Disability Rights Advocacy Fund (DRAF)

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Enabling Supported Decision Making and Promoting Inclusion of Invisible Disability Groups in Nepal

About the Project

The project title “Enabling Supported Decision Making and Promoting Inclusion of Invisible Disability Groups in Nepal,” supported by Disability Rights Advocacy Fund (DRAF) was a two-year initiative (January 2024 – December 2025) implemented by AutismCare Nepal Society in collaboration with the KOSHISH Organization and Association of Intellectual Disabilities.

This project focuses on strengthening the rights of persons with autism and other underrepresented disability groups by advocating for a human rights-based approach, particularly in line with Article 12 (Equal Recognition Before the Law) and Article 19 (Living Independently and Being Included in the Community) of the UNCRPD.

Despite progressive global commitments, existing laws and systems in Nepal still limit the autonomy of persons with disabilities. This project addresses these gaps by promoting supported decision-making, independent living, and inclusive community participation.

Project Objectives

Objective 1: Strengthen Disability Identification and Social Protection

Promote a human rights-based approach in the issuance of disability identity cards and ensure access to social protection services for persons with disabilities.

Objective 2: Enhance Understanding of Legal Capacity and Inclusion

Increase awareness among Members of Parliament and duty bearers on legal capacity, supported decision-making, and independent living through advocacy, workshops, and policy dialogue.

Objective 3: Build Capacity of Underrepresented Disability Groups

Empower persons with autism, intellectual disabilities, and psychosocial disabilities, along with their families, through training and self-advocacy initiatives.

Objective 4: Promote Cross-Disability Collaboration

Strengthen collaboration among disability groups and stakeholders through joint advocacy efforts, coordination meetings, and legal actions such as public interest litigation.

Key Achievements

Enhanced knowledge and advocacy capacity of adults with autism on Articles 12 and 19 of the UNCRPD.

Increased participation of persons with autism in advocacy initiatives promoting supported decision-making systems.

Contribution to national-level policy development, including the National Autism Directive.

Development of advocacy materials from an autism perspective related to Article 12.

Successful organization of multiple workshops for government stakeholders and community members.

Production of a video documentary highlighting Article 19 from an autism perspective.

Policy Development and Organizational Strengthening:

Developed key policies such as:

Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) Policy

Safeguarding Policy

Strategic Plan Review

Moving Forward: 2026 Initiative

Building on the success of this project, AutismCare Nepal Society is independently implementing a new initiative in 2026 titled: “Include Us, Include Now” supported by Disability Rights Advocacy Fund.

This project continues to focus on Articles 12 and 19 of the UNCRPD, emphasizing awareness, community inclusion, and strengthening support systems for persons with autism and their families.

Project Objectives & Activities:

Objective 1

Increase the level of awareness on legal capacity and supportive decision-making among the parents and caregivers of children with autism.

Activities:

Develop the SBCC materials for legal capacity and supportive decision making

Organize workshops for Person with Autism, parents and caregivers of person with autism on UNCRPD focusing on Article 12 and 19

Objective 2.

Developing inclusive & accessible community for person with autism and their parents through various community based support system ensuring their rights to live independently and meaningful participation in the community.

Activities:

2.1 Organize series interaction and advocacy programs to sensitize government authorities and community.

2.2 Strengthen the autism inclusive club and peer-support groups by organizing meetings and interactive programs to address the need of person with autism.