have been sensitized concerning the in­ their names appear on the voter rolls. ple with disabilities by inviting disabled persons organizations to compete in a tegration of people with disabilities into USAID/Nicaragua does not have a dis­ bidding process for subgrants under the their programs and operations. ability inclusion plan. All official solici­ People with Disabilities Initiatives Pro­ tations include language reflecting the gram. The program also works through post’s standards for EOE for all people, NICARAGUA a coalition of disabled persons organi­ including people with disabilities. The USAID’s Alliances Project in Education zations to improve the participation of and Health proposes, in part, to increase mission’s current facilities are not ac­ cessible, but the mission will be mov­ people with disabilities in all facets of access to quality primary education, government programs. Community ser­ including education for children with ing soon. Handrails have been added to all stairways, but the second floor of vice organizations and disabled persons disabilities. During the proposal process, organizations with national coverage the project openly accepted all proposals the building is not easily accessible to provide technical assistance. Moreover, from prospective grantees, and it recog­ people with disabilities. The new of­ the program provides institutional ca­ nized people with disabilities as a special fice annex at the new embassy complex pacity-building services to disabled per­ group during its review of proposals. has an elevator and access for people sons organizations throughout Paraguay. Through the Alliances project, USAID/ with disabilities at all points. The facil­ Nicaragua is funding a twenty-one ity complies with all U.S. government month program, implemented by Hand­ regulations regarding physical access for PERU icap International. The project aims to people with disabilities. USAID/Peru does not have a disability benefit at least 1,200 students who have inclusion plan, but it is reviewing mod­ specific educational and special needs PANAMA els from other regional missions. USAID and who attend fifty primary schools in People with disabilities are included in provides technical assistance to the con­ four departments of the northern region implementing USAID/Panama-sup­ gress of Peru to improve its policy re­ of Nicaragua. The project will also ben­ ported programs through relevant con­ garding and services for individuals with efit 908 teachers and 116 departmental tract clauses. USAID/Panama does not disabilities. The health office sponsors and municipal Ministry of Education conduct any capacity-building activi­ child health programs, including a nutri­ personnel through activities such as (a) ties with or for disabled persons orga­ tion program to prevent physical and de­ performing psychosocial evaluations of nizations. The mission does not have a velopmental disabilities in children. The children with disabilities; (b) planning disability inclusion plan, but—subject mission also sponsored the participation and revising the curriculum in coordi­ to receiving funding in FY 2008—the of several teachers in a conference on nation with teachers and parents; (c) mission will proceed with developing a disability issues held in early 2008 at the monitoring and evaluating the revised disability inclusion plan. Ann Sullivan Center in Lima, Peru. curriculum; (d) performing accessibility diagnostics in twenty of the fifty schools; In September 2007, USAID/Panama USAID/Peru is co-located in a state-of­ (e) training departmental and munici­ moved into a new embassy compound; the-art facility where the U.S. Depart­

50 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy ment of State’s Bureau of Overseas Build­ Asia Bureau (A) and the Middle East A companion report, “The Prevalence of ing Operations has ensured that both Bureau (ME). The former ANE sup­ Disability in Europe and Eurasia,” will offices and grounds are accessible to em­ ported the Education and Employment soon be finalized. That report includes ployees and visitors with disabilities. All Alliance, which has established a youth data tables that document the numbers offices and conference rooms are num­ center in Morocco to provide disadvan­ of children and adults with disabilities bered and identified with signs in Braille. taged youth with IT training and life in each E&E country, thereby helping skills that will improve their employabil­ to increase the awareness of the issues The mission does not discriminate ity. The youth center is making adjust­ regarding people with disabilities in the against people with disabilities in its em­ ments to its infrastructure so that young E&E region. It also provides a compen­ ployment practices and provides annual dium of information that is for USAID equal employment opportunity train­ people with disabilities have access to operating units and that will encourage ing for its entire staff from the certified the building and its activities. additional mission programming in this officers at the post. People with disabili­ The former ANE does not have a dis­ region. It offers practical recommenda­ ties are currently employed as budget ability inclusion plan, nor does it con­ tions to assist missions in initiating activ­ analysts in the controller’s office and in duct any capacity-building activities ities that support people with disabilities. support offices. with or for disabled persons organi­ zations. All activities under the ANE At the end of FY 2008, the bureau will REGIONAL OFFICE: SOUTH bureau comply with the guidance in finalize an additional paper that will re­ AMERICA REGIONAL USAID’s automated directives system. view best practices and lessons learned The South America Regional Office In line with that guidance, all RFPs and in providing vocational training and does not have a disability inclusion plan RFAs in connection with ANE mecha­ jobs skills for people with disabilities in place. However, it is reviewing model nisms include language about USAID’s and adolescents graduating from insti­ plans from regional missions for whom disability policy. tutions (i.e., orphanages) in the region. the South America Regional Office pro­ The paper will include a series of defini­ vides contracting, financial, legal, and tive and practical “how-to” steps and program support. BUREAU FOR EUROPE AND recommendations to guide missions EURASIA (E&E) seeking to develop programming related The office is co-located with USAID/ The USAID Bureau for Europe and to this very important issue. Peru in its state-of-the-art facility, which Eurasia (E&E) engages in a range of was described earlier. activities related to disability issues. The bureau expects those and other For Fiscal Year 2007, the E&E bureau upcoming analytic activities to improve The mission does not discriminate designated inclusive development as a E&E mission programming related to against people with disabilities in its em­ disability, to increase the awareness of key issue in its operating plan. A cor­ ployment practices. It provides annual disability issues among a variety of key nerstone of the bureau’s activities is the equal employment opportunity training stakeholders, and to promote collabora­ production of analytic products related to its entire staff from the certified of­ tion and leveraging of resources among to disability. For example, E&E updated ficers at the post. The controller’s office the various donors and NGOs that a searchable database in 2006 that de­ currently employs people with disabilities work on disability in E&E countries. scribes all donor-funded disability pro­ as budget analysts; various support offices Ultimately, the reports are intended grams in the region. An initial analytic also employ people with disabilities. to reduce stigma and discrimination report, “Improving Use of Information against people with disabilities and to on Disability and Related Social Services improve their quality of life by decreas­ in E&E” (produced in 2007), focused REGIONAL BUREAUS ing institutionalization and by increas­ on increasing knowledge about the ing opportunities for education and prevalence and causes of disability, and BUREAU FOR ASIA NEAR gainful employment. EAST (ANE) it described the status of people with As of February 29, 2008, the USAID disabilities in the region, many of whom In addition to producing information Bureau for Asia Near East (ANE) has receive few or no services, or reside in about disability, the bureau engages in been divided into two new bureaus: the institutions. extensive knowledge-sharing efforts.

