OUR POSITION STATEMENT
We acknowledge that defining disability has been a complex, controversial, multidimensional and evolving issue dating back to the 17th century. However, at DCFA, we adopt the meaning of persons with disabilities from Article 1 of the UNCRPD (2006) which states that:
“persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”
In line with the above standpoint, and that of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Bank, we regard disability as a multifaceted interaction of the human body and the society in which the person lives and not just a health challenge on a person’s body.
That is not to say we dismiss the traditional understanding of disability in African contexts as mere superstition, nor do we advocate against the development of indigenous philosophies of disability, but we assert that African scholars can still within the traditional understanding of disability reflect on and embrace the understanding of disability as enshrined in the UNCRPD, which is the major international treaty that guides disability practice in the world. We embrace intercultural exchange and reflect on all theoretical perspectives from both the Global North and the Global South, whilst upholding the human rights based approach, the social model of disability and the intersectional model as enshrined in the UNCRPD (2006).
We acknowledge that defining disability has been a complex, controversial, multidimensional and evolving issue dating back to the 17th century. However, at DCFA, we adopt the meaning of persons with disabilities from Article 1 of the UNCRPD (2006) which states that:
“persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”
In line with the above standpoint, and that of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Bank, we regard disability as a multifaceted interaction of the human body and the society in which the person lives and not just a health challenge on a person’s body.
That is not to say we dismiss the traditional understanding of disability in African contexts as mere superstition, nor do we advocate against the development of indigenous philosophies of disability, but we assert that African scholars can still within the traditional understanding of disability reflect on and embrace the understanding of disability as enshrined in the UNCRPD, which is the major international treaty that guides disability practice in the world. We embrace intercultural exchange and reflect on all theoretical perspectives from both the Global North and the Global South, whilst upholding the human rights based approach, the social model of disability and the intersectional model as enshrined in the UNCRPD (2006).
PROGRAMS
We seek to mainstream disability across all mainstream laws,
policies and programming areas. We pay attention to the
unique needs and concerns of all persons with disabilities
including, children and youth. We
also seek to establish as well as to support the establishment of
disability targeted laws, policies and programs, thereby taking a
twin-track approach (mainstreaming disability and targeted
disability initiatives).
INTERAGENCY COOPERATION
We seek to lead or to support an initiative for inter-agency
co-operation where the public and private sector, UN agencies,
donors, international and local development organisations,
research institutions, academia, media and additional stakeholders
work together to come up with interventions that ensure total
inclusion of persons with disabilities in all facets of life.
Guided by the UNCRPD we promote co-operation with national,
regional and international stakeholders in addressing the long
history of the marginalization of persons with disabilities.
TRAINING/CAPACITY BUILDING
We deliver comprehensive disability inclusion training that strengthens the knowledge, skills, and confidence of individuals while enhancing the structures, policies, and systems of organizations. This empowers individuals to lead, advocate, and design inclusive programs and enables organizations to embed disability inclusion in practice and policy, influence decision-making, and ensure marginalized groups are not left behind. Through this work, we foster leadership, resilience, and systemic change for a more inclusive Africa. By aligning with global agendas such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international disability rights conventions, our impact extends beyond the continent—positioning Africa as a vital contributor to worldwide movements for equity, inclusion, and sustainability.
SHORT COURSES, SEMINARS, CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS
We offer training programs on disability inclusion across sectors including training on the provisions of the UNCRPD. We also train persons with disabilities, persons that interface, live or work with persons with disabilities in families, communities and organisations. We offer short courses, organise and run conferences, seminars and workshops on disability inclusion. Training programs are tailor made to suit the needs of the client.
We offer training programs on disability inclusion across sectors including training on the provisions of the UNCRPD. We also train persons with disabilities, persons that interface, live or work with persons with disabilities in families, communities and organisations. We offer short courses, organise and run conferences, seminars and workshops on disability inclusion. Training programs are tailor made to suit the needs of the client.
RESEARCH/POLICY
We undertake both quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research with the aim of drawing findings that inform policy and practice. We use different theoretical and conceptual models that include the human rights model, intersectionality and the social model of disability as enshrined in the UNCRPD. We seek to uphold all ethical principles of undertaking research whilst using a diversity of data generation and data analysis methods. We are experts in policy making and policy review including the review of policies across sectors for disability inclusion.
We undertake both quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research with the aim of drawing findings that inform policy and practice. We use different theoretical and conceptual models that include the human rights model, intersectionality and the social model of disability as enshrined in the UNCRPD. We seek to uphold all ethical principles of undertaking research whilst using a diversity of data generation and data analysis methods. We are experts in policy making and policy review including the review of policies across sectors for disability inclusion.
