SOCIAL

•       Personal assistance training
•       Community awareness
•       Arts competitions
•       Inclusive sports activities
•       Recreation programs
•       Exposure visits
•       Family & community counselling

Strengthening family and community ties

CDD believes that persons with disabilities need to be able to participate in social and recreational activities in order to reduce their social isolation, improve their physical and mental health and to encourage society to make their leisure activities more inclusive. However, they often need additional supports to enable their inclusion and this is where we therefore focus our efforts.

We aim to improve community attitudes to disability, clarify needs and encourage personal support for persons with disabilities by providing training and information to families and the community. At the same time, we coordinate inclusive arts, recreation and sporting activities, such as the Deafblind recreation program for children and their carers. Through these programs, we hope to provide greater opportunities for persons with disabilities to maximise their potential, enjoy recreation and make new networks of friends in order to improve their life and health outcomes..

Personal assistance

Some persons with disabilities require personal assistance to enable them to participate in family and community life. CDD provides training to its partner organisations, families and the community on the need for personal assistance, the various options available and how this can be provided at a local level. For example, in areas at greatest risk of natural disasters, CDD has worked with local communities to ensure that persons with disabilities are included in planning and relief efforts such as assistance to evacuate if needed, and similar help can also be required to access education and employment.

Relationships, marriage and family

By working closely with the community, CDD’s trained community mobilisers focus on improving the social integration of persons with disabilities by increasing awareness about disability, changing negative family and community attitudes, and preventing and reducing violence against persons with disabilities. For example, CDD together with one of our partners, recently facilitated a marriage of one of our totally deafblind program participants. This would not have been possible if he did not have paid employment, as this led to the community becoming more accepting of him and respecting his desire to marry.

Culture and arts

Participation in cultural and arts activities is important for personal growth and development. In recognition of this, CDD conducts arts and essay competitions, provides alternative media training and encourages involvement in performance groups. These activities provide a sense of belonging and an opportunity for persons with disabilities to contribute to the cultural fabric of society.

Recreation, leisure and sport

CDD aims to increase opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in recreation, leisure and sports, especially children and their families, as this is important for their well-being and makes the community more cohesive. Some of our activities include the coordination of inclusive sports events, competitions for school students and a regular recreation program for children with disabilities and their caregivers