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 51 For example, the reports that are pro­ sector disability initiative that supports improvements in the health of people duced are distributed to mission and coalition priorities. The bureau’s efforts in countries of the developing world, other U.S. government staff members, in Georgia and Armenia will comple­ including people with disabilities. How­ regional think tanks, libraries, interested ment and interface with existing mis­ ever, GH does not specifically focus on target groups, and development part­ sion programming on disability and will advocating for the rights of people with ners. Missions routinely receive updates seek to stimulate increased knowledge disabilities. on disability issues in the region, pro­ sharing across borders. gram successes, new resources, and other Several of GH’s disability prevention pertinent information through a man­ The E&E bureau does not have a disabil­ efforts focus on improved nutrition aged e-mail list. In the most recent edi­ ity inclusion plan. However, the bureau in developing countries. For example, tion of its newsletter, the social transi­ complies with USAID disability policy, USAID, in partnership with UNICEF tion team focused on disseminating new for example, by providing access to the and Kiwanis International, contributes resources related to disability program­ workplace for people with disabilities. to salt iodization programs that reduce ming. In October 2007, the social tran­ iodine deficiency worldwide. Iodine de­ ficiency constitutes the single and most sition and health teams jointly spon­ BUREAU FOR LATIN AMERICA common cause of preventable men­ sored an “Investing in People” workshop AND THE CARIBBEAN (LAC) tal disabilities. Adequate iodine intake, in Tbilisi, Georgia. More than seventy The Bureau for Latin America and the however, enables proper fetal neurologi­ USAID staff members from across the Caribbean in Washington, D.C. (LAC/ E&E region attended the workshop, Washington) continues to participate cal development and improved cognitive which included a disability session that in the Agency’s disabilities working function in children. More than two in highlighted innovative ways to integrate group, under its Diversity Council. three households throughout the world disability issues into ongoing program­ LAC/Washington also works to ensure now consume iodized salt, in large part ming and provided examples of best the LAC missions’ full support for the as a result of USAID’s commitment to practices in inclusive education, aware­ participation of people with disabilities country-level efforts to iodize salt. ness raising, and legislative and policy in worldwide conferences and events. reform. Similarly, vitamin A deficiency has his­ LAC has had continued success with torically been the cause of more than Although most programs are funded such efforts, and it continues to work two-thirds of the cases of childhood and managed by the bureau’s field mis­ with the Agency’s disabilities working blindness. USAID’s leadership in vita­ sions, the E&E bureau in Washing­ group to ensure the full inclusion and min A supplementation has led to the ton, D.C., is implementing one small participation of people with disabilities establishment of national programs that as appropriate. program related to disability through a provide routine supplementation of vi­ cooperative agreement with the Educa­ The LAC/Executive Management Team tamin A for young children and fortifi­ tion Development Center. The pro­ is unaware of an LAC/Washington dis­ cation of commonly consumed foods. gram’s goal is to increase the capacity of ability inclusion plan that has been The result has been a rapid reduction of local disabled persons organizations and distributed to all stakeholders. LAC’s the incidence of severe vitamin A defi­ to help promote sustainable progress on historical practice has been favorable to ciency in developing countries. disability issues in Georgia and Arme­ disability inclusion in all activities. nia. In Armenia, the activity will focus USAID continues to be the leading in­ on developing a national coalition to ternational donor for such programs, bring together local disability NGOs BUREAU FOR GLOBAL with vitamin A supplementation pro­ that have joined forces to create a rec­ HEALTH (GH) grams implemented in more than thirty ognized, cross-cutting advocacy institu­ The USAID Bureau for Global Health countries worldwide. The success of tion. In Georgia, a strong advocacy co­ (GH) supports programs that strive to those programs has reduced the mortal­ alition of disabled persons organizations prevent disability. When prevention ef­ ity rate among children who become already exists. Thus, this activity will forts fail, programs are implemented blind. Previously, more than half of focus on further strengthening its base that aim to improve the lives of peo­ children who became blind died within by asking the coalition to serve as secre­ ple with disabilities through effective one to two years of losing their sight. tariat for a cross-institutional or cross- treatment. GH programs contribute to USAID has also implemented eye health

52 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy programs in thirty countries. Programs cies that support the educational needs Washington for the collection of indi­ offer a range of services, including vision of children with multiple disabilities. cator data pertaining to the monitor­ screening; low vision and rehabilitation ing and reporting of activities affecting services, including training in Braille; Other disability prevention efforts focus people with disabilities. correction of refractive error; free eye­ on immunization or treatment of condi­ glasses; and cataract surgery. tions that can cause disability. USAID Key staffers are assigned to monitor the has played a pivotal role in mobilizing implementation of activities that sup­ In addition, through the Academy for worldwide support to eradicate polio, port access to and entry into bureau Educational Development, the Global a major cause of disability in children. facilities, particularly during emergency Health Bureau supports two programs USAID is a global leader—with part­ situations. The bureau currently em­ with the Perkins School for the Blind— ners UNICEF, the World Health Or­ ploys people with disabilities. one in the Philippines, the other in ganization, and the Rotary Club—in three countries in Latin America—to the fight to eradicate polio through the Office of Microenterprise Develop­ ment. From June 25 to June 27, 2007, provide direct services to children who support of national immunization days the USAID disability team and USAID/ are blind. To date, in the Philippines the and the strengthening of routine im­ EGAT’s Office of Microenterprise De­ program has provided services to more munization services. The United States velopment organized an electronic dis­ than 1,500 children. Those services in­ has allocated more than $260 million cussion on the microLINKS Speaker’s clude enrolling children in model class­ to USAID’s polio eradication initiative Corner platform around the issue of rooms and in occupational, physical, since 1996. More than 3 billion peo­ disability and economic opportunities. and speech therapy services; providing ple—half the world’s population—in The objective of this dialogue was to consultation visits to children in their 134 countries and territories now live in identify barriers to inclusion, to look homes and schools; and developing in­ areas that are free of polio. dividual learning plans for children. at best practices for inclusive economic GH does not have a disability inclu­ programs, and to provide future recom­ Recently, GH launched an initiative in sion plan, but as a pillar bureau based mendations that could be used by both the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and in Washington, D.C., GH follows the disabled persons organizations and the Mexico to expand educational oppor­ guidance issued by USAID’s manage­ microenterprise and microfinance com­ tunities for children who are blind with ment bureau on removing barriers to munity to ensure equal access to pro­ multiple disabilities. This initiative, the the participation of people with disabili­ grams. The discussion was fed by the ac­ Perkins Partnerships for Children/Latin ties, including the guidance on disability tive participation of forty-five experts on America (PC/LA) project, aims to build inclusion contained in the “USAID Dis­ disability issues and microfinance and the capacities of local schools and agen­ ability Policy Paper.” microenterprise, including academics, cies to provide improved quality services donors, and representatives of NGOs. to children and to work with adminis­ Discussion organizers divided the three- BUREAU FOR ECONOMIC trators and decision makers in Minis­ day e-discussion into three sections, GROWTH, AGRICULTURE, AND tries of Education to strengthen national dedicating one day to each of the fol­ TRADE (EGAT) policies. Specific objectives of the PC/LA lowing topics: (a) barriers to inclusion project are as follows: (a) strengthening The Bureau for Economic Growth, Ag­ and issues of readiness, (b) good and the capacity of teachers to integrate best riculture, and Trade (EGAT) does not bad practices, and (c) recommendations. practices into the education of children have a disability inclusion plan; how­ The discussion transcript, a summary with visual impairment and multiple dis­ ever, the bureau complies with Agency of the event, a list of best practices, and abilities, (b) increasing parents’ knowl­ policies, rules, and regulations pertain­ other resources are available on the mi­ edge of their children’s capacities and ing to people with disabilities. The bu­ croLINKS website. of community resources, (c) training reau’s administrative management staff administrators and representatives from members maintain and distribute guide­ Office of Women in Development. Ministries of Education on the educa­ lines and procedures to ensure EGAT’s EGAT’s Office of Women in Develop­ tional needs for those children, and (d) compliance with Agency policy in this ment (WID) dedicated a large, new collaborating with representatives from area. EGAT complies with an Agency- section of its external website to women Ministries of Education to develop poli­ wide schedule initiated by USAID/ with disabilities and international de-

