We partner with the disability movement to influence organisations, institutions and systems to realise the rights of persons with disabilities. We believe that tailored input, communicated effectively, with the right people at the table can help make inclusion a reality.
People with disabilities routinely face barriers to their full inclusion and participation in their communities.
Rights are enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the 2030 Agenda commits to ‘leaving no one behind’.
There are commitments to inclusion in many laws, policies and strategies, however these rights are often not enjoyed in reality.
“Prior to CBM’s engagement, our role was more seen by donors as that of an implementing organisation only, now we are also being seen as playing a consulting role.”
– Indonesian DPO representative
“[Inclusion Advisory Group] Balances being responsive to capacity building requests without developing dependence.”
“DFAT’s partnership with CBM Australia is an essential enabler for accessing quality disability inclusive technical assistance and capacity building support.”
– excerpt from evaluation of implementation of DFAT’s Development for All strategy
For example: In the Rohingya camps in Bangladesh, together with our local partner CDD, we have been providing technical support to humanitarian organizations, including IOM. In 2019 we developed a five day on site capacity building module which gave IOM staff practical experience in conducting inclusive focus group discussions and accessibility assessments. We provided on the job technical support followed later in the year by a training of trainers module on inclusive humanitarian action. At the end of each training participants developed action plans on how to make their interventions more inclusive.
For example: We’ve had ongoing technical engagement with DFAT since 2008. This includes managing and implementing a helpdesk function for the department which allows any of its staff to log requests for support, enabling technical assistance and links to Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to be built in early and at all stages of programming. Between 2008-2020 we have delivered over 500 technical tasks, including advising on policies, strategies, designs, ME&L frameworks and other documents, including identifying opportunities and strategies for Disability Movement engagement within this. The helpdesk complements our broader capacity development with DFAT co-delivered by OPDs. Pacific Disability Forum provides advisory oversight to the DFAT-CBM partnership.
For example: We work within INGO consortia and the disability movement in the Pacific to implement a regional project under the Australian Humanitarian Partnership Disaster READY program. Through this, we have supported the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) and its member OPDs to determine what their own vision of disability inclusive preparedness for disaster response should look like, which resulted in the development of the Disability Inclusive Preparedness for Response Strategy for the Pacific which guides the engagement of PDF and its members in all DRR programming. To help achieve this vision, we have formed what we call our “Triangle Team” (Inclusion Advisory Group, PDF and national OPDs) through which we complement each other and strengthen one another’s capacity. Together we influence the activities of the consortia members led by Plan, World Vision and Oxfam.
For example: We have partnered with the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) since 2009, guided by a MOU which sets out a shared vision and 5 joint objectives, including for example a focus to grow skills and influence in the DRR and Humanitarian sectors. One element involves us using our staff and technical resources upon request to support PDF as they implement their strategy through joint strategic thinking, harnessing our networks to support PDF’s agenda, supporting capacity development of PDF members, and supporting the development and finalisation of resources, like PDF’s regional SDG report. Our motto for the work to provide support that is ‘on tap, not on top’. We collaborate closely with our partner Centre for Inclusive Policy in our work with PDF (and other initiatives).
For example: In 2015, we partnered with the OPD Ra’es Hadomi Oan (RHTO) to provide disability advisory services to the Australian Aid Health Program. With support from our partner the Nossal Institute for Global Health, we conducted research into access to maternal and newborn health services for women with disabilities in Timor-Leste (2015). The findings provided a compelling case for stronger investment into inclusive health in Timor and shaped future health system strengthening programming. RHTO told us the process strengthened: their research skills and networks within the health system and provided them an effective advocacy tool.
For example: In 2019, Inclusion Advisory Group advisors from CBM UK and CBM Australia worked together to undertake a review of disability inclusion in Tearfund UK’s and Tear Netherlands’ programming and advocacy, with a focus on highlighting best practice as well as opportunities, including strengthening engagement with OPDs. This work was commissioned to inform the development of an organisational action plan on Diversity and Inclusion and to provide practical adaptations to organisational systems and processes.