Bhopal inclusive eye health project

In October 2017, at the end of the inclusive eye health pilot in Bhopal, we reviewed our work and analysed what we’d achieved. We found that:

• We must increase awareness, understanding and commitment to inclusion among all partners and at all organisational levels if we are to put our plans into action.
• There are several steps we can take to improve the accessibility of health facilities for people with physical and sensory impairments, although it’s not always straightforward.
• It’s important to involve people with disabilities in the planning process so we can raise awareness and break down stereotypes and stigma. People with disabilities should take the lead in designing and implementing inclusive ways of working, by conducting training sessions and carrying out accessibility audits.
• Working with like-minded organisations enables us to reach out to marginalised groups that may not normally be targeted. This also gives eye health staff a chance to develop adaptable, sensitive and creative ways of carrying out eye screenings.
• Collecting and analysing data about disability helps to change attitudes. When gathering data, we use the Washington Group Short Set of questions: rather than asking people if they have a disability, these questions ask whether people have difficulty performing everyday tasks such as walking, seeing, hearing, communicating or getting dressed. This can help to identify people with disabilities even though they may not classify themselves as ‘disabled’.
• An inclusive project requires leadership, time and tenacity. Change doesn’t always come easily: it’s about building momentum and having committed staff to inspire and support everyone.