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 53 velopment, thereby raising the topic to which enable them to manage risks and disabilities and those who advocate and the level of a “special priority” on the gain access to opportunities that support offer services on behalf of people with website. The section provides substan­ their full and productive participation in disabilities. This commitment extends tial information on this topic in three society. SPANS comprises five congres­ from the design and implementation of perspectives: overview, common myths, sionally directed funds: the Leahy War USAID programming to advocacy for and additional resources. The content Victims Fund (LWVF), the Displaced and outreach to people with disabilities. is rich in examples and pragmatic sug­ Children and Orphans Fund (DCOF), The Disability Fund supports programs gestions on what can be done to better the Victims of Torture Fund (VTF), the that build the capacities of local disabled integrate people—especially women and Wheelchair Fund, and the Disability persons organizations; that conduct girls—with disabilities into develop­ Fund. Broadly, those programs seek to advocacy and awareness-raising activi­ ment assistance programs. The web- reduce the risks and reinforce the ca­ ties; and that facilitate the integration of site provides direct e-mail addresses to pacities of communities, local NGOs, people with disabilities into health, eco­ principal USAID disability specialists. and governments to provide services and nomic, education, and political partici­ Content for the pages was drafted by protection for vulnerable groups. Each pation programs, among others. the Investing in Women in Develop­ fund has a particular purpose and strat­ ment (IWID) Fellow and disability and egy, but the five funds share a focus on For example, the Disability Fund sup­ gender specialist. EGAT/WID supports poor and vulnerable people and an em­ ports the Building an Inclusive Devel­ the Investing in Women in Develop­ phasis on community. opment Community project, which is ment Fellows program through which implemented by Mobility International USAID/DCHA’s Office of Democracy The LWVF focuses on the needs of ci­ USA. The project seeks to increase and Governance (DG) through the Spe­ vilian victims of conflict in developing the participation by people with dis­ cial Programs to Address the Needs of countries, with the primary objective abilities, including women and girls, in Survivors (SPANS) sponsored the IWID of expanding access to affordable and U.S.-based international development disability fellowship. appropriate prosthetic and orthotic ser­ programs as participants, agents, ad­ vices. Established in 1989, the program ministrators, and consultants. The proj­ has slowly expanded beyond the provi­ ect focuses on strengthening USAID BUREAU FOR DEMOCRACY, sion of essential orthopedic services and mission responses and the capacities of CONFLICT, AND HUMANITAR­ related medical, surgical, and rehabili­ local disabled persons organizations to IAN ASSISTANCE (DCHA) tation assistance to include programs reduce the barriers that people with dis­ Disability planning from the Bureau for that enable amputees and other people abilities encounter when participating Democracy, Conflict, and Humitarian with disabilities to regain accessibility in civic, social, and employment activi­ Assistance (DCHA) is a mixture of op­ to mainstream educational, recreational, ties. In addition, the American Institute erating unit disability plans and disabil­ and economic opportunities. Most for Research was awarded a two-year ity provisions incorporated into grant programs also have a capacity-building cooperative agreement to implement the guidelines and program implementing component so disabled persons organi­ Engaging with Disabled Persons Orga­ documents. Efforts to support inclusion zations can provide assistance to, and nizations in Development Cooperation through the removal of barriers to par­ advocate successfully for, the rights of (ENGAGE) program, which will de­ ticipation also vary by operating unit. people with disabilities. The LWVF is velop pilot programs and advocacy strat­ implementing programs in Afghanistan, egies to address the needs and to protect Office of Democracy and Governance the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the rights of individuals with disabilities The Office of Democracy and (DG). Laos, Lebanon, Romania, Sri Lanka, in developing countries. Governance (DG) supports various pro­ and Sub-Saharan Africa. Details of the grams pertaining to disability issues, pri­ programs can be found elsewhere in this Through a competitive process, USAID marily through Special Programs to Ad­ section of the report. also provided funds to USAID field dress the Needs of Survivors (SPANS), missions to support qualified NGOs which is located in DCHA/DG. The The Disability Fund was established (U.S., non-U.S., and local) through ex­ SPANS portfolio works to ensure that in 2005 to enhance and complement isting and new assistance mechanisms. especially vulnerable populations have USAID’s commitment to including Under this targeted RFP, USAID, in access to social services and protection, people who have physical and mental collaboration with its local missions,

