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Webinar: Improving Access to Funding for Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs): Collective Action for Disability-Inclusive Development

Global Disability Innovation Hub
Sept. 29, 2026
12-1pm BST
Register

Webinar: Register now -Tuesday 29 September 2026, 12:00–13:00 BST 

For those that fund, or are considering funding, disability‑inclusive work, this webinar convenes leading actors across disability‑inclusive development to share practical lessons on how to create stronger, more effective pathways for funding the meaningful participation of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). 

OPDs play a critical role in disability-inclusive development, yet many operate with minimal and insecure funding, undermining their ability to sustain operations, be involved in, and have influence over outcomes. 

The challenge is multifaceted. OPDs are diverse, and the expectations placed on them - be that from intermediaries or direct funders - often don’t align with their realities, priorities, capabilities or operating models. At the same time, funders face systemic restrictions and requirements that shape how they can allocate resources. 

Through the UK International Development-funded AT2030 programme, Global Disability Innovation Hub has been working with OPDs to better understand the current funding landscape and identify practical ways to strengthen how OPDs are funded and supported to participate meaningfully in disability-inclusive development. The research was developed in partnership with eight diverse OPDs across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, alongside engagement with funders. 

This webinar will bring together OPDs, funders and civil society to discuss the barriers and pressures experienced across the funding ecosystem, share practical advice, and define what individuals and organisations can commit to, to strengthen the system. Register now to join.

Read the research: Pathways to Funding For Organisations of Persons with Disabilities in Low- and-Middle-Income Countries

Read more about the vision for this work 

Speakers

  • Fatma Mohamad, CEO, Northern Nomadic Disabled Persons Organization (NONDO): Fatma Mohamed is the CEO at Northern Nomadic Disabled Persons Organization (NONDO), an organization working to advance the rights, inclusion, and participation of persons with disabilities, particularly in nomadic and pastoralist communities of Kenya. She is a passionate disability activist and advocate for meaningful participation and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. Fatma is also a mentor, supporting particularly persons with disabilities to build confidence, leadership, and advocacy skills. In addition, she works in organizational development, supporting Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to strengthen their systems, leadership, capacity, and sustainability.

 

  • Joseph Alieu Kamara, Founder and Executive Direcotr, Welfare Society for the Disabled (WESOFOD): Joseph Alieu Kamara is the Founder and Executive Director of the Welfare Society for the Disabled (WESOFOD), an Organization of Persons with Disabilities in Sierra Leone. He is also President of the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI), the national umbrella federation representing Organizations of Persons with Disabilities across the country. Joseph is an advocate for disability rights, inclusive governance, and social development. He has extensive experience in community-based rehabilitation, Community Based Inclusive Development, rural livelihoods, and civic participation. He works with grassroots communities, non-governmental organizations, and government bodies to address barriers to civic engagement and support persons with disabilities to take active leadership roles in policy and development 

 

  • Reem Khan, Inclusive Humanitarian Action (IHA) Global Specialist, Humanity & Inclusion (HI): Reem Khan is the Inclusive Humanitarian Action Global Specialist at Humanity & Inclusion (HI). She has worked in the development and humanitarian sectors since 2006, with a focus on the disability rights movement and disability inclusion since 2010. Reem has worked with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), local and international non-governmental organizations, and United Nations agencies. 

 

  • Anderson Kitanga, OPD Partnership Director, CBM Global Disability Inclusion:Anderson Kitanga is the OPD Partnership Director at CBM Global Disability Inclusion, having joined the organization in February 2022 as Inclusive Development Director. He has more than 25 years of experience in community development, with a strong focus on inclusive development. Before joining CBM Global, Anderson served for eight years as Chief Executive Officer of United Disabled Persons of Kenya, the national federation of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities in Kenya.

 

  • Susan Sabano, Member of the CIVICUS Board of Directors: Susan Sabano is a disability rights advocate and civil society leader from Uganda, with lived experience of cerebral palsy. She is a Board Member of CIVICUS, the global alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society worldwide. Susan has 7 years experience championing the rights, inclusion, and participation of persons with disabilities, particularly in advancing equitable access to opportunities, resources, and decision-making spaces. Drawing from both her personal and professional experience, she works to promote disability-inclusive development and stronger partnerships between civil society, funders, and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). She brings a unique perspective on why investing in local disability-led organisations is essential for sustainable and inclusive development outcomes. 

 

  • Sally Nduta, CEO, United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK): Sally Nduta is the CEO of United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK). Her work focuses on mainstreaming and promoting disability inclusion in development programmes. She has experience supporting the capacity development of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), as well as developing advocacy and social accountability plans to support inclusive programme design and implementation.

 

  • Anna Landre, PhD Researcher, GDI Hub: Anna Landre is a PhD Candidate at the Global Disability Innovation Hub at University College London, where her research focuses on Disabled People’s Organizations globally. She is a wheelchair-using activist, researcher, and curator of the Global DPO/OPD Map. Her work spans disability studies and culture, community-building, humanitarian response, and human-computer interaction.