Disability Hub archive

Summary

The Disability Hub website serves as a vital platform offering comprehensive resources and information on disability studies, policies, services, and awareness campaigns in Lebanon, Jordan, and the wider MENA region. Since its release in 2020, the Disability Hub has been accessed by disability advocates, service providers, disability organizations, researchers, and various stakeholders interested in disability and inclusion from Lebanon and the Mena region.

The Centre for Lebanese Studies- Disability Unit proposes a thorough review and upgrade of the Disability Hub website, focusing on providing up-to-date research, policies, reports, and studies relevant to disability studies, inclusive education, inclusive design, and related disability literature in Lebanon. Additionally, the project aims to update the directory of disability organizations in Lebanon, Jordan, and those serving Palestinian refugees, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for users with disabilities.

A notable initiative within this proposal is the collaboration with Tawoon Welfare Association, facilitating the creation of an updated directory of disability services in Palestinian refugee camps. This directory will serve Palestinians, Lebanese, and Syrians residing in Lebanon, ensuring accessibility for all users. Furthermore, the project includes the development of awareness campaigns targeting specific disability types and diagnostic centers in Lebanon, providing valuable insights for families seeking support services. By updating the Disability Hub website with current information and resources, it will sustain its role as a vital knowledge infrastructure for disability studies in the region. Through improved access to relevant resources and directory information, the website will be a useful tool in promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities, supporting disability organizations to foster inclusivity and equality across Lebanon and the broader MENA region.

Impact

The Disability Movement in Lebanon project has significantly contributed to enhancing services for people with disabilities and has led to the establishment of the Emergency Taskforce for People with Disabilities during the Israeli war on Lebanon. While research findings revealed that the movement remained fragmented from the 1980s until 2024, we have successfully addressed this challenge by creating a network through the emergency task force. This network now includes approximately 15 local and international organizations, along with nine individuals with disabilities. Although the war on Lebanon ended in December 2024, the task force remains active, continuing to provide services for people with disabilities who have been unable to return to their homes due to destruction. The task force will convene on February 17 to evaluate the inclusivity and effectiveness of the emergency response provided by various disability organizations in meeting the diverse needs of users. Furthermore, through our collaboration as the emergency task force, we aim to organize a national workshop with stakeholders, policymakers, and newly appointed ministers from various sectors within the Lebanese government. The workshop will focus on identifying gaps in the emergency response, drafting a national emergency preparedness plan, and developing training programs for different sectors to ensure they can effectively address the needs of people with disabilities in future crises. Additionally, as part of this project, we have created a timeline and a 10-minute documentary video, which will be used in March 2025 to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. The video will serve as an advocacy tool to showcase to policymakers and ministers the achievements of the disability movement in Lebanon and its goals for the coming years and for amending Law 220/2000 to align with the CRPD.