the right to live as equal members of the community
‘The main goal of CBR is for people with disabilities to live as equal members of the community, to enjoy health and well being, to participate fully in educational, social, cultural, religious, economic and political activities.’ - Joint Position Paper, 2004.
In addition to functional, economic and educational rehabilitation, CDMD’s CBR includes social rehabilitation to encourage client participation in family and community activities. CDMD encourages community members to employ people with disabilities with equal opportunities and at equal salaries. For children, community volunteers organise play activities for children with and without disabilities to improve social skills and reduce discrimination in the community.
Our CBR program also addresses the social barriers of disability, such as exclusion, by involving family and neighbours in making individual rehabilitation plans and client training. Many communities also hold yearly meetings where key members, such as local authorities, commune council members, religious leaders, teachers and others are invited to discuss and raise awareness of issues related to disability.