54 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy identified local partners and provided munities affected by torture to resume people with disabilities, as well as with them with the means to build the capac­ their roles within family and com­ disabled persons organizations and other ity of disabled persons organizations, munity and to protect those individu­ disability advocacy groups. Those indi­ to increase the participation of persons als, many of whom have permanent viduals and groups are included in pro­ with disabilities in political processes, physical or mental disabilities as a result gram design and evaluation decisions. and to promote and protect the rights of torture, against future incidents of Numerous consultants, both of and for of people with disabilities. Proposals torture. VTF provides four major cat­ people with disabilities, have been hired selected for funding were submitted egories of service: treatment, rehabilita­ to work on behalf of the DG office. by missions working in Albania, Bul­ tion, training, and research. Through garia, Ecuador, Georgia, Ghana, Jordan, its in-country partnerships, VTF works The DG office has managed and imple­ Kazakhstan, Niger and Burkina Faso, to heal the psychological and physical mented several other initiatives to in­ Paraguay, and Russia. Details of those trauma caused by torture; to provide crease the participation of people with programs can be found in the Global direct medical, psychological, and social disabilities in its programs and activities. Highlights herein. In 2008, the Dis­ services for torture survivors, as well as DG oversees and manages the Consor­ ability Fund will extend its support to responding to other needs of torture tium for Elections and Political Process twenty-seven programs in an additional survivors, families, and communities; Strengthening (CEPPS), which imple­ twenty-three countries. to restore survivors as functioning and mented the Enfranchising Persons with contributing members of their fami­ Disability found in USAID Electoral Although the Disability Fund and the lies and communities; to help societies and Political Process program in 2006 LVWF work directly with people with understand the consequences of torture; and 2007. CEPPS comprises the Na­ disabilities throughout all of their pro­ and to work with civil society to pro­ tional Democratic Institute for Interna­ gramming, DCOF and VTF often have tect individuals against future acts of tional Affairs, the International Repub­ strong disability components. DCOF torture. lican Institute, and the International addresses the needs of children who are Foundation for Electoral Systems. The most at risk and vulnerable or children The SPANS program, which is housed CEPPS program has focused on revers­ who live without the care and protec­ within DG, has an annual disability ing the political marginalization of citi­ tion of a family. That focus often in­ work plan that addresses ways to bet­ zens with disabilities in four countries— cludes providing services to children ter integrate people with disabilities Nicaragua, Armenia, Albania, and Sierra with disabilities. Programs center on throughout all of USAID’s programs Leone—by advancing their political and strengthening the capacities of families and activities. The plan, which specifi­ and communities to address the physi­ cally notes targets of opportunity in FY electoral participation. 2007, was developed in close collabo­ cal, social, educational, economic, and The DG office has also incorporated ration with SPANS stakeholders, in­ emotional needs of children in cri­ disability inclusive practices into all of cluding leading international disabled sis. DCOF aims to preserve the family its training for new staff. The new en­ persons organizations and other lead­ structure; to promote the growth and try professionals entering the Agency ers in the disability community. The development of vulnerable children; in 2007 and 2006 and junior officers and to develop community structures to DG office, primarily through SPANS, entering in 2008—who will be working care for, support, and protect vulnerable has worked aggressively and proactively in the area of democracy and gover­ populations. Programs funded under to remove barriers to the participa­ nance—were required to participate in DCOF that have specifically addressed tion of people with disabilities. SPANS an afternoon training session on how the needs of people with disabilities provides major funding for disability to better integrate disability into future or have advocated for their rights have organizations, promotes and enforces and current programming. Moreover, a been implemented in Afghanistan, Azer­ USAID policy related to people with session on disability was included in the baijan, Belarus, Brazil, and Thailand. disabilities in all of its funded programs, June 2008 DG officer training, which Details of those programs can be found has offices and programs that are acces­ provided new skills and innovative best in the Global Highlights herein. sible to people with disabilities, and pro­ vides capacity-building and training op­ practices in the area of democracy and The goal of the Victims of Torture portunities for people with disabilities. governance for DG officers in the field Fund is to enable people and com­ SPANS holds regular consultations with and in Washington, D.C.

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 55 Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance reintegrate ex-combatants into society tives of people with disabilities to en­ (OFDA). The Office of Foreign Di­ by providing them with workforce de­ sure that all buildings and facilities are saster Assistance (OFDA) includes two velopment, employment opportunities, accessible to those with disabilities. disability provisions in its grant guide­ and life skills. Ex-combatant programs, lines: a general provision implementing which may include some participants Office of Food for Peace (FFP). Emer­ USAID’s disability policy, and a provi­ who are people with disabilities, are gency programs supported by the Office sion for construction and rehabilita­ being implemented in Colombia, the of Food for Peace (FFP) deliver food aid tion, which requires structures to be Democratic Republic of the Congo, and to populations—often those residing in constructed or renovated to meet local, Uganda. areas of civil conflict or fleeing war-torn in-country standards for accessibility regions—who are affected by natural for people with disabilities or, if there Office of Private Voluntary Coopera­ and human-made disasters. Many of the are no local standards, to those stan­ tion–American Schools and Hospitals beneficiaries are refugees and displaced dards imposed by the ADA. OFDA is Abroad (PVC–ASHA). The Office of persons, especially children and moth­ in charge of its own domain within the Private Voluntary Cooperation–Amer­ ers. The provision of emergency food USAID/Internet Resources Manage­ ican Schools and Hospitals Abroad aid becomes the first priority under un­ ment network and is responsible for (PVC–ASHA) includes USAID’s dis­ usual circumstances in the field, when ensuring that this domain is compliant ability policy in the standard provi­ harsh and challenging conditions pre­ with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation sions of its grant agreements, which are vail. Such situations are not conducive Act to eliminate barriers in information provided to all ASHA grantees. That to facilitating a focus on systematically technology for people with disabilities. section describes standards for acces­ removing barriers to the participation Over the past few years, OFDA-funded sibility that contractors must meet if a of people with disabilities. Nevertheless, partners have increasingly identified portion of ASHA funding is used for most of FFP’s implementing partners people with disabilities as individu­ the construction of new or the rehabili­ are USAID-registered private voluntary als in need of humanitarian assistance, tation of existing facilities. PVC–ASHA organizations that must comply with the recognizing them as often being among holds grantee workshops almost every ADA at the headquarters level. In addi­ the most vulnerable in disaster settings. year and always includes in its agenda a tion, under the requirements for use of In the upcoming revision of the OFDA presentation and discussion of USAID’s nonemergency funds, FFP implement­ Guidelines for Unsolicited Proposals and disability policy and the need to make ing partners must identify and target for Reporting, disabled populations will be USAID-financed construction accessible food aid those members of the commu­ listed as a new-crosscutting theme that to people with disabilities. A contracted nities in which they work who are the will be tracked in the OFDA program­ civil engineer works with ASHA activi­ most vulnerable to food insecurity. For ming database. OFDA is also integrat­ ties and approves plans for the construc­ many private voluntary organizations, ing sensitization on disabled popula­ tion or rehabilitation of facilities, ensur­ persons with disabilities—in addition to tions into sessions and case studies ing that ASHA-assisted construction is people living with chronic diseases such within its training courses. accessible to people with disabilities. as HIV, displaced persons, the poor, or­ phans, children under five years of age, Office of Conflict Management and ASHA grants are used to promote and pregnant and lactating women—fall Mitigation (CMM). The Office of U.S. ideas and values in education in that category. Conflict Management and Mitigation and medicine abroad and to support (CMM) has no barriers to the partici­ a wide range of related institutions. pation of people with disabilities in its Some of the medical institutions sup­ workplace. CMM does not specifically ported by ASHA grants have facilities target people with disabilities; however, for the training and rehabilitation of many of its programs overseas provide people with disabilities. In those cir­ services for or remove barriers to par­ cumstances, people with disabilities are ticipation for people with disabilities. closely involved with the planning and Some CMM programs under Program implementation of programs. In at least Element 1.3.2., Disarmament, Demo­ one other instance, an ASHA-assisted bilization, and Reintegration, help to university is working with representa­

56 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy APPENDIX B USAID DISABILITY POLICY PAPER

