18 chapter 1: Disability and the community
Together you can decide what things in your community can be changed in order
to make life better for all. For example, you can:
• start a literacy class for the women
who cannot read or write.
• start a small business together,
making and selling crafts or
tools.
EDUCATION
EDUCATION!
Repeat
after me…
education.
• share information
with each other about
community services
and work together
to make them more
accessible.
• try to get funds—
either through a
low-interest loan or through a donation—to begin an income-earning project
or to make the community more accessible.
• raise awareness about disabilities and advocate for new ways of thinking about
independence.
• work with local leaders or the government to get better treatment for women
with disabilities.
You can also help community groups:
• Look at the different causes of health problems that you and other women with
disabilities face, and decide which ones the community can change.
• Take action by advocating for activities and services that make life better for
everyone, including better health care, education, and transport for people with
disabilities. Insist on accessible facilities.
• Set up a small group. The voice of
an organization is stronger than
the voice of an individual. Make
a plan about what the group
will do and what steps the
group will take to carry out
each of these ideas.
At one time, deaf people
in Uganda were not
allowed to drive. But
because we protested,
we can now buy cars and
are allowed to drive.
• Raise your voice against
policies and laws that
discriminate against you.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007