Highlights

    All Impact Stories

    • Text: Lugha Ishara case study Cover Image

      Lugha Ishara Case Study

      Global Disability Innovation Hub, Innovate Now
      Nov. 1, 2023
      Kenya

      Lugha Ishara follows a user-centric approach in developing its products, actively involving the users to identify their challenges and using these insights as the foundation for product development. Since its inception, the company has maintained an innovation committee comprising parents with hearing-impaired children, fostering a collaborative relationship with its users and capitalizing on its strengths to create relevant solutions.

    • Syna Consultancy case study Cover Image

      Syna Case Study

      Global Disability Innovation Hub
      Nov. 1, 2023
      Kenya

      Syna Consultancy is on a mission to revolutionize sanitation for individuals with mobility challenges. Their focus is not just on providing solutions but also on enhancing lives and fostering independence. This study tshows Syna's journey in innovation.

    • the image shows Richard Lubanza, NOC/CGA Zambia Secretary-General Boniface Kambikambi, and Coach Amon Moyo. (Photo courtesy of Zambia Olympic Committee) Cover Image

      Paving the Way in Para Sport to Open Doors and Reduce Stigma

      Global Disability Innovation Hub, Jennie Wong, Loughborough University
      June 20, 2023
      Zambia

      Richard Lubanza (34) is a Zambian Para Powerlifter and has been competing successfully for his country since 2014. Originally from Lusaka, Richard was born with Polio and whilst he can walk short distances, he uses a pair of outdated crutches held together with duct tape, and an equally damaged wheelchair to get around.

    • Emmanuel Nii Tettey Oku with his medals at the World Para Powerlifting event in Cairo, 2022. Cover Image

      The Power of the Broadcast in Dispelling Stigma and Encouraging Inclusion

      Global Disability Innovation Hub, Jennie Wong, Loughborough University
      June 13, 2023
      Ghana

      Emmanuel Nii Tettey Okuwas working as an electrical engineer and hobby body builder but following an accident in 2013 he had to have his left leg amputated and was faced with having to adapt to a new way of living. For some time, Emmanuel felt hopeless (and angry) as he could no longer work or be active as before. However, in 2016 he watched a broadcast from the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games and was excited to see people in wheelchairs lifting weights. It wasn’t until 2018 that a friend mentioned that he had seen some people doing disability sport at the Accra Sports Stadium, so he went along and met with the coach of the Para Powerlifting program, Coach Prince. Emmanuel started training straight away, “I fell in love with it. I gave it my all and now I am a national para-athlete.”

    • The image shows Tahiru Haruna on Max TV Live talking about the importance of positive thinking and opportunities for persons with a disability. Cover Image

      Impact stories- The Importance of the Coach and the Media in Dispelling the Stigma of Being a Disabled Athlete

      Global Disability Innovation Hub, Jennie Wong, Loughborough University
      June 12, 2023
      Ghana

      Ghanaian athlete Tahiru Haruna, 29, from the Greater Accra area has won multiple medals in Para Power Lifting (107kg+) and Arm Wrestling for Ghana since he became an athlete in 2017. His next aim is to add Ghana’s first ever Paralympic Gold medal to his haul at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024 and showcase to other people with disabilities that it is possible to achieve a sporting dream. Tahiru’s sporting success has seen him travel to many other countries around the world for competition. This access to new cultures, sporting infrastructures and systems has provided him with some valuable experiences on how disability is perceived and managed within his own country.

    • A photo of Lugha Ishara's founders from left Nancy Maina, Ann Karau, Susan Thuo. Cover Image

      Lugha Ishara: Tackling Language Deprivation in Deaf Children.

      Global Disability Innovation Hub, Harrison Kamau
      March 29, 2023
      Kenya

      Lugha Ishara was founded by Nancy Maina and a team of four volunteers who were passionate about improving the lives of Deaf children and young adults in the country. Their goal was to provide child-friendly KSL testing products that would tackle the challenges of language deprivation and understand the systemic causes to provide solutions. They provide methods and tools for early detection and intervention of hearing loss and language development in deaf children.

