Ghana Somubi Dwumadie, a consortium of organisations dedicated to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions, has recognised the achievements of four grantee organisations in reducing stigma and discrimination against individuals with disabilities across Ghana.
At a celebratory event held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Fiesta Royale Hotel in Accra, the consortium screened four films showcasing the impactful work of the grantees. The films highlighted the most significant changes achieved through their projects, demonstrating the dedication, innovation, and positive outcomes brought about by individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions.
Lyla Adwan-Kamara, Team Leader of Ghana Somubi Dwumadie, commended the grantees for their tireless efforts. “We must celebrate these organisations,” she said, “because they have worked diligently to ensure that people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions, are leading the charge in improving their own well-being, social and economic outcomes, and rights.”
The event showcased the impact of the Evidence and Effectiveness Grants program, which supported nine organizations through small and large grants, focusing on capacity building and priority areas. Five small grants concluded in July 2022, while four large grants, awarded to Ghana National Association of the Deaf (GNAD), Hope for Future Generation (in partnership with The PsyKForum), Africa Disability Institute (formerly Voice Ghana), and Songtaba, ended in October 2023.
Grant Objectives:
• Improve the well-being of, and empower people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions, through evidence-based approaches to improve integration and accessibility of mental health and social services.
• Reduce stigma and discrimination against people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions.
• Generate evidence through research to inform policy and practice on disability and mental health needs, programs, and interventions.
The grantees’ work has identified key approaches for achieving social behavior change and addressing stigma and discrimination. These include eveloping positive disability language guides, engaging people with disabilities in local decision-making processes, actively involving individuals in positions of power, and implementing community-level sanctions to discourage discriminatory behavior.
The success of these grantees exemplifies the power of community-based initiatives in promoting disability inclusion and fostering a more equitable society.
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com