Strengthening Integrated Systems to Promote Access to Services for Persons with Disabilities in Namibia

Start DateOngoingEnd Date

1 Dec 20181 Mar 2022

Programme Status

Closed

Programme Budget

US$ 333,651

Financial Information

Thematic focus: Access to Health, Disability assessment and referral services, Inclusive education, Social Protection, Statistics and Data Collection

Implementing Partners

UN Agencies

UNFPA
UNDP
UNICEF

Government Organizations

Law Reform and Development Commission
Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare
Ministry of Higher Education
Training and Innovation
Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture
Ministry of Health and Social Services
Namibia Statistics Agency

Organizations of Persons with Disabilities

National Disability Council
National Federation of People with Disabilities in Namibia
Down Syndrome Association of Namibia
Association for Children with Language, Speech and Hearing Impairments of Namibia

The Programme

In support of the SDGs, Namibia has a conducive legislative and policy environment, addressing the needs of vulnerable communities and PWDs. However, a gap remains between policy and implementation as a result of lack of information, public awareness and understanding leading to stigma and discrimination, limited access to education, health care, employment opportunities and resources. This programme focuses on advocating for the full and effective participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in society.

Approach

The proposed intervention will focus on advocating for the full and effective participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in society, by:

Strengthening disability data collection systems by improving capacity and coordination among existing data collection mechanisms, while also ensuring the production and submission of the initial State Report on the Rights of People with Disabilities.

Establishing a National Disability Forum under the Office of the President, Disability Affairs to coordinate disability services in Namibia.

Developing capacity to improve the early identification, assessment, and early interventions of children with disabilities.