Supporting those with a disability during Covid-19

In the past year, COVID-19 has without a doubt, affected people around the world, including Nepal. Without fail, certain groups are still being disproportionately impacted. This is the case of vulnerable groups such as those with a disability, who continue to be left behind. With continued lack of access to essential services, imposed lockdowns and thus the inability to conduct home visits, people with disabilities and their caregivers are more than ever left to their own devices. Many persons with disabilities depend on support and services that have been put off and may not have got enough money to store food, medicines and other basic needs, and are thus being pushed towards greater vulnerability and poverty with their families. Because of this, Enablement-Nepal, with the support of Enablement Ltd. (Netherlands), is seeking to continue developing materials to support people with disabilities and their caregivers in their daily life whilst in the confinement of their home.

Organisations working for people with disabilities, however, are also facing problems to continue their services and project activities. This is the case of Enablement-Nepal, a legally registered independent NGO, working with vulnerable communities in Nepal, including people with disabilities.

The funds will be directed towards content development in the form of tip sheets but also of a smartphone application (the RehApp). This will provide essential information on key topics related to disabilities and offer tips on carrying daily activities such as eating and drinking, hygiene, communication, and taking medication. Some of this content has already been developed by Enablement Ltd., but needs to be translated into Nepali. In addition, new material for the Nepalese context also needs to be developed, such as referral options, Nepali resources (e.g., hospitals, health centres, rehabilitation facilities) and so on. With the generated funds, Enablement-Nepal staff will be mobilising to serve those with severe intellectual disabilities, spinal cord injuries persons and other severe disabilities with the support of medical facilities, mobile doctors and nurses/health care providers, by offering daily necessary information/ tips.

To learn more about the work of fieldworkers, watch the following video:

The funds will be collected by Enablement Ltd. and transferred directly to Enablement-Nepal. If possible, please label your donation: "Nepal donation".