    • Two photos side-by-side of upper limb AT users. The one on the left is of a man standing with his prosthesis. The one on the right is of a man fitting his own prosthesis Cover Image

      Koalaa: an AT impact story

      Kate Mattick
      March 28, 2023
      Sierra Leone

      Between August and December 2022, 60 Decibels conducted a survey with 29 upper limb prosthetic users of the Koalaa product. They wanted to capture and understand the impact AT had on the users. This impact story shares these findings

    • Still shot of a video with an image of a Paralifter - in a gym, speeking to camara. Cover Image

      Impact Story - Emmanuel Nii Tetteh Oku - Paralympics Ghana

      Loughborough University
      March 28, 2023
      Ghana

      Tokyo Paralympics aired to 49 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa for the very first time. In this video we hear from Emmanuel Nii Tetteh Oku, a Paralifter representing Ghana at the games. Emmanuel discusses his return from the games and the impact of the TV coverage, specifically in relation to stigma. Reflecting on his experiences, Emmanuel discusses his pride in representing his country and the confidence and freedom that Assistive Technology and Para Sport has given him. He also discssed being a role model in his community, and inspiring others with disabilities to follow a Para Sport route.

    • Professional photograph of a woman posing with stylish glasses. The female in the photo is black and is wearing a bright yellow jumper against a red background Cover Image

      Wazi: An AT impact story

      Kate Mattick, Louise Gebbett
      March 28, 2023

      Between August and December 2022, 60 Decibels conducted a survey with 29 upper limb prosthetic users of the Koalaa product. They wanted to capture and understand the impact AT had on the users. This impact story shares these findings

    • Signs TV logo Cover Image

      Signs TV Case Study

      Global Disability Innovation Hub
      Feb. 27, 2023
      Kenya

      Signs Media TV was launched in 2015 when the company applied to the Communication Authority of Kenya for permission to run a television station broadcasting in sign language and was granted the permission. In February 2017, Signs Media started broadcasting on free-to-air platforms – Signs TV and is also found on channels like GoTV and StarTimes. The platform broadcasts in Kenyan sign language with voice as an override, airing films, movies, music (both gospel and secular), and Bible interpretation. Its main objectives are to educate, inform, and entertain in sign language, by extension enhancing disability and the deaf culture, where 80% of the programs are hosted by persons with disabilities.

    • Photograph of two people from the video sat side-by-side. One is wearing dark glasses, the other is holding crutches Cover Image

      Video: Disability, Resilience and Inclusion in our Cities

      Kota Kita
      Feb. 13, 2023

      Cities worldwide are increasingly exposed to the growing impact of climate crisis, from increased heat, intense weather changes to disasters. This video tells the story of people living with disabilities who might be at most risk from these times of uncertainty. It is reported in this video, that 1 in 7 people around the world are disabled, and approximately 80% of persons with disabilities live in potentially highly-climate vulnerable countries. When a disaster occurs, like floods or extreme heat, orientation and mobility are top priorities for people with disabilities.

    • An older woman is sat working at a laptop Cover Image

      Video: Inclusive Public Space in Kelayan Barat

      Kota Kita
      Feb. 13, 2023
      Indonesia

      This video takes a look at the constructed public space in Kelayan Barat. Residents and stakeholders share the experience of designing and constructing the inclusive public space, some of the challenges they encountered along the way and the impact it has had on the community.

    • Co-design process. Photograph of a prototype building built by lego with participants of a community co-design workshop Cover Image

      Video: Inclusive Public Space in Pelambuan

      Kota Kita
      Feb. 6, 2023
      Indonesia

      Community initiative of an inclusive design project in Pelambuan, Indonesia. The initiative was built on the shared aspirations identified by research participants for inclusive public spaces. Being part of the design process was cited by participants as an important knowledge sharing and learning experience.

    • Lincon Wamae seated in his workshop where he works on his electric batteries Cover Image

      From Junk to Wheelchairs: The Story of Lincoln Wamae – an engineer and innovator

      Global Disability Innovation Hub
      Feb. 2, 2023
      Kenya

      Lincoln Wamae is a Kenyan inventor and engineer who has made it his mission to improve the lives of people with disabilities through the power of innovation. Using his skills in mechatronics and electrical engineering, Wamae has developed a range of electric wheelchairs that are not only functional and reliable, but also environmentally friendly.

    • Graphic showing how to download Riziki app on google play. Cover Image

      Riziki Source: Connecting People with Disabilities to Job Opportunities

      Global Disability Innovation Hub
      Feb. 2, 2023
      Kenya

      In today's digital age, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. From social media to online shopping, we rely on technology to make our lives easier and more efficient. However, for people with disabilities, technology can also play a crucial role in helping them to find and secure employment. One organization that is using technology to help people with disabilities find jobs is Riziki Source

    • An image of Andrew with his co-commentator in a recordeing studio with a laptop on the table in front of them, commentating on the Tokyo Paralymic Games Cover Image

      Andrew Mtegha’s Story: Infusing disability rights advocacy into Paralympic sport broadcasting in Malawi

      Loughborough University
      July 29, 2022
      Malawi

      Andrew Mtegha is a disability rights advocate and presenter of several programmes about disability inclusion on the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), such as Disability is Not Inability. The aim of these programmes is to give a platform to people with disabilities to voice out their views about their own issues in Malawi. Although Andrew has never done any sports reporting he was invited to be part of the MBC commentary team for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, provided in Chichewa.

