ABOUT SOMALILAND
DISABILITY MOVEMENT
DISABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT
Aims
The Broad aim of the SDM Somaliland Disability Movement in Somaliand is to: improve the social status, rights and quality of life of disabled people in Somali society.
Objectives
To support the emergence of a strong, vibrant and inclusive disability movement in Somaliland. To support the improvement of livelihood systems for the emerging DPOs and their members. To promote the rights of disabled women and disabled children in society. This will involve awareness raising, gender training and support for the formation of associations of parent and carers of disabled children. To undertake awareness raising so as to challenge discriminatory attitudes (i.e. attitudinal, environmental and social) towards disabled people in Somaliland. To promote a working partnership with disability focused organisations and build on the shared learning experience with DPOs in neighbouring Uganda.
Type of Disabilities
-people with physical disability
- People who are Blind
- People who are Deaf
- Amputees
- Children with Disabilities
- Women with Disabilities
Achievements
-Micro credit grants to the DPO movement for a purpose built Centres in Urban and rural areas of Togdheer.
-DPO leaders launched seminars and workshops with decision makers on issues regarding (human rights, infrastructure design, educational and health needs of the DPO members.
-DPO members and awareness raising of the political rights
-DPO leaders service the needs of the (2%) of the Disabled population in Togdheer which in total is 25,550 in the Togdheer region and has fostered links with disability focused organisations such as:
1. Disability Action Network
2. Handicap International
3. SCRCS-Somaliland Redcresent Society
4. In Uganda ( ADD Uganda)
5. CCS committee for concerned somalis
-DPO leaders undertook DPO rural assessments of (4) villages in the Togdheer region populated by People with Disabilities. The total population now served is 6,202.
-DPO leaders facilitated rehabilitation support for wheelchair users and amputees from DAN, SCRCS and Handi-Cap international in Hargiesa
-DPO leaders working in partnership with Somaliland Government ministries, Aid agencies and disability focused organisations in Somaliland on promotion of the rights and needs of People with disabilities.
-DPO leaders provided vocational training to their DPO members in the Togdheer region in the purpose built centres.
-DPO leaders provided primary health care to their members in the Togdheer region at their purpose built centres with disabilities in partnership with Dr Shine, Dr Xagar and local MCH officers.
- DPO leaders provided basic literacy and numeracy for their members in the Togdheer region purpose built centres with disabilities.
-DPO leaders carried awareness raising i.e. challenging discrimination, political rights, infrastructure design focusing issue son education and health through public and private platforms i.e. (mass media/mosques/ schools, health centres and government buildings).
-DPO leaders and religious leaders, elders, government officials, extension workers and teachers.