Current Projects

PROJECT 1: Improve the situation of persons with deaf-blindness in Rwanda

Persons with deaf-blindness in Rwanda face unique challenges in communication, mobility, access to information, and social inclusion. Deafblindness is a dual sensory impairment that requires specialized support and interventions to improve the quality of life for affected individuals. This project aims to address these challenges and enhance the well-being and independence of persons with deaf-blindness through a multifaceted approach.

This project, supported by MyRight through the Partnership with FSDB, started in 2011 through the coalition of three organizations of persons with disabilities (the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB), Rwanda National Union of the Deaf (RNUD), and Rwanda National Association of Deaf Women (RNADW)). In their work, they encountered persons with the dual disability of Deafness and Blindness, which led to significant difficulties in providing services. Persons with Deafblindness are usually hidden and cannot communicate.

Since Deafblindness is a rare disability, individuals live far from each other and are scattered across the country, so few people have any idea how to address their concerns. Through this project, 167 persons with Deaf-Blindness were identified in four districts; currently, there are more than 350 persons with Deaf-Blindness in five districts out of thirty in Rwanda.

Interestingly, the majority of people identified in this project (60%) are children of school age, while 40% are adults. The project grew and, in 2018, became the Organization of Persons with Deaf-Blindness (Rwanda Organization of Persons with Deaf-Blindness).

    Project Goals
  • To improve communication and language access for persons with deaf-blindness.
  • To enhance mobility and access to transportation for persons with deaf-blindness.
  • To increase access to information, education, and employment opportunities.
  • To promote social inclusion and community participation for persons with deaf-blindness.
  • To empower individuals with deaf-blindness to advocate for their rights and needs.
    Project Components
  1. Communication and Language Access: Through this project support, ROPDB is trying to establish specialized communication services such as tactile sign language interpretation, braille transcription, and tactile graphics. Providing training and resources to families, caregivers, and service providers on effective communication strategies and techniques, and developing and disseminating accessible communication tools and technologies tailored to the needs of persons with deaf-blindness.
  2. Mobility and Transportation: Through this project, the ROPDB is conducting assessments to identify individual mobility needs and preferences, providing orientation and mobility training to improve independent travel skills, and collaborating with transportation providers to ensure accessibility and accommodation for persons with deaf-blindness. Exploring innovative solutions such as assistive navigation devices and accessible public transit options.
  3. Access to Information, Education, and Employment: The organization advocates the Government of Rwanda to initiate and establish the education of persons with Deafblindness, create accessible educational materials and resources for persons with deaf-blindness, collaborate with schools, universities, and vocational training centers to develop inclusive learning environments, provide vocational rehabilitation services and job placement support, and advocate for workplace accommodations and accessibility measures to facilitate employment opportunities.
  4. Social Inclusion and Community Participation: Persons with Deaf-Blindness need to interact with others. Through this program, the project is advocating to the government to organize recreational and cultural activities tailored to the interests of persons with deaf-blindness, establishing peer support groups and mentorship programs, conducting awareness campaigns to promote understanding and acceptance of deaf-blindness within the community, and facilitating access to recreational facilities, public events, and social gatherings.
  5. Empowerment and Advocacy: Through support of this project, the organization is providing advocacy training and leadership development opportunities for persons with deaf-blindness, supporting the establishment of self-advocacy groups and organizations, and engaging policymakers, government agencies, and relevant stakeholders to address systemic barriers and promote the rights of persons with deaf-blindness.
  6. Evaluation and Sustainability: The project also is helping the organization in implementing rigorous evaluation methods to assess the impact and effectiveness of project interventions, collaborating with academic institutions and research partners to conduct longitudinal studies and disseminate best practices, and developing sustainability plans to ensure the continuation and expansion of project initiatives beyond the initial funding period.
    This project represents a holistic approach to addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with dual sensory impairment. By focusing on communication, mobility, access to information, social inclusion, empowerment, and advocacy, this project seeks to improve the overall well-being and autonomy of persons with deaf-blindness, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
  • PROJECT 2: Advocate for the recognition of Deaf-Blindness as Distinct disability in Rwanda
    Persons with deaf-blindness represent a diverse and vibrant community that often faces marginalization, discrimination, and invisibility in society. Despite their unique perspectives, talents, and contributions, individuals with deaf-blindness continue to be overlooked and underserved. This advocacy initiative seeks to raise awareness, promote recognition, and enhance the visibility of persons with deaf-blindness to foster inclusivity, equality, and empowerment.
    This project started in 2020 through the support of Disability Rights Fund/Disability Rights Advocacy, It started its implementation in the districts (Ruhango, Kirehe, and Rusizi) until now.
    Advocacy Objectives:
    • Raise Awareness: Increase public understanding and knowledge about deaf-blindness, its causes, and its impact on individuals' lives
    • Promote Recognition: Advocate for the acknowledgment of deaf-blindness as a distinct disability and a unique sensory experience.
    • Enhance Visibility: Highlight the stories, achievements, and voices of persons with deaf-blindness to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions.
    • Ensure Accessibility: Advocate for accessible communication, information, and services to empower persons with deaf-blindness to fully participate in society.
    • Foster Collaboration: Build partnerships with disability organizations, advocacy groups, government agencies, and other stakeholders to advance the rights and inclusion of persons with deaf-blindness
    Advocacy Strategies
    Awareness Campaigns:
    Storytelling and Representation:
    Accessibility Advocacy:
    Policy Advocacy:
PROJECT 3: Strengthen the Local Leaders, Community members and family members of Persons with Deaf Blindness on the Rights of Persons with disabilities focusing on Persons with Deaf-Blindness in Muhanga District / Kibangu sector

