NiiH Post

The training had specific objectives, including enhancing recruitment practices, fostering inclusive treatment of persons with disabilities in the workspace, providing materials on their inclusion, and raising general awareness about disability inclusion.

Key points highlighted the barriers faced by persons with disabilities, including societal attitudes, communication challenges, accessibility issues, and limited opportunities for participation. The session also outlined various types of impairments, ranging from visual and hearing impairments to physical, intellectual, psychosocial, and speech-related challenges, among others.

In Uganda, where over 12% of the population grapples with disabilities, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, only 1.3% are integrated into the formal sector workforce. This evident gap underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to enhance disability inclusion in workplaces. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) mandates state parties to ensure effective access to technical and vocational guidance, provide reasonable workplace accommodations, protect the rights of persons with disabilities, and promote vocational rehabilitation and job retention programs.

“The needs and aspirations of persons with disabilities are not universal. They vary widely based on factors like disability type, personal circumstances, and cultural background. Recognizing this diversity is crucial for developing inclusive support systems and policies that cater to the unique experiences of people with disabilities.” Conny Adoch, Disability Inclusion Advisor Light for the World.

By equipping work places with practical tools and insights, sessions like these contribute to fostering more inclusive workplaces, where diversity is not only embraced but celebrated, and where all employees, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.