Concerns of Professional Disabled in Uganda

Background Concern of Professional Disabled in Uganda (COPD) is an indigenous, Non-Governmental Organisation formed by people with disabilities and those concerned by the problems faced by people with disabilities. The organisation was formed in July 2002. It brings together all categories of disabilities including physically, mentally and sensory impaired people. The organisation works to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups through education, improved livelihoods, promotion of their rights, psycho-social support among others in Uganda.

COPD Vision Persons with disability and other vulnerable groups able to enjoy their rights, fulfill their responsibilities and obligations and fully participate in society.

COPD Mission To engage and empower persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups to discover and overcome the major challenges they face while protecting their rights and dignity for sustainable development.

Objectives i. To increase access to formal education, vocational skills training, functional adult literacy, Education for Sustainable Development for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. ii. Enhance awareness on the needs, limitations, potentials and rights of PWDs and other vulnerable groups so as to improve and/or change society's attitude towards them. iii. To carry out health outreach programs through sensitization, awareness creation, campaigns and others possible strategies in HIV/AIDS/STI’s, water, hygiene and sanitation for persons with disability and other vulnerable groups. iv. To promote nutrition, food and income security for individual and households of people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. v. To strengthen linkages, collaboration and networking for effective advocacy, referral and service delivery for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

Program Areas 1. Education and skills development 2. Empowerment and Human Rights Promotion 3. Disease Prevention and Mitigation 4. Food Security, Nutrition and Poverty Alleviation 5. Collaboration, Networking and Advocacy