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

3. Our Ecological model

4. 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

5. Print media

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

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

8. Special needs and disability
Working inclusively with YWDS since 2009.
Mainstreamed across all programs
Policies governing in on disability
Partnerships and collaborations

9. 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

10. Why focus on disability
Lack of appropriate materials on sex education.
Sexual 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

11. Program objectives
Increase by knowledge on STI/HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancy among adolescents with disabilities .
Increase utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among adolescents with disability at 3 sites.

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

13. Participatory

14. Addressing diverse needs

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

16. Youth friendly services
Making the link between communication and health
Counseling
STI treatment
Contraception services
Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing
Cervical cancer screening
Treatment of minor ailments
Identification and referral for victims of sexual and other forms of violence
Direct delivery to young people
Programme delivery to professional to increase their capacity to provide education, information and services as part of their work with young people.
Ref page 6 of IET report latest draft

17. Edutainment

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

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

20. Future plans Enhancing further support to adults
Increase frequency and coverage of Braille
Further enhancing service delivery component for YWDs
Linkage with sectors eg livelihoods

21. Thank you