OPD Voices to the Stage

We know the importance of amplifying Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) - and their critical role in advocacy, visibility, network growth and sector engagement. 

This funding opportunity supports OPDs to attend major cultural conferences and events within the Assistive Technology (AT), research and innovation sector. The aim is to enable OPD representatives to showcase disability-inclusive practices, advocate for lived experience, and strengthen the visibility of OPD networks. Its ambition is to amplify OPD voices, knowledge and expertise by positioning of OPDs within key global conversations, and with decision-making spaces locally, nationally and internationally.

This call for proposal 'OPD voices to the stage' supports three sources of funding:

• National event (up to £500)  
• Regional event (up to £1,000) 
• Global event (up to £2,000) 

OPDs must meet the following criteria

• Based in a lower middle-income country (LMIC), with a specific focus any of the following: Indonesia, Pakistan, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe. 
• Have a registered business bank account that can accept international transfers in pound sterling. 
• Are a Disabled People’s Organization (DPO) or Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) - a civil society/third sector, representative organization that exists for the explicit purpose of advancing justice as it pertains to the disability community and is either majority-run and -controlled by disabled people, including at leadership/board levels, OR run by supporters of disabled people, if the disabled people in question have access or legal needs that make such support necessary. In this case, self-advocacy and self-determination must be a primary part of the organization. 
• Have demonstrated experience in innovative approaches, research or programmes within the disability, innovation, inclusion and participation space.  
• Have a strong understanding of the Assistive Technology space, and how OPDs and OPDs networks can play an important and amplifying role in the uptake and impact of AT use, stigma reduction and the supporting conditions to use and maximise AT within communities.  
• Have secured a speaking slot or speaking, showcasing or presenting opportunity at a relevant event. 
• Be able to nominate a representative to attend the event in person, who can share insights, build connections and amplify the opportunity. 

How to apply

• Interested OPD must compete our online based application form that is reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Applications who meet the quality criteria will move into a selection process. Not all applications will be successful.
• All applicants must read the guidance note in full ahead of completing the application form. The details described in this page are an overview. Full expectations and terms are detailed in the guidance note. 

The outputs required  

In order for AT2030 to amplify the impact of the activitiy, OPDs will need to submit the following: 

• A 500 word written reflections piece on the value of attending the event
• 5 high resolution images and/or a video piece to camera taken during the event
• A quote from the OPD representative sharing more about the importance of the event and the key message of their contribution. 

OPDs will also be expected to

• Share the event across OPD digital channels including website and social media.
• Provide key details on:
  • The number of people in attendance 
  • The impact of attending the event
  • The value of the influence/relationship building opportunity 

Other details

• Invoices will be paid upon successful delivery of the outcomes, as described in detail in the guidance note. 
• Apply via the online form. 
• If you have any access needs and are unable to use the online form, please email l.gebbett@ucl.ac.uk