    • Image 1: Colour Portrait of Eka Cover Image

      Championing Assistive Technology in Indonesia’s new National Commission for Disabilities

      Global Disability Innovation Hub, Clinton Health Access Initiative
      Feb. 11, 2022
      Indoneisa
      Case Studies and Reports

      An impact story introducing Eka Prastama Widiyanta - one of the seven members of the newly established National Commission for Disabilities (KND) in Indonesia, for the 2021-2026 period. December 2021 has marked a new milestone for persons with disabilities in Indonesia. President Joko Widodo appointed seven members of the newly established National Commission for Disabilities (KND) for the 2021-2026 period. Eka Prastama Widiyanta, former programme officer for CHAI under the AT2030 programme in Indonesia, was appointed as one of the country’s seven KND Commissioners.

    • Shujaaz Inc. Fan Snapshot Cover Image

      Fan Snapshot

      Shujaaz Inc
      June 23, 2021
      Kenya

      Fans responses to stories on Shujaaz's social media platforms featuring people with disabilities

    • AT2030 Case Study Hakim’s Story: Innovative AT Provision in Refugee Settlements. Cover Image

      Hakim's Story

      Humanity & Inclusion
      June 23, 2021
      Uganda
      Impact Stories

      Hakim is a 30-year-old male refugee from South Sudan staying in one of the 6 villages that make up Omugo Refugee settlement, the 7th zone in Rhino Camp. AT2030 partner Humanity & Inclusion (HI) has been working with persons with disabilities (PwD) like Hakim since 2018.

    • AT2030 Case Study Vicki’s Story: Rising up to life. Cover Image

      Vicky's Story

      Humanity & Inclusion
      June 23, 2021
      Uganda
      Impact Stories

      Life in a refugee settlement can be so difficult and challenging. You can imagine how it is like to trek so many kilometres fleeing a conflict from your home country. You can also now imagine the challenges Persons with Disabilities go through 365 days a year. This is twice the suffering experienced by other people, in terms of accessing services, information, the discrimination that comes from being different. 6-year-old Vicky, a resident of Rhino-camp refugee settlement is the second-born in an extended family of eleven. Together with her family members, she fled South Sudan in 2016, when she was only 2 years due to the war.

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    Impact Stories & Community Collaboration

    Storytelling can be a great tool to amplify the voices of disabled people and have their voices heard. Building on our previous work, this project explores ways for creative expressions of disabled people’s lived experiences through multi-sensory impactful storytelling.

    Storytelling is the oldest form of knowledge sharing and learning that transcends geographies, cultures, and generations. In African and indigenous cultures, the storytelling tradition sustains communities, validates the experiences of indigenous people and nurtures inter-generational relationships and knowledge sharing. Telling stories also helps regain a sense of belonging, collective identity, and connection to the land.

    Storytelling can be a great tool to amplify the voices of disabled people and have their voices heard. Building on our previous work, this project explores ways for creative expressions of disabled people’s lived experiences through multi-sensory storytelling. Sharing experiences and stories this way is the first step towards helping individuals develop a voice and skills to advocate for their rights and access to AT. We also explore ways to use technology to amplify these stories to create a positive impact on disability inclusion and improved AT provisions across LMICs. 

    Research

    Social Media as Disability Self-advocacy Tool

    This project explores the role of social media as a self-advocacy tool for disabled people. Using a mixed-methods human-centred approach, this project will generate in-depth insight into how disabled people use social media for advocate for disability rights, the barriers and facilitators that impact socia media use, and a toolkit to better serve disability storytelling through social media.

    Activities

    14 March 2023: AT Storytelling Workshop with International Disability Alliance, Geneva, Switzerland

    Outputs

    • Maryam Bandukda, Catherine Holloway, Diane Bell, Victoria Austin, "Challenges to disabled people’s participation in digital activism: A global south perspective", CHI 2023 Workshop: Supporting Social Movements through HCI and Design Research, https://sites.google.com/view/hcisocialmovements 
    • Maryam Bandukda, Catherine Holloway, "Bridging the disability divide in the global south through digital disability inclusion", CHI 2023 Workshop: HCI Across Borders: Towards Global Solidarity, https://hcixb.org/ 

     

     

    People

    Catherine Holloway

    Catherine Holloway

    Co-founder, Academic Director of GDI Hub and Associate Professor at UCL’s Interaction Centre.