DIET
With our combined rich experience in interacting with children and youth with disabilities, we have developed a disability centered curriculum called Disability Inclusion and Equity Training, aimed at fostering an inclusive environment in any organization or community.
This training aims to help organizations understand what disability inclusion is in terms of providing accessibility, accommodation and representation to persons with disabilities. It also seeks to train on equity by focusing on awareness building, skill development and policy implementation.
Some of the organizations that we have partnered with in this area are:
- St. Paul’s Primary School: Conducted disability awareness workshops and inclusive education training for teachers, resulting in a more inclusive learning environment.
- Mlolongo Primary School: Organized special needs assessments and provided educational resources, leading to improved academic performance.
- KMC Primary School: Conducted a Teachers’ Disability Inclusion and Equity Training to advance inclusion within the school community, resulting in a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.
Advocacy for Inclusion: Building a More Inclusive World
Our Vision for a Just and Inclusive Society
At Auschidys Disability Africa, we hold a profound belief that inclusion is not just an aspiration—it is a fundamental human right. From the very beginning, we have been resolute in our mission to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not just seen but are fully embraced in every facet of society. We stand at the forefront of the fight for disability rights, dismantling barriers that have long marginalized countless individuals, and fostering a world where diversity is celebrated, and everyone’s humanity is honored.
Our Journey of Advocacy
Social Inclusion Program: Transforming Lives, One Community at a Time
Our Social Inclusion Program is the heart of our advocacy work, rooted in the belief that every person deserves to live a life of dignity and respect. Through this program, we reach out to communities, spreading awareness and fostering understanding about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. We work hand-in-hand with local schools and organizations, holding workshops and educational sessions that have touched the lives of thousands. These efforts have not only enlightened minds but also kindled the spirit of inclusivity at the grassroots level, where change begins.
Community Engagement and Awareness Campaigns: Changing Minds, Changing Lives
For years, Auschidys has led powerful community engagement and awareness campaigns, challenging entrenched societal perceptions and advocating for a world where disability is not a barrier but a badge of strength. Our “Auschidys Disability Africa Show” is one such campaign that resonated deeply, reaching over 5000000 individuals across Kenya. Through it, we have sparked vital conversations about the abilities, talents, and contributions of those who have too often been overlooked. These campaigns are not just about raising awareness—they are about awakening empathy, fostering solidarity, and inspiring collective action.
Strategic Partnerships: Strength in Unity, Power in Collaboration
We know that the journey toward inclusion cannot be traveled alone. That’s why we have forged strong partnerships with NGOs, government bodies, and international organizations, including the Egaz Moniz School of Health and Science, Diaries Dental Clinic, and Cheshire Disability Services Kenya. Together, we have implemented life-changing initiatives, such as the Multi-Annual Programme Plan, which has brought critical healthcare and educational services to those in need. These collaborations are more than just alliances—they are lifelines that extend hope and opportunity to individuals with disabilities, reminding them that they are not alone.
Disability Awareness in Education: Educating for a Brighter Future
At the core of our advocacy is a commitment to transforming the education system to be more inclusive. We have partnered with institutions like St. Paul’s Primary School, Athi River Primary School, the National Industrial Training Authority, African Coffee Roasters, and Elite Aviation to embed disability awareness into their curricula. Through our Disability Inclusion and Equity Training (DIET), we have paved the way for inclusive educational practices that ensure every child/youth with disabilities, regardless of ability, has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive. These efforts are not just about education—they are about building a future where every child can realize their full potential.
Celebrating Milestones: Honoring the Humanity in Every Individual
At Auschidys, we believe in the power of celebration as a form of advocacy. Our annual events, like the recent birthday celebrations for Damaris and Collins, who experience autism, are more than just festive occasions—they are powerful affirmations of our commitment to recognizing the worth and dignity of every individual. These celebrations are a testament to our belief that every life is precious, every contribution is valuable, and every person has the right to be seen and celebrated for who they are.
Inclusive birthdays
Birthday celebrations are a universal tradition that brings joy and a sense of belonging.
For persons with disabilities, this may not always be the case. Most of them do not get invited to these celebrations, and they do not feel empowered enough to invite regular folk to their own celebrations.
Starting January 2024, AUSCHIDYS Disability Africa started an initiative dubbed Inclusive Birthdays. This initiative empowers the children and youth with disabilities to hold birthday celebrations and invite the community around them.
These celebrations send a powerful message of inclusivity. The activity fosters a culture where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels valued.
Inviting regular guests to these celebrations promotes their sense of understanding and empathy. This in turn reduces the stigma that persons with disabilities experience in society.
At AUSCHIDYS Disability Africa, we seek to promote the confidence and independence of persons with disabilities by giving them avenues to engage in social events without feeling excluded or marginalized. They demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and respect.
Internship and Employment Collaborations: Empowering Through Opportunity
Fostering Economic Empowerment Through Strategic Partnerships
At Auschidys Disability Africa, we are dedicated to advancing social and economic empowerment for individuals with disabilities. As one of our key strategic areas, we have actively engaged in building meaningful collaborations with a diverse range of institutions and companies to create pathways for employment and economic independence.
Our Collaborative Efforts
Strategic Partnerships for Inclusive Employment
We have established impactful partnerships with notable organizations such as African Coffee Roasters, Scenery Adventures, Elite Aviation, Almasi, and Teule Schools, among others. Through these collaborations, we have conducted comprehensive Disability Inclusion and Equity Training (DIET). Our training programs are designed to sensitize employers on the importance of providing employment opportunities for skilled youth with disabilities.
Promoting Economic Independence
Our training sessions emphasize the value of inclusive hiring practices and the benefits of integrating skilled individuals with disabilities into the workforce. By equipping employers with the knowledge and tools to support a diverse workforce, we are paving the way for greater economic independence and social inclusion for people with disabilities.
Creating Lasting Impact
Through these efforts, we are not only opening doors to employment but also fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. Our collaborations are instrumental in driving systemic change, ensuring that skilled youth with disabilities have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from a more equitable economy.
Social Economic Empowerment: Enhancing Financial Independence and Entrepreneurship
Empowering Through Financial Skills and Entrepreneurship
At Auschidys Disability Africa, our commitment to social economic empowerment is evident in our targeted initiatives designed to foster financial independence and entrepreneurial skills among caregivers and individuals with disabilities.
Our Initiatives
Table Banking Program
As a key component of our social economic empowerment strategy, we have successfully launched a Table Banking Program. This initiative provides vital financial and business management training to 25 caregivers of children and youth with disabilities. Through this program, participants have gained essential skills in financial literacy and business management, equipping them to start and sustain their own small businesses.
Diverse Entrepreneurial Ventures
The program has led to the establishment of various small enterprises tailored to individual interests, including soap making, vegetable selling, and tea and snack hawking. Participants have utilized savings from their Table Banking accounts to finance these ventures.
Future Expansion
Looking ahead, we are excited to expand our support to include farming initiatives, further diversifying the opportunities available to our beneficiaries and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Achieving Lasting Impact By empowering caregivers with financial skills and entrepreneurial opportunities, we are not only enhancing their economic independence but also fostering a more inclusive and resilient community. Our efforts are a testament to our dedication to creating lasting, positive change through social economic empowerment.