I. USAID DISABILITY USAID commitment to disability is­ who are the primary beneficiaries of POLICY sues is not new. A 1996 report (“Ac­ USAID programs. The USAID dis­ The U.S. Agency for International De­ tivities Addressing the Needs of Person ability policy is thus in part an effort to with Disabilities,” USAID document extend the spirit of the ADA in areas be­ velopment (USAID) is committed to the PN-ABY-746) described the many and yond the jurisdiction of U.S. law. inclusion of people who have physical varied Agency-sponsored activities in and mental disabilities and those who provisioning of prosthetics, treatment advocate and offer services on behalf of and prevention of blindness and special II. POLICY OBJECTIVES people with disabilities. This commit­ education, providing medical training of The objectives of the USAID policy on ment extends from the design and imple­ individuals who assist persons with dis­ disability are (a) to enhance the attain­ mentation of USAID programming to abilities, building advocacy and manage­ ment of United States foreign assistance advocacy for and outreach to people with ment capabilities of local organizations program goals by promoting the partici­ disabilities. USAID’s policy on disabil­ that represent the disabled, and the like. pation and equalization of opportunities ity is as follows: To avoid discrimina­ This policy is designed to build upon of individuals with disabilities in USAID tion against people with disabilities in current activities and to enhance the ef­ policy, country and sector strategies, ac­ programs which USAID funds and to fectiveness of the Agency’s commitment. tivity designs and implementation; (b) stimulate an engagement of host country to increase awareness of issues of people The policy applies to Agency program counterparts, governments, implement­ with disabilities both within USAID funds only, and complements exist­ ing organizations and other donors in programs and in host countries; (c) to ing USAID disability policies which promoting a climate of nondiscrimina­ engage other U.S. government agencies, relate to staffing and personnel proce­ tion against and equal opportunity for host country counterparts, governments, dures. One of the best means of rais­ people with disabilities. The USAID implementing organizations and other ing awareness in programs is to actively donors in fostering a climate of nondis­ policy on disability is to promote the in­ pursue those personnel procedures so crimination against people with disabili­ clusion of people with disabilities both that Agency staffing patterns reflect the ties; and (d) to support international ad­ within USAID programs and in host intention of Agency programs. countries where USAID has programs. vocacy for people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act For purposes of this policy, a disability is of 1990 (ADA) is generally not appli­ defined as a physical or mental impair­ cable to USAID’s overseas programs. III. POLICY ment that affects a major life function, While the ADA applies to U.S. citizens FRAMEWORK consistent with the definition of the Re­ (including USAID employees) overseas, A substantial segment (often 10 percent habilitation Act. it does not apply to non-U.S. citizens, or more) of any population has im-

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 57 pairments. Those individuals are often a foundation on which these individuals interested in issues of persons with dis­ limited in participating in society by ob­ more effectively make a positive contri­ abilities should be considered for this stacles in the physical or social environ­ bution to the economic development kind of support. ment. It is widely recognized that the of their country. The disabling injuries response to this problem must be a bal­ caused by landmines provide yet another USAID also recognizes the appropri­ anced combination of prevention, reha­ compelling reason for such programs. ate role of host country governments in bilitation and measures for the equaliza­ creating the enabling environment for tion of opportunities. Individuals with USAID promotes advocacy as an inte­ disability advocacy and services. Host disabilities and their caregivers often are gral part of its democracy and gover­ governments not only create the regula­ taken out of the workforce. The reasons nance objective. As a world leader in tory environment, but they also assure are many: discrimination, lack of educa­ the civil rights movement for people quality standards and, for donor pro­ tional, vocational rehabilitation or train­ with disabilities, the U.S. has seen a grams, provide the basis for sustaining 1 ing opportunities, etc. These factors strengthening of many local organiza­ these efforts. place further economic burden on poor tions which have formed to support countries where USAID has sustainable independent living and other disability development programs. People with dis­ initiatives as a critical need. In many IV. OPERATIONAL abilities have the same needs as others countries, individuals with disabili­ PROCEDURES for nutrition, family planning, health ties have been `warehoused’ in abysmal care, training and employment. Many conditions with total disrespect for their A. CONSULTATION mainstream programs, with minor mod­ rights. Those rights must be respected. Each USAID Bureau, Mission and Cen­ ification at the design stage, help address As young democracies decide where ter of the Global Bureau must deter­ these needs. For example, education they will concentrate scarce resources, mine the best ways to consult with the programs can be developed which pro­ people with disabilities and those inter­ disabled and with those who advocate mote inclusion of children with physi­ ested in the issues of people with dis­ on behalf of, or provide services for in­ cal or mental disabilities to the maxi­ abilities must be among the voices that dividuals with disabilities. mum extent feasible. Economic growth are heard. Each USAID Bureau, Mission and activities, such as small business loans Recently, in certain developing coun­ Center of the Global Bureau must also lending, can be developed to assure that tries, indigenous non-governmental determine best ways for consulting with people with disabilities have equal access organizations (NGOs) interested in the appropriate host government officials to credit. Infrastructure projects can be concerns of people with disabilities have to assure that issues are reviewed with designed, with acceptable marginal cost, emerged. USAID’s general policy with respect to the enabling environment, to assure barrier-free access. regard to partnership with private vol­ regulatory concerns, quality assurance In providing humanitarian assistance in untary organizations (PVOs) encourages standards and maintenance of donor- post-conflict situations and disaster assis­ the use of U.S. PVOs to help strengthen financed disability activities. USAID tance, early strategically aimed programs indigenous NGOs (“USAID-U.S. PVO will also look to organizations and indi­ both help address the immediate needs of Partnership,” April 12, 1995; Handbook viduals with in-depth local experience people with disabilities and also provide 1, Policy Papers); inclusion of NGOs to assist in designing and implementing

1 The National Council on Disability (NCD) is an independent federal agency which was established to promote policies, programs, practices and procedures that guaran­ tee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities and to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society, and to provide an annual report to the President and the Congress. The NCD issued a report on August 1, 1996, entitled, “Foreign Policy and Disability” which asked whether the United States maintains a coherent disability policy within its foreign policy and found in the negative. In fact, the report concluded that “those responsible for creating and implementing U.S. overseas policies and programs generally lack awareness of disability issues, cannot articulate our national policies with respect to people with disabilities, do not incorporate the interests of people with disabilities into U.S. foreign policy objectives, and do not see the importance of U.S. disability advances and achievements for people with disabilities in other countries. ”The NCD recommended: • creating a comprehensive foreign policy on disability to advocate for people with disabilities through activities on international levels; • extending U.S. disability law by legislation or executive order to include unambiguously the international operations of the U.S. government; • employing domestic standards of nondiscrimination in U.S.-sponsored international activities; • training U.S. foreign affairs agencies and their contractors to plan for programmatic accessibility; and, • establishing the principle that no U.S. international activity should have a lower standard of inclusion than its domestic correlate.

