Reaching the visually impaired youth with Braille publications for Sexual Reproductive health and HIV and

AIDS information in Uganda.

Our Ecological model

Ecological = Environment

• Behaviour is not up to an individual alone hence we also address the environment.

• Communication for social change encourages critical thinking and dialogue

Print media

Empowers young people to tell their stories to inspire others -12 languages; each week on 40 radio stations

Work through radio

Interpersonal communication• Teacher training• Straight Talk Clubs• School visits • Community mobilization • Peer education• Counseling• Advocacy

Special needs and disability

• Working inclusively with young people with Disability (YWDs) since 2009.• Mainstreamed across all programs• Policies governing work on disability• Partnerships and collaborations

Why focus on disability • Vulnerability to HIV because of poverty. • Limited information access and availability

of services.• Lack of communication expertise for PWDs. • PWDs receive little or no formal education. • Stigma and discrimination around disability.

Why focus on disability • Lack of appropriate materials on sex education. • Sex abuse is a risk factor for HIV/AIDS, especially for

women and children. • Women with disabilities are especially vulnerable

because of their low status in society. • PWDs are viewed as abnormal and non-functional

Program objectives

• Increase by knowledge on STI/HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancy among YWDs.

• Increase utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among YWDs.

Intervention • Production of Braille versions of Straight Talk

and Young Talk .• Distribute 100 copies per quarter utilized by

1000 young people.• Targeting schools and organizations. • Addressing diverse HIV related topics.• Content informed by opinions of YWDs.

Participatory

Addressing diverse needs

STF Programming approach• Braille is augmented by other media eg radio. • Peer education • Straight Talk clubs (YWD led)• Partnerships and collaborations: Disability

unions, local government, civil society organizations

• Health service delivery through youth clinics

Youth friendly services

Making the link between communication and health1. Counseling 2. STI treatment 3. Contraception services 4. Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing5. Cervical cancer screening6. Treatment of minor ailments7. Identification and referral for victims of sexual and

other forms of violence8. Home based care (Home visits)

Edutainment

17

“Conversations” not messagesEnsures content is

relevant and evolving.

Not just any “conversation”

Real life stories

Lessons learned

• YWDs have similar information needs as able bodied persons

• Braille provide learning platforms for YWDs• Parents, adults and other caregivers should be

targeted as support networks for YWDs• Peer education is key in ensuring meaningful

participation and social inclusion for YWDs

Future plans • Enhancing further support to adults • Increase frequency and coverage of Braille • Further enhance service delivery for YWDs• Linkage with sectors eg livelihoods; education

Thank you

Acknowledgements

• All YWDs from whom we learn• Generous support of :

CordaidRoyal Danish Embassy ; Kampala , UgandaNORAD /Plan Uganda