Deadline: 23-Feb-2026
The UNICEF Disability Inclusion Programme in Sindh, Pakistan, strengthens the social and economic inclusion of children and persons with disabilities. By empowering local organizations, improving livelihoods, and enhancing access to health services, the programme promotes rights-based, gender-responsive, and inclusive opportunities for children and communities across selected districts.
Programme Overview
The Disability Inclusion Programme is designed to improve social, economic, and health outcomes for children and persons with disabilities in Sindh. The initiative strengthens Local Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), facilitates advocacy and governance capacity, and ensures access to inclusive services.
Key objectives include:
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Formalizing and organizing OPDs at district and provincial levels
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Building capacity in self-advocacy, governance, and rights-based approaches
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Supporting engagement and coordination with local government and service providers
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Promoting inclusive livelihoods, vocational training, and entrepreneurship
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Enhancing health services, including vision and hearing screenings, assistive devices, and rehabilitation
Programme Components
1. Strengthening Local Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)
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Establish district- and provincial-level OPD networks
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Build capacity in advocacy, governance, and rights-based approaches
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Facilitate participation in local planning and decision-making
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Enhance monitoring and accountability of services
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Conduct digital accessibility audits and promote digital inclusion
2. Disability-Inclusive Livelihoods
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Support inclusive vocational training aligned with local labor market demand
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Strengthen partnerships with training institutes and employers
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Promote reasonable accommodation and accessibility standards in workplaces and training centers
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Facilitate access to entrepreneurship, microfinance, and social protection
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Enhance digital literacy and online employment opportunities
3. Inclusive Health Services
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Conduct vision and hearing screenings in schools and communities
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Expand newborn screening in health facilities
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Establish referral pathways for treatment and rehabilitation
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Provide assistive devices such as spectacles and hearing aids, prioritizing children, women, and low-income households
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Strengthen coordination with provincial health systems
Who is Eligible?
The programme works with:
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Local Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) at district and provincial levels
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Training institutes, private sector partners, and health facilities implementing inclusive initiatives
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Communities and children with disabilities benefiting from inclusive services
How the Programme Works
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Capacity Building: Train OPDs in self-advocacy, governance, and rights-based approaches
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Network Development: Establish district- and provincial-level OPD networks for coordinated action
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Engagement with Authorities: Facilitate structured dialogue with local governments and service providers
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Livelihoods Support: Implement inclusive vocational programs and access to entrepreneurship and microfinance
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Health Interventions: Conduct screenings, strengthen referral systems, and provide assistive devices
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Monitoring & Adaptation: Apply rights-based, gender-responsive principles and cross-sector coordination for sustainable impact
Key Benefits
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Strengthened capacity of OPDs to advocate and participate in decision-making
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Expanded inclusive livelihood opportunities for children and persons with disabilities
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Improved access to health services and assistive technologies
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Promotion of gender-responsive, inclusive, and rights-based approaches
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Enhanced cross-sector coordination for sustainable disability inclusion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who benefits from this programme?
Children and persons with disabilities in selected districts of Sindh, including women, youth, and low-income households.
2. Who can participate or partner with UNICEF?
Local OPDs, training institutes, private sector actors, and health facilities implementing inclusive initiatives.
3. What services are prioritized in health?
Vision and hearing screenings, newborn screening, assistive devices, treatment, and rehabilitation.
4. How are livelihoods supported?
Through inclusive vocational training, partnerships with employers, entrepreneurship, microfinance, and digital skills development.
5. How does the programme ensure accessibility?
By promoting reasonable accommodation, digital accessibility audits, and inclusive standards in training and workplaces.
6. Does the programme include advocacy and governance training?
Yes, OPDs are trained in self-advocacy, governance, rights-based approaches, and engagement with local authorities.
7. What makes this programme rights-based and gender-responsive?
It integrates cross-sector coordination, inclusive policies, and ensures opportunities for girls, women, and marginalized groups.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Disability Inclusion Programme strengthens the voice, participation, and rights of children and persons with disabilities in Sindh. By linking advocacy, livelihoods, and health services, the initiative fosters inclusive, sustainable, and equitable opportunities that enhance the well-being, education, and economic participation of children and communities.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.