58 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy participatory mechanisms to ensure that ests and perspectives of the community USAID strategic objectives and activi­ of individuals with disabilities or groups ties incorporate, to the extent feasible, interested in their issues. USAID will the priorities and values of people with look to an increasing role for indigenous disabilities and groups pursuing these is­ NGOs to carry out service delivery and sues and interests in the host country. to advocate on behalf of the interests of people with disabilities. USAID will ac­ tively encourage the formation of effec­ B. AREAS TO BE tive partnership relations between U.S. CONSIDERED IN THE PVOs and indigenous NGOs interested CONSULTATIVE PROCESS in issues of concern to people with dis­ The concerns of people with physi­ abilities. cal and mental disabilities should be considered in the variety of USAID programs for the poorest elements of D. TRAINING AND society including but not limited to ENHANCED AWARENESS programs for children and women, es­ USAID employees and contractors will pecially early childhood interventions, be trained in issues of relevance to peo­ child survival programs and curricu­ ple with disabilities so that, as appro­ lum development for special education priate, USAID programs reflect those within basic education programs; mass issues. Grantees and contractors will be communication and printed materi­ encouraged to provide relevant training als; development of basic infrastructure to their staff. (e.g., roads, water and sanitation, public transportation, telecommunications); development of small scale industries or workshops; introduction of new ma­ chinery; development of products the use of which requires specific skills; ur­ ban or rural community development; development of health care facilities or systems; development of formal and non-formal education, training, career development and job placement ser­ vices; family planning and health educa­ tion programs; design and construction activities; and activities related to de­ mocracy and good governance, human rights initiatives, and income genera­ tion. Where appropriate, USAID may also encourage relevant policy dialogue with host governments.

C. SUPPORTING U.S. PVO AND INDIGENOUS NGO RELATIONSHIPS Indigenous NGOs, as part of the host society, can serve as a voice for the inter­

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 59

APPENDIX C ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVE (AAPD)

FROM THE DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE ISSUED: JUNE 16, 2005 AAPD 05-07 SUPPORTING USAID’S STANDARDS FOR ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE DISABLED IN CONTRACTS, GRANTS,AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS

PURPOSE: The purpose of this to, and inclusion of people with physi­ website at http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ AAPD is to require contracting of­ cal and mental disabilities, to the maxi­ ads/200/200.pdf. Policies and publica­ ficers (COs) and agreement officers mum extent feasible, in the design and tion related to USAID’s disability pol­ (AOs) to include a provision in all implementation of USAID program­ icy can be found on the USAID website solicitations and resulting awards for ming, and provides guidance for making at http://www.usaid.gov/about_usaid/ contracts, grants, and cooperative that commitment operational.” disability.] agreements involving construction or As part of the effort to more fully in­ renovation of structures, facilities or The policy applies to the use of Agency corporate the Disability Policy into buildings. The provision is an affir­ program funds only and complements USAID’s program planning (see Ex­ mative statement that contractors and USAID’s personnel and staffing dis­ ecutive Message Dated 09/03/2004), recipients will comply, to the extent ability policies. PPC has developed policy guidance on practicable and within the scope of accessibility standards for the disabled the award, with the intent of USAID’s PPC includes the Policy Paper as a in USAID-financed construction. A Policy on Standards for Accessibility Man datory Internal Reference to USAID inter-bureau committee and for the Disabled in USAID-Financed ADS 200 “Introduction to Program­ stakeholders developed this guidance Construction. ming Policy” (see ADS 200.4.2 Inter­ for any new or renovation construc­ nal Manda tory References, under the tion project funded by USAID. This BACKGROUND: In September 1997, category “Other Issues.” Full text is AAPD is the first and principal means the Bureau for Program and Policy available through USAID’s Develop­ of implementing the guidance. Coordination (PPC) issued a USAID ment Clearinghouse at http://pdf.dec. General Policy Notice stating USAID’s org/pdf_docs/PDABQ631.pdf). [Please Although many operating units Disability Policy. This Policy Paper “ar­ note that the web address for the docu­ throughout the Agency incorporate the ticulates the U.S. Agency for Interna­ ment has changed since the original Disability Policy in their strategic plan­ tional Development’s (USAID) commit­ publication of this policy. ADS 200 is ning and activity development, more ment to pursue advocacy for, outreach available in its entirety on the USAID needs to be done to specify standards

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 61 for accessibility in USAID-funded con­ tions will allow access to all programs cans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of struction contracts, grants and coopera­ and services needed should accompany 1990 and the Architectural Barriers Act tive agreements. requests. The full text of the policy and (ABA) Accessibility Guidelines of July guidance on the waiver process is avail­ 2004. Where there are no host country Until these efforts result in more con­ able at http://www.usaid.gov/about_ or regional standards for universal access sistent inclusion in SOWs and PDs, usaid/disability/policies.html. or where the host country or regional the Office of Acquisition and Assis­ standards fail to meet the ADA/ABA tance is issuing this AAPD to bring the 1. Acquisition threshold, the standard prescribed in the Agency policy guidance to the atten­ ADA and the ABA must be used. tion of our private sector implementing For acquisitions (contracts) for construc­ partners and ensure their compliance tion or renovation using program funds, (d) New Construction. All new con­ with the policy by including a provi­ when issuing a Request for Proposals struction will comply with the above sion to this effect in contracts, grants, (RFP), the contracting officer must in­ standards for accessibility. and cooperative agreements. clude the following provision in Section H of the RFP and resulting contract: (e) Alterations. Changes to an exist­ GUIDANCE: The clause and provi­ ing structure that affect, or could af­ sion below are to be used in all RFPs and “STANDARDS FOR ACCESSIBIL­ fect, the usability of the structure will RFAs issued after the date of this AAPD. ITY FOR THE DISABLED IN USAID comply with the above standards for CONSTRUCTION accessibility unless the contractor ob­ The clause and provision set out the CONTRACTS (September 2004) tains the Contracting Officer’s advance Agency’s objectives regarding disability approval that compliance is technically policy in terms of construction; require (a) One of the objectives of the USAID infeasible or constitutes an undue bur­ compliance with accessibility standards; Disability Policy is to engage other U.S. den or both. Compliance is technically how to comply in new construction and government agencies, host country infeasible where structural conditions in alterations to existing structures, and counterparts, governments, implement­ would require removing or altering construction related activities that are ing organizations and other donors in a load-bearing member that is an es­ exempt from the requirements for com­ fostering a climate of nondiscrimina­ sential part of the structural frame or pliance. In both the clause and provi­ tion against people with disabilities. As because other existing physical or site sion under paragraph (e), Alterations, part of this policy USAID has established constraints prohibit modification or there is a requirement for the Contract­ standards for any new or renovation con­ addition of elements, spaces, or fea­ ing Officer’s or Assistance Officer’s ap­ struction project funded by USAID to tures that are in full and strict compli­ proval where compliance with accessibil­ allow access by people with disabilities ance with the minimum requirements ity standards is technically infeasible or (PWDs). The full text of the policy paper of the standard. Compliance is an presents an undue burden. To issue this can be found at the following website: undue burden where it entails either approval the Contracting or Assistance http://www.usaid.gov/about_usaid/ a significant difficulty or expense or Officer must first obtain a waiver as re­ disability/policies.html. both. quired by the USAID Policy on Stan­ dards for Accessibility for the Disabled (b) USAID requires the contractor to (f) Exceptions. The following construc­ in USAID-Financed Construction. comply with standards of accessibility tion related activities are excepted from for people with disabilities in all struc­ the requirements of paragraphs (a) The request for a waiver must identify tures, buildings or facilities resulting through (d) above: (1) Normal main­ the specific requirements and proce­ from new or renovation construction or tenance, re-roofing, painting or wall­ dures of the guidelines from which a alterations of an existing structure. papering, or changes to mechanical or waiver is sought and provide a detailed electrical systems are not alterations and explanation, including appropriate (c) The contractor will comply with the the above standards do not apply un­ information or documentation, as to host country or regional standards for less they affect the accessibility of the why a waiver should be granted. A accessibility in construction when such building or facility; and (2) emergency statement(s) that, where feasible, per­ standards result in at least substantially construction (which may entail the sons with disabilities will be accom­ equivalent accessibility and usability provision of plastic sheeting or tents, modated and how such accommoda­ as the standard provided in the Ameri­ minor repair and upgrading of existing

