Emphasise optimistic media protection

The media has an essential half to play in decreasing using derogatory language and selling optimistic incapacity illustration. By reporting correct info and showcasing optimistic tales of people with disabilities, the media may also help to interrupt down stereotypes and scale back stigma. Additionally it is essential that media platforms are accessible and inclusive. Media homes may also help problem unfavourable stereotypes and promote understanding and acceptance of individuals with disabilities, together with folks with psychological well being situations. They’ll additionally present alternatives for folks with disabilities to share their tales and experiences, serving to to extend consciousness and understanding.

The distinction it makes

Being a frontliner in implementing Ghana Somubi Dwumadie, an inclusive and accessible SBC intervention, I can say for a indisputable fact that social behaviour change is gaining floor. Grantees and individuals that I’ve met recognize that it’s a great way to scale back incapacity stigma.

On one in all my monitoring visits, I met Selase, a programme participant with a bodily incapacity. He advised me that earlier than the venture, folks in his neighborhood disregarded and disrespected him and different folks with disabilities – however because of the SBC exercise, they’re now handled with dignity and respect. Selase has been assigned as a choir organiser in his church, and he took a number one position in organising a zonal rally on the finish of final 12 months.

As a part of the venture, Sightsavers organised accessible design coaching for grantees and companions. They’ve testified about how priceless it was, and individuals realized abilities comparable to how to decide on the fitting colors, fonts and sizes for posters and different supplies to make their actions inclusive and accessible. I supported grantees after the coaching by ongoing teaching, technical steerage and suggestions mechanisms to assist them perceive tips on how to implement accessible design and supply of SBC interventions.

Every part we realized about efficient social behaviour change programmes by engaged on Ghana Somubi Dwumadie will inform future SBC initiatives at Sightsavers. We all know that we have to take note of the roles of inclusion champions, spiritual and conventional leaders, media homes and neighborhood chiefs. By doing this, we’ll assist be sure that our programmes are efficient in decreasing stigma and selling optimistic attitudes in direction of folks with disabilities and psychological well being situations.

Enthusiastic about studying extra or partnering with us on social behaviour change initiatives? Contact Joseph by emailing [email protected]