Disability and livelihood services' access Cambodia

This initiative intends to achieve change both at individual and community level. At individual level, the project will give the opportunity to 1520 vulnerable men and women with disabilities and/or members of families living with disability (M:760, F:760, 70% men and women with disabilities, 30% families) to access socioeconomic opportunities and to develop their skills. The development of income generating activities will not only contribute to alleviate poverty (household budget increase), but it will also lead to individual empowerment. Indeed, in a country where productivity is considered as a crucial factor of social recognition, the project will help women and men with disabilities and/or their families, through economic activity, to take control over their life, to gain self confidence and to get a chance to actively participate into both family and community life and decision making. At community level, the project intends to change perceptions on the socioeconomic potential of persons with disabilities and to support disability inclusion into both service provision and local government management (24 communes). In line with legal provisions and policies promoting equal access and representation, existing both in Cambodia (Law on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted in July 2009 and National Plan of Actions for Persons with Disabilities adopted in November 2008) and at international level (UNCRPD signed by the Royal Government of Cambodia in 2007, ratification actions currently in process) Support to 18 local service providers will permit to remove existing barriers for long term-benefit and to provide, on a short-term basis, services to 400 men and women with disabilities and/or families living with disability (M:200, F:200) as described in 3.4. Intervention at local government level, through the existing planning process (CIP), with strong involvement from local authorities and local Disabled People’s Organizations (2 DPOs), will ensure long term sustainable changes;