62 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy structures, rebuilding of part of exist­ accessibility in construction when such construction (which may entail the ing structures, or provision of tempo­ standards result in at least substantially provision of plastic sheeting or tents, rary structures) intended to be tempo­ equivalent accessibility and usability minor repair and upgrading of existing rary in nature. A portion of emergency as the standard provided in the Ameri­ structures, rebuilding of part of exist­ construction assistance may be provided cans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of ing structures, or provision of tempo­ to people with disabilities as part of the 1990 and the Architectural Barriers Act rary structures) intended to be tempo­ process of identifying disaster- and cri­ (ABA) Accessibility Guidelines of July rary in nature. A portion of emergency sis-affected people as “most vulnerable.” 2004. Where there are no host country construction assistance may be provided or regional standards for universal access to people with disabilities as part of the 2. Assistance or where the host country or regional process of identifying disaster- and cri­ For assistance awards (grants and co­ standards fail to meet the ADA/ABA sis-affected people as “most vulnerable.” operative agreements), when issuing a threshold, the standard prescribed in the ADA and the ABA will be used. POINT OF CONTACT: Direct ques­ Request for Applications (RFA), the tions about this AAPD to Michael agreement officer must include the fol­ (d) New Construction. All new con­ Gushue, M/OAA/PE, at 202-712-5831. lowing provision in the RFA and ensure struction will comply with the above Direct questions about USAID’s Disabil­ its inclusion as a Special Provision in the standards for accessibility. ity Policy to Joan Atherton, PPC/P at schedule of the award itself: 202-712-4955, or the Agency Disability (e) Alterations. Changes to an exist­ Coordinator, Lloyd Feinberg, DCHA/ “STANDARDS FOR ACCESSIBIL­ ing structure that affect, or could af­ DG, (202) 712-5725. ITY FOR THE DISABLED IN USAID fect, the usability of the structure will ASSISTANCE AWARDS comply with the above standards for accessibility unless the recipient ob­ INVOLVING CONSTRUCTION tains the Agreement Officer’s advance (September 2004) approval that compliance is technically (a) One of the objectives of the USAID infeasible or constitutes an undue bur­ Disability Policy is to engage other U.S. den or both. Compliance is technically government agencies, host country infeasible where structural conditions counterparts, governments, implement­ would require removing or altering a ing organizations and other donors in load-bearing member that is an essential fostering a climate of nondiscrimination part of the structural frame or because against people with disabilities. As part other existing physical or site constraints of this policy USAID has established prohibit modification or addition of standards for any new or renovation elements, spaces, or features that are construction project funded by USAID in full and strict compliance with the to allow access by people with disabili­ minimum requirements of the standard. ties (PWDs). The full text of the policy Compliance is an undue burden where paper can be found at the following it entails either a significant difficulty or website: http://www.usaid.gov/about_ expense or both. usaid/disability/policies.html. (f) Exceptions. The following construc­ (b) USAID requires the recipient to tion related activities are excepted from comply with standards of accessibility the requirements of paragraphs (a) for people with disabilities in all struc­ through (d) above: (1) Normal main­ tures, buildings or facilities resulting tenance, re-roofing, painting or wall­ from new or renovation construction or papering, or changes to mechanical or alterations of an existing structure. electrical systems are not alterations and the above standards do not apply un­ (c) The recipient will comply with the less they affect the accessibility of the host country or regional standards for building or facility; and (2) emergency

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 63

APPENDIX D ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVE

FROM THE DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE ISSUED: DECEMBER 17, 2004 AAPD 04-17 SUPPORTING USAID’S DISABILITY POLICY IN CONTRACTS, GRANTS,AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS

PURPOSE: The purpose of this AAPD commitment operational.” The policy “Introduction to Programming Policy” is to require contracting officers (COs) applies to the use of Agency program (see ADS 200.4.2 Internal Mandatory and agreement officers (AOs) to include funds only and complements USAID’s References, under the category “Other a provision supporting USAID’s Disabil­ personnel and staffing disability policies. Issues” at http://www.usaid.gov/about_ ity Policy in all solicitations and resulting usaid/disability/policies.html). Various awards for contracts, grants, and coopera­ To summarize, USAID’s policy on dis­ efforts are underway to more fully incor­ tive agreements. The provision is an af­ ability is to porate the Disability Policy into USAID’s firmative statement that the contractor or • Avoid discrimination against people recipient will comply, to the extent prac­ program planning so that inclusion of with disabilities in programs which ticable and within the scope of the award, persons with physical and mental dis­ USAID funds; with the intent of USAID’s Policy Paper abilities is a standard component of the on Disability, dated September 12, 1997. • Stimulate an engagement of host program and activity design/development country counterparts, governments, process. In fact, many operating units BACKGROUND: In September 1997, implementing organizations and throughout the Agency already do incor­ the Bureau for Program and Policy other donors in promoting a climate porate the Disability Policy in their stra­ Coordination (PPC) issued a USAID of nondiscrimination against and General Policy Notice stating USAID’s tegic planning and activity development. equal opportunity for people with Disability Policy. This Policy Paper “ar­ The Office of Acquisition and Assis­ ticulates the U.S. Agency for Interna­ disabilities; and tance is issuing this AAPD in order to tional Development’s (USAID) commit­ • Promote the inclusion of people with bring the Agency policy to the attention ment to pursue advocacy for, outreach disabilities both within USAID pro­ of our private sector implementing part­ to, and inclusion of people with physical grams and in host countries where ners and encourage their compliance and mental disabilities, to the maximum USAID has programs. extent feasible, in the design and imple­ with the policy, by including a provision mentation of USAID programming, PPC includes the Policy Paper as a Man­ to this effect in contracts, grants, and and provides guidance for making that datory Internal Reference to ADS 200 cooperative agreements.

