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Disability and inclusion

People sitting watching a speaker who is a wheelchair user, with a sign language translator standing next to her.

Sightsavers launches global #EqualUN campaign

Sightsavers has launched a global campaign calling on the United Nations to ensure that the work of all its agencies is fully inclusive of people with disabilities.

March 2019
Three women, one of whom is using a wheelchair, holding up signs reading '#EqualUN for an equal world'.

Why we’re calling for an equal UN

Globally, it’s recognised that people with disabilities are vulnerable to being left behind in efforts to eradicate poverty. Yet there’s still not enough progress being made.

Tessa Murphy, March 2019
A close-up of two girls holding hands.

“Grace gave me the courage to empower people with disabilities”

Disability ambassador Gertrude Oforiwa Fefoame remembers Grace Preko, her friend, sister and role model who showed her there was life after blindness.

Two young girls sitting together and smiling.

Seynabou’s story

One day Seynabou heard a visiting teacher talk about an inclusive school for children with disabilities, and she jumped at the chance to go.

A woman in a pink headscarf smiling at the camera.

Khady’s story

“I met so many children with disabilities who were not going to school and there was no institution to welcome them. So I started fighting for that aim.”

Mbathio attends school in Dakar.

Mbathio’s story

We first met Mbathio in 2015 at an inclusive school in Dakar, Senegal. Read her story and find out how she’s getting on four years later.

Old black and white photo showing a group of young men on a mountain slope.

Sightsavers marks 50th anniversary of Mount Kilimanjaro expedition

On 20 February 1969, Sightsavers supported men with visual impairments on an expedition to raise awareness about blindness.

February 2019
An old black and white photo shows two people standing on a vast mountain landscape covered in snow.

“We have met fear, and we have conquered it!”

The extraordinary story of a group of men with visual impairments from Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in February 1969.

Maria Fsadni, February 2019
Ndong Jean Faustin stands with crutches.

Mbalmayo Disability Group, Cameroon

In Cameroon there are laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities, including the right to vote. Yet many still struggle to access the ballot box.

Michel Fozeu sits at a table wearing headphones and speaking into a microphone.

Michel’s story

“The message we want to give through this radio show is that people with disabilities in Cameroon are able to take part in the electoral process.”