Enabling community transformation
We deliver inclusive community programming, particularly focusing on the foundations for inclusion:
- accessibility
- non-discrimination
- support services for people with disabilities
Our focus is on the poorest communities in the world. We work globally, supporting local partner organisations across 29 countries in Africa, Asia, Pacific and Latin America and helping make real lasting change possible for the world’s most marginalised.
CBM Global's community programmes focus on the following areas of work:
Community based inclusive development
People with disabilities are routinely excluded from health, education, livelihood opportunities and the chance to fully participate in their communities.
Inclusive eye health
Our work aims to reduce avoidable visual impairment and blindness and ensure those who are permanently vision impaired can access the most relevant support and opportunities to live life to their full potential.
Community mental health
Mental health is core to overall wellbeing and to improving the lives of people with disabilities. Our community mental health work recognises the central role of mental health in wellbeing and quality of life.
Humanitarian action
There has been growing international recognition in recent years of the need to concretely and proactively include people who have been identified as most at risk during disasters, such as people with disabilities.
We work in two key ways
Community based inclusive development (CBID)
People with disabilities are routinely excluded from health, education, livelihood opportunities and the chance to fully participate in their communities. We work in partnership with the disability movement at all levels to promote inclusion. Our life-changing community development programmes across Africa, Asia and Latin America establish the foundations for inclusion, improve access to inclusive education, employment and healthcare, and improve quality of life for women, men and children with disabilities and their families. We use evidence and learning from our community-based work to support the disability movement in advocating for inclusive national laws and policies and achieving global change.
Systems strengthening
People with disabilities have to overcome many barriers to be included in their community. While some of these barriers are located in cultural and traditional practices, many arise from policies and how services are offered by government and private institutions. These services include access to school, university and job training; and health screening, clinics and hospital services. To strengthen inclusion we address the following:
- Understanding the impact of stigma and discrimination
- Consulting directly with people with disabilities and their organisations
- Addressing design and accessibility barriers
- Connecting through community based programs
- Lobbying for government and policy support
- Ensuring barriers for women and girls are addressed
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