Water, sanitation and disability in West Africa

Résumé de l'auteur

The report begins with a brief background of the context of the Study. This is followed by the summary results of a survey which assessed: a) the extent and types of disability found in rural Mali, and b) the constraints faced by the disabled persons in accessing clean water and sanitation. A detailed review of simple, assistive technologies for water pumping, water transport, domestic water use, and latrine use makes up the core of this document. The report ends with suggestions for effective development and transfer of lowcost assistive technologies, and for establishing inclusive environments for the disabled within community WASH programs.

Commentaire du Centre Ressources

This report is the result of a collaboration between several bodies (professors and students of Messiah College, World Vision, Handicap International). It provides a summary of activities and findings of the study. It is also intended to serve as a practical guide for WASH practitioners seeking to develop community WASH programmes that are inclusive of disabled people in the West African region. The report provides a review of specific issues facing the disabled, details of the design and development of low cost assistive technologies, as well as guidelines for involving the disabled in the communities where they live.

 The report is specifically targeted for practitioners working in WAWI target communities; notably WASH field staff of World Vision Area Development Programs. However, WASH practitioners from all NGOs and/or government ministries working in the region should find the report to be an informative and practical guide.

Ce rapport, élaboré grâce à une collaboration de plusieurs acteurs (Universitaires et étudiants du