Mainstreaming and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities

Rwanda has undertaken legislative and programmatic; initiatives designed to empower and support persons with disabilities. However, there are gaps and challenges that need to be addressed to ensure full inclusion of persons with disabilities in the national development agenda. The Government of Rwanda is putting forward an articulated vision and strategy for including PwDs. in all sectors to ensure that they are not left behind, as the country moves towards Vision 2050. 

Since Rwanda ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2008, the country has made progress in protecting the rights of persons with disabilities through legislative reform and program design (United Nations, 2006) . As commendable as this progress is, Persons with Disabilities are not fully included in all political and social economic aspects. 

Furthermore, there is a challenge in relation with programme coordination in disability-related service delivery, as well as accountability and enforcement to comply with existing laws and regulations towards promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities. 

Viewing disability as a human rights and development issue emphasizes the importance that equal opportunities within various systems of society and environments are made available and accessible to all citizens. Inclusion for all citizens in Rwanda is essential for the development of the economy, national unity, and overall prosperity for the country and so the inclusion of PwDs in national development planning is crucial. 

To support the inclusion of PWDs, Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) is critical to ensure full and meaningful participation, particularly in rural and remote areas. CBR refers to an overarching goal of inclusion for all (i.e., gender, disability, age etc..) in communities and society. CBR is an important program that is used specifically to achieve inclusion for PwDs and further contribute towards the goal of full inclusion.