Together We Stand

[ 43 ] designed. Consequently, the disabled inhabitants in these areas were generally dependent on their family members for their access to water and faced notable hygiene risks while visiting latrines, often having to crawl in dirt. In addition, disabled children’s studies were severely chal- lenged due to inaccessible water and sanitation facilities in schools. Discrimination and bullying of disabled persons by other community members at community water points was also reported. In order to improve the situation, projects for inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) were designed and implemented in both settlements. The projects applied the social model of disability, which focuses on removing envi- ronmental, attitudinal and institutional barriers to WASH faced by people living with disabilities. New water boreholes were drilled and equipped and old ones rehabilitated by ramps, railings and lightweight pumps to ensure access for all. Accessible latrine blocks for both boys and girls were constructed at settlement school compounds. These latrines were equipped with a special stance for the disabled students and fitted with flapper pans, raised seats and supportive hand rails, which were painted with bright colours to be identifiable for students who are visually impaired. Inclusive pit latrines were constructed for households with a disabled member. For individual persons, metallic and wooden latrine seats were produced and distributed, many of which were manufactured by local artisans in the settlements. Jerry-can tippers and wheeled water carriers were distributed for disabled inhabitants to improve their independent water transportation and use. Hygiene campaigns were carried out in the communities and schools. WASH committees and school health and hygiene clubs were established for the maintenance of the new facilities and in order to ensure sustainability of the project achievements. Particular attention was paid to ensure that persons with all different kinds of disabilities were recognized and included. Commonly, in development and humanitarian contexts, persons with physical or sensory disabilities are paid attention to, while for example persons with mental or intellectual disabilities are disregarded — if the disabled are taken into account at all. The projects were started by mobilizing the disabled beneficiaries in the settlements for the planning and implementation of the activities. The ‘Nothing about us without us!’ slogan was used as a guiding principle. Close collaboration was established with the National Union of Disabled Persons in Uganda (NUDIPU), which provided regular consultation on how to operationalize inclusiveness and how to promote the empowerment of persons with disabilities. The disabled beneficiaries and NUDIPU also played a vital role in advocacy which aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination towards persons with disabili- ties in the settlements. In both Kyangwali and Adjumani, drama groups were established, consisting of disabled and non-disabled community members. These groups carry out hygiene promotion performances for other commu- nity members and advocate for the rights of the disabled. The Kyangwali drama group is now also functioning as the settlement’s Disabled Persons’ Association with a registered status and its own bank account. The projects were carried out in close collaboration and partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, the minis- In Kyangwali and Adjumani, persons with disabilities are now empowered to participate actively in the development of the settlements Water boreholes equipped with ramps, railings and lightweight pumps ensure access for all Image: World Vision Uganda Image: World Vision Uganda T ogether W e S tand