WID is committed to helping disability organizations in developing countries create networks, programs and services that promote the full inclusion of disabled people. WID's International Development Program provides training and technical assistance to disabled persons organizations and governments in developing countries, as well as program development and evaluation, and legislative and policy development. WID also conducts research, exchange programs and international conferences.

Creating Advocates for Inclusive Education

Building on 13 years of experience working in Russia, WID recently trained and supported young disabled activists from disability nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia and Uzbekistan. WID, in partnership with the Russian disability NGO Perspektiva, worked to empower disabled youths, parents and other members of the community to challenge discrimination and eliminate social and physical barriers to an equal education for children with disabilities. Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) from 2003-2006, the project involved over 40,000 teachers, students, journalists, lawyers, government officials, parents and members of the public through disability awareness trainings, workshops, film festivals and other public education events. The disabled activist teams also conducted peer support groups and other activities for 4,000 youth with disabilities and built dozens of ramps, creating access to public buildings and schools.

In 2004, with support from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), WID and Perspektiva expanded the project to include teams from Georgia and Abkhazia. Despite the current conflict between their governments, these two new teams participated in training seminars together and successfully carried out all project activities. Both teams produced viseos reflecting the the experience of persons with disabilities in Georgia and Abkhazia that were broadcast together on national television thoughout Georgia and Abkhazia.

WID is currently seeking funding for a new project in Georgia and Abkhazia that will continue to support the cooperative relationships established by these teams. This new project will help disability NGOs in Tbilisi and Sukhum/i build and operate two wheelchair-producing micro-businesses while teams of disabled activists work to remove physical barriers in their communities and promote policies that ensure access for persons with disabilities in Georgia and Abkhazia.

For more information, contact Bruce Curtis, International Program Manager, at bruce@wid.org.