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 65 GUIDANCE: 2. Assistance demonstrate a comprehensive and con­ 1. Acquisition sistent approach for including men, For assistance awards (grants and cooper­ women and children with disabilities.” For acquisitions (contracts) using pro­ ative agreements), when issuing a Request gram funds, when issuing a Request for for Applications (RFA), the agreement POINT OF CONTACT: Direct ques­ Proposals (RFP) after the effective date officer must include the following provi­ tions about this AAPD to Diane How­ of this AAPD, the contracting officer sion in the RFA and ensure its inclusion ard, M/OAA/P, at 202-712-0206. Di­ must include the following provision as a Special Provision in the schedule of rect questions about USAID’s Disability in Section H of the RFP and resulting the award itself. AOs are to amend exist­ Policy to Lloyd Feinberg, DCHA/DG, contract, and modify existing contracts ing grants and cooperative agreements to 202-712-5725. to include it, with the contractor’s agree­ include the provision, with the recipient’s ment, whenever practicable. agreement, whenever practicable.

“USAID Disability Policy - Acquisition “USAID Disability Policy - Assistance (December 2004) (December 2004)

(a) The objectives of the USAID Disabil­ (a) The objectives of the USAID Dis­ ity Policy are (1) to enhance the attain­ ability Policy are (1) to enhance the ment of United States foreign assistance attainment of United States foreign as­ program goals by promoting the partici­ sistance program goals by promoting pation and equalization of opportunities the participation and equalization of of individuals with disabilities in USAID opportunities of individuals with dis­ policy, country and sector strategies, ac­ abilities in USAID policy, country and tivity designs and implementation; (2) to sector strategies, activity designs and increase awareness of issues of people with implementation; (2) to increase aware­ disabilities both within USAID programs ness of issues of people with disabili­ and in host countries; (3) to engage other ties both within USAID programs and U.S. government agencies, host country in host countries; (3) to engage other counterparts, governments, implement­ U.S. government agencies, host country ing organizations and other donors in counterparts, governments, implement­ fostering a climate of nondiscrimination ing organizations and other donors in against people with disabilities; and (4) to fostering a climate of nondiscrimination support international advocacy for people against people with disabilities; and (4) with disabilities. The full text of the to support international advocacy for policy paper can be found at the follow­ people with disabilities. The full text of ing website: http://www.usaid.gov/about_ the policy paper can be found at the fol­ usaid/disability/policies.html. lowing website: http://www.usaid.gov/ about_usaid/disability/policies.html. (b) USAID therefore requires that the contractor not discriminate against (b) USAID therefore requires that the people with disabilities in the imple­ recipient not discriminate against people mentation of USAID programs and that with disabilities in the implementa­ it make every effort to comply with the tion of USAID funded programs and objectives of the USAID Disability Pol­ that it make every effort to comply with icy in performing this contract. To that the objectives of the USAID Disability end and within the scope of the con­ Policy in performing the program under tract, the contractor’s actions must dem­ this grant or cooperative agreement. To onstrate a comprehensive and consistent that end and to the extent it can accom­ approach for including men, women plish this goal within the scope of the and children with disabilities.” program objectives, the recipient should

66 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

AAPD Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directive

ACOGIPRI Cooperative Association of the Integral Pro-Rehabilitation Independent Group

ADA Americans with Disabilities Act

ADISA Association of Parents and Friends of People with Disabilities

ADS Automated Directives System

AIR American Institute for Research

ANE Bureau for Asia Near East

ARD Applying Global Experience for People-Oriented Results

ASCATED Association for Training and Technical Assistance on Education and Disability

BIDC Building an Inclusive Development Community

BiH Bosnia and Herzegovina

CAR Central Asian Republics

CEOSS Coptie Evangelical Organization for Social Services

CEPPS Consortium for Elections and Political Process

CMM Office of Conflict Management and Mitigation

COPDIGUA Coordinating Association of Organizations of People with Disabilities of Guatemala

COs contracting officers

CRDA Community Revitalization through Democratic Action

CRS Catholic Relief Services

DAC Disability Action Council

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 67 DCHA Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance

DCOF Disabled Children and Orphans Fund

DFID Department for International Development

DG Office of Democracy and Governance

DHHS Department of Health and Human Services

DPO disabled persons organizations

DR Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo

E&E Bureau of Europe and Eurasia

EGAT Economic Growth, Agriculture, and Trade

ENGAGE Engaging with Disabled Persons Organizations in Development Cooperation

EOE equal opportunity employment

EQUIP Educational Quality Improvement Program

FENASCOL National Federation of the Deaf in Colombia

FENEDIF Federation of Ecuadorians with Physical Disabilities

FFP Office of Food for Peace

FY fiscal year

ICONTEC Colombian Institute of Technical Standards and Certifications

IFES International Foundation for Electoral Systems

IRI International Republic Institute

ISO International Organization for Standardization

IT information technology

IWID Investing in Women in Development

JO junior program officer

JONAPWD Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities

LAC Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean

LWVF Patrick J. Leahy War Victims Fund

MCT Motivational Charitable Trust

MIDAS Más Inversión Desarrollo Alternativo Sostenible

MIUSA Mobility International USA

NACCW National Association of Childcare Workers

68 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy NADPO National Alliance of Disabled People’s Organization

NASCOH National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped

NEP new entry professional

NGO nongovernmental organization

OAS Organization of American States

OBO Bureau of Overseas Building Operations

OFDA Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance

OTI Office of Transition Initiatives

OVC Opportunities for Vulnerable Children

PC/LA Perkins Partnership for Children/Latin America

PEPFAR President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief

PVC–ASHA Office of Private Voluntary Cooperation–American Schools and Hospitals

PVO private voluntary organization

RDMA Regional Development Mission Asia

RFA request for application

RFP request for proposal

RISE Revitalizing, Innovating, Strengthening Education

SEED Support to Eastern European Democracy

SEOPD Supporting Equal Opportunity for People with Disabilities

SHEM Division of Safety, Health, and Environmental Management

SO Strategic Objective

SPANS Special Program to Address the Needs of Survivors

TEMA Targeted Election Management Assistance

TIES Training, Internships, Exchanges, and Scholarships

UEDC United Energy Distribution Company

UN United Nations

UNIC United Nations Information Center

UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund

USAID United States Agency for International Development (can also use “U.S.”)

UWI University of West Indies

Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy 69 VI–C Veterans International–Cambodia

VTF Victims of Torture Fund

WARP West Africa Regional Program

WID Office for Women in Development

70 Fifth Report on the Implementation of USAID Disability Policy U.S.Agency for International Development

The U.S.Agency for International Development (USAID) is an independent federal agency that receives overall foreign guidance from the Secretary of State. For more than 40 years, USAID has been the principal U.S. agency to extend assis­ tance to countries recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty, and engaging in democratic reforms.

USAID supports long-term and equitable economic growth and advances U.S. foreign policy objectives by supporting

• economic growth, agriculture, and trade

• global health

• democracy, conflict prevention, and humanitarian assistance

The Agency’s strength is its field offices located in four regions of the world:

• Sub-Saharan Africa

• Asia and the Near East

• Latin America and the Caribbean

• Europe and Eurasia

Editorial and design assistance was provided by Publications Professionals LLC, [email protected]. FIFTH REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF USAID DISABILITY POLICY

U.S.Agency for International Development 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20523-1000 Telephone: 202-712-4810 www.usaid.gov December 2008 PD-ACM-100