At the district level, local communities play a crucial role in fostering inclusion and advocating for the rights of persons with deaf-blindness. This initiative aims to strengthen these communities by empowering families and local leaders to become advocates and allies for persons with deaf-blindness.

By building awareness, providing support, and fostering collaboration, we can create more inclusive environments where individuals with deaf-blindness can thrive and access their rights. This Project started in 2023 and is being supported by Rwanda Bridges to Justice through the European Union fund. The implementation is ongoing in the Muhanga District / Kibangu sector.

    Objectives
  • Empower Families: Provide support, resources, and training to families of persons with deaf-blindness to enhance their capacity to support their loved ones and advocate for their rights.
  • Engage Local Leaders: Raise awareness among local government officials, community leaders, and stakeholders about the needs and rights of persons with deaf-blindness and encourage their active involvement in advocacy efforts.
  • Foster Community Collaboration: Facilitate partnerships and collaboration between families, local leaders, disability organizations, service providers, and other stakeholders to address the barriers and challenges faced by persons with deaf-blindness at the district level.
    Key Strategies
  1. 1. Family Support and Empowerment: To support persons with Deaf-Blindness the organization provides information, guidance, and counseling to families on topics such as communication strategies, educational options, and available support services. It provides training workshops and peer support groups for families to share experiences, learn from each other, and build a support network, and advocates for the rights of families of persons with deaf-blindness, including access to financial assistance, respite care, and other support services.
  2. 2. Capacity Building for Local Leaders: To increase the level of awareness in Muhanga district, the organization organizes awareness sessions and training workshops for local government officials, community leaders, and educators on deaf-blindness, its impact, and the rights of individuals with deaf-blindness. It collaborates with local leadership academies and training institutes to integrate modules on disability rights and inclusion into their curriculum and encourages local leaders to include persons with deaf-blindness in decision-making processes and community development initiatives.
  3. 3. Community Engagement and Collaboration: The ROPDB is facilitating community forums, roundtable discussions, and town hall meetings to raise awareness about deaf-blindness and engage stakeholders in dialogue and action planning. It establishes district-level committees or task forces on disability rights and inclusion, with representation from diverse stakeholders including persons with deaf-blindness, families, local leaders, and service providers, and develops and implements community-based projects and initiatives to improve access to education, healthcare, employment, and social services for persons with deaf-blindness.
  4. 4. Advocacy and Policy Influence: Through the support of this project, the organization supports families, local leaders, and community organizations in advocating for the development and implementation of policies, programs, and services that promote the rights and inclusion of persons with deaf-blindness. It provides technical assistance and resources to help stakeholders navigate the policy-making process, engage with policymakers, and advocate for change, and monitors the implementation of existing laws and policies related to disability rights and holds local authorities accountable for ensuring the rights of persons with deaf-blindness are upheld.
    By empowering families and local leaders and fostering collaboration within communities, we can create more inclusive and supportive environments for persons with deaf-blindness at the district level. Through advocacy, capacity building, and community engagement, we can work together to break down barriers, promote inclusion, and ensure that the rights and needs of persons with deaf-blindness are recognized and respected by all.

Our Partners