Reaching the visually impaired youth with Braille publications for Sexual Reproductive health and HIV and AIDS information in Uganda.

Our Ecological model

Ecological = Environment Behaviour is not up to an individual alone hence we also address the environment. Communication for social change encourages critical thinking and dialogue

Print media

E mpowers young people to tell their stories to inspire others - 12 languages; each week on 40 radio stations Work through radio

Interpersonal communication Teacher training Straight Talk Clubs School visits Community mobilization Peer education Counseling Advocacy

Special needs and disability Working inclusively with young people with Disability (YWDs) since Mainstreamed across all programs Policies governing work on disability Partnerships and collaborations

Why focus on disability Vulnerability to HIV because of poverty. Limited information access and availability of services. Lack of communication expertise for PWDs. PWDs receive little or no formal education. Stigma and discrimination around disability.

Why focus on disability Lack of appropriate materials on sex education. Sex abuse is a risk factor for HIV/AIDS, especially for women and children. Women with disabilities are especially vulnerable because of their low status in society. PWDs are viewed as abnormal and non-functional

Program objectives Increase by knowledge on STI/HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancy among YWDs. Increase utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among YWDs.

Intervention Production of Braille versions of Straight Talk and Young Talk. Distribute 100 copies per quarter utilized by 1000 young people. Targeting schools and organizations. Addressing diverse HIV related topics. Content informed by opinions of YWDs.

Participatory

Addressing diverse needs

STF Programming approach Braille is augmented by other media eg radio. Peer education Straight Talk clubs (YWD led) Partnerships and collaborations: Disability unions, local government, civil society organizations Health service delivery through youth clinics

Youth friendly services Making the link between communication and health 1.Counseling 2.STI treatment 3.Contraception services 4. Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing 5.Cervical cancer screening 6.Treatment of minor ailments 7.Identification and referral for victims of sexual and other forms of violence 8.Home based care (Home visits)

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“Conversations” not messages Ensures content is relevant and evolving. Not just any “conversation” Real life stories

Lessons learned YWDs have similar information needs as able bodied persons Braille provide learning platforms for YWDs Parents, adults and other caregivers should be targeted as support networks for YWDs Peer education is key in ensuring meaningful participation and social inclusion for YWDs

Future plans Enhancing further support to adults Increase frequency and coverage of Braille Further enhance service delivery for YWDs Linkage with sectors eg livelihoods; education

Thank you

Acknowledgements All YWDs from whom we learn Generous support of : Cordaid Royal Danish Embassy ; Kampala, Uganda NORAD /Plan Uganda