Empowerment and Access for People with Disabilities in Kisangani

The U.S. Embassy Kinshasa of the U.S. Department of State announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for a program to improve awareness among the local population of the rights of people with disabilities, specifically their right to equal treatment and self- determination; the right to participate in civic and political life and access services; and the right to freedom from discrimination. The project will create a training program for people with disabilities to enable them to share information with the public about their abilities and participation in economic, civic, and social life. The content that the participants produce will be publicized on-line and through local media. The program, using local radio and social media will also promote information regarding access to basic services for people with disabilities, to ensure they are empowered and knowledgeable about their rights. The grant recipient will also work with local service providers to strengthen advocacy and increase capacity to assist people with disabilities. The implementing partner will coordinate with local government officials and people with disabilities to produce and publish political and/or civic information that is accessible to people with disabilities, including people who are hard of hearing or who have impaired vision. Through interviews, pictures, and stories that focus on the abilities of a diverse group of people with disabilities, the city's community will gain a measurably greater appreciation of the contributions and skills of people with disabilities to the economic, social, and cultural life of the DRC.