PIHRS-IH Model 2020-Final Revised

• DPOs involvement in project activities and their capacity in defending the interests of people
with disabilities is determined by many factors. The empowerment of DPOs on disability
related issues, should not be limited to sensitizing them on disability r ights. Financial
dependency and limited capacity in negotiation and internal management could be main
reasons for inadequate participation and contribution.
• The voice of DPOs are likely more legitimate and credible when they are well organized and
coordinated. The district level DPOs could act as the resource persons to develop the
capacity of the comparatively smaller DPOs utilizing their experiences and expertise.
• The government has shown an interest in improving their services and accessibility for
people with disabilities. Nevertheless, the Government is still depending on external service
providers like DRRA for the implementation of National policy instruments and for the
provision of healthcare services of people with disabilities. This is likely t o remain like this
for the coming years. This justifies the continuity of the project and further expansion to
other areas until the government is ready to take over and build on from the initiatives.
• It also appears that the project is becoming the ‘soun ding board’ resonating the mindset of
the people with disabilities and needed inclusive health and rehabilitation services. Thereby
it could become an effective lobbying mechanism towards the government policy makers.
• The national government has recognized the PIHRS project as a model and it can be
replicated to other part of the country (NDD Strategy).
• It was found that disability prevention and services has been included under Non -
Communicable Disease Control (NCDC) plan. It seems that the project inven tion has given a
credibility to DRRA to have ‘voice’ in national forums and policy dialogues.
• Awareness raising on disability issues could be more effective if it’s done through acceptable
and recognized manner; for instance, technical persons (APT/ OT) c ould have used the
Community Clinic platform periodically.
• Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials reflecting all types of disability
need to be accessed and understood by the mass community people. For instance, visual
medium of IEC material can be a good tool for the awareness raising of the community.
• The community mobilization is an integral part for the project and needs intensive and
continuous effort. Therefore, number of Community Mobilizers not sufficient based on the
population ratio. The limited awareness and sensitization, particularly in remote areas.
Besides, community mobilizers that were available in this project and the large areas they had
to cover larger areas with limited money allocation to travel.
• The effects of the sensitization were limited due to the lack of funds and manpower. Only
one Community Mobilizer (CM) per Upazila was involved all the activities related to
community mobilization and raising awareness.
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