ADD International fights for independence, equality and opportunity for disabled people living in poverty in Africa and Asia. They do this by supporting disability activists to build strong movements for change.
They work with local, regional and national groups run by and for disabled people, known as Disabled People’s Organisations or DPOs.
They work with people with all types of impairments in areas of extreme poverty, regardless of religious or ethnic background. Whether it is visual, hearing or mobility impairments, neurological conditions, intellectual disabilities, albinism or more, they believe it is not the impairment, but the barriers in society, that limit people from reaching their full potential.
VISION
A world where all disabled people are free from discrimination and oppression and have full equality within an inclusive society.
MISSION
To achieve positive and lasting change in the lives of disabled people, especially those living in poverty.
5 COUNTRIES
We work in 5 countries across Africa and Asia. Every country we operate in is ranked in the bottom quarter of the Human Development Index.
WHAT THEY DO
1. BUILD MOVEMENTS
- They build disability movements in Africa and Asia. They do this by supporting local groups of disabled people to become strong and sustainable organisations that can have an ever increasing impact. ADD then help these groups connect with each other to build wider movements and they work with them to promote the rights of disabled people.
2. LISTEN AND PROVIDE
- They listen to local organisations of disabled people and provide the tools and the resources they need to achieve their full potential.
3. INFLUENCE
- They work with organisations of disabled people to influence governments, international development actors and the private sector to design policies and services at a local and global level which take into account the needs of disabled people.
BELIEFS
- Disabled people have the right to live their lives as fully as they choose, without the limitations imposed by attitudes or by social and physical barriers.
- Disability is not inability if disabled people are given the right tools, opportunities and support.
- Change comes when voices are heard and preconceptions are challenged. This happens when disabled people come together with a unified voice and engage with society, shifting attitudes towards disability.
- There is an inextricable link between poverty and disability. Disability is both the cause and effect of poverty. This needs to be taken into account when solutions to poverty eradication are being discussed.
