On October 8th, 2024, Together Alive Health Initiative (TAHI) with support from HIVOS under the SRHR Regional Fund, convened the M-Voices Disability Inclusion Summit under the theme “Centering Inclusion in SRHR.
The summit gathered 150 participants, with over 70% being young people with disabilities, representing various disability diversities. The event also involved local government representatives, legislators, religious leaders, Development partners and civil society members.
Several limitations were identified, including the scarcity of sign language interpreters, the complexity of policy interpretation, the exclusion of PWDs in decision-making processes, insufficient funding for accessibility and inclusion, and negative cultural norms that devalue PWDs.
The summit emphasized several critical recommendations, including the active involvement of PWDs in policymaking, summarized by the phrase “Nothing for us without us.” Participants highlighted the need for sign language interpreters in every hospital across Uganda and the importance of simplifying policies into accessible language for PWDs.
The education system was urged to develop curricula that support PWDs, while policymakers were called upon to better understand the unique needs and language of PWDs when translating policies into action.
A call was made for PWDs to embrace government and civil society programs, while healthcare workers were encouraged to learn sign language to maintain confidentiality and provide better care. The summit also stressed the importance of intersectionality in policy formulation and emphasized the need for inclusive language.
The event was graced by the member of parliament for disability., Honorable Laura Kanushu. She emphasized that leadership structures exist from village to parliamentary levels to support PWDs, urging participants to utilize these structures. She stressed the importance of self-empowerment, stating that wealth fosters respect, and called for unity among PWDs to build a stronger movement.
Hon Kanushu noted that while political will exists, PWDs must continue advocating for specific needs, such as the provision of sunscreen for people with albinism and sign language interpreters in hospitals. She encouraged participants to invite MPs to future advocacy events, stressing the importance of raising issues in parliament
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We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all our partner organizations for their invaluable support during the summit. These included Tunaweza foundation, Uganda Youth and Adolescent Health Forum, Reach A Hand Uganda, UNFPA Uganda and many others who contributed and participated in various ways. Your involvement made a significant impact