COMMUNITY BASED REHABILITATION (CBR)
Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is implemented through the combined efforts of persons with disabilities, their families and communities, and representatives of the appropriate sectors, in accordance with the WHO matrix which consists of five components – 1) health, 2) education, 3) livelihood, 4) social, and 5) empowerment, with each of these five components being divided into five elements. We also help clients to come up with appropriate and relevant CBR strategies thereby strengthening the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is implemented through the combined efforts of persons with disabilities, their families and communities, and representatives of the appropriate sectors, in accordance with the WHO matrix which consists of five components – 1) health, 2) education, 3) livelihood, 4) social, and 5) empowerment, with each of these five components being divided into five elements. We also help clients to come up with appropriate and relevant CBR strategies thereby strengthening the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
AWARENESS RAISING
We raise awareness and support other stakeholder's awareness raising initiatives, about the rights of persons with disabilities across all facets of life.
We raise awareness and support other stakeholder's awareness raising initiatives, about the rights of persons with disabilities across all facets of life.
LIBRARY & INFO. SERVICES
We are seeking to establish an inclusive physical and digital library that contributes towards the provision of information to persons with disabilities in appropriate formats.
We are seeking to establish an inclusive physical and digital library that contributes towards the provision of information to persons with disabilities in appropriate formats.
YOUTH FOR CHANGE
Youth are at the heart of our vision for transformative change. We empower young people with and without disabilities to become leaders, innovators, and advocates, ensuring their voices shape inclusive policies and practices. By investing in youth capacity building, mentorship, and creative engagement, we nurture resilience, amplify lived experiences, and cultivate a new generation committed to advancing disability rights and social justice. Grounded in Africa yet connected to global networks and agendas such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, our youth-driven approach positions African voices as vital contributors to worldwide movements for equity, inclusion, and sustainability.
Youth are at the heart of our vision for transformative change. We empower young people with and without disabilities to become leaders, innovators, and advocates, ensuring their voices shape inclusive policies and practices. By investing in youth capacity building, mentorship, and creative engagement, we nurture resilience, amplify lived experiences, and cultivate a new generation committed to advancing disability rights and social justice. Grounded in Africa yet connected to global networks and agendas such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, our youth-driven approach positions African voices as vital contributors to worldwide movements for equity, inclusion, and sustainability.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
We believe lasting change begins within communities. We actively engage persons with disabilities, including youth, caregivers, local leaders, and other stakeholders, to ensure their voices shape solutions and drive inclusion. Through dialogue, participatory projects, and grassroots mobilization, we foster ownership, cultural sensitivity, and collective action. Our approach bridges communities with policymakers and practitioners, amplifying lived experiences and ensuring that disability rights are advanced through authentic, community-driven leadership. By grounding our work locally while connecting to global networks and agendas, we position communities as catalysts for continental and worldwide change.
We believe lasting change begins within communities. We actively engage persons with disabilities, including youth, caregivers, local leaders, and other stakeholders, to ensure their voices shape solutions and drive inclusion. Through dialogue, participatory projects, and grassroots mobilization, we foster ownership, cultural sensitivity, and collective action. Our approach bridges communities with policymakers and practitioners, amplifying lived experiences and ensuring that disability rights are advanced through authentic, community-driven leadership. By grounding our work locally while connecting to global networks and agendas, we position communities as catalysts for continental and worldwide change.
INCLUSIVE ECOLOGY
We are guided by Ubuntu Inclusive Ecology (UIE)—a paradigm rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which affirms that “I am because we are.” This tradition of shared humanity and interconnectedness teaches that identity and dignity are realized through relationships, community, and mutual care. UIE integrates disability rights, intersectionality, and ecological responsibility into a unified framework of inclusive practice, ensuring these dimensions are embraced as interdependent rather than isolated. By grounding our work in Ubuntu while engaging with global agendas such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international disability rights frameworks, UIE positions Africa’s wisdom as a vital contribution to worldwide movements for equity, access, diversity, and sustainability.
We are guided by Ubuntu Inclusive Ecology (UIE)—a paradigm rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which affirms that “I am because we are.” This tradition of shared humanity and interconnectedness teaches that identity and dignity are realized through relationships, community, and mutual care. UIE integrates disability rights, intersectionality, and ecological responsibility into a unified framework of inclusive practice, ensuring these dimensions are embraced as interdependent rather than isolated. By grounding our work in Ubuntu while engaging with global agendas such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international disability rights frameworks, UIE positions Africa’s wisdom as a vital contribution to worldwide movements for equity, access, diversity, and sustainability.