Creating inclusive futures starts by empowering those at the forefront of change. Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) play a critical role in advocating for the rights, needs, and aspirations of persons with disabilities. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), this advocacy is especially important as OPDs work to overcome entrenched barriers and amplify access to life-changing Assistive Technology (AT).
As part of the Global Disability Innovation Hub’s UK International Development funded AT2030 programme, a regional initiative has been rolled out to deepen understanding of OPD needs and priorities in Kenya and Pakistan. In Kenya, this work is led by Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa (KBTA), and in Pakistan, by the Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP). These efforts fall under the “Include” cluster of AT2030, focusing on leadership and engagement to drive systemic change.
In Kenya, KBTA in partnership with the Global Disability Innovation Hub carried out a comprehensive needs assessment in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu to understand the real-world challenges OPDs face. This process included focus group discussions with 84 OPDs and a nationwide survey completed by 209 organisations.
The needs assessment gathered actionable insights that informed the development of targeted capacity-building interventions for OPDs. The needs assessment included focus group discussions and a country-wide survey. Representatives from 84 OPDs across the three counties participated in focus group discussions, and 209 OPDs participated in a needs assessment survey.
The results show key challenges OPDs face, including limited access to assistive technologies and digital skills, insufficient policy engagement, and access to funding sources. OPD representatives also highlighted that resource constraints, inadequate leadership and governance, poor access to critical information, limited opportunities for collaboration, particularly with the private sector, and a lack of platforms for knowledge-sharing and advocacy further exacerbate these issues. These challenges significantly impact the ability of OPDs to serve persons with disabilities and advocate for disability rights and access to AT.
In this video, hear from Faisal Abdalla, president for persons with disabilities in Mombasa county as he shares insights from our on-the-ground assessment. Discover how these findings are shaping targeted capacity-building interventions designed to empower OPDs with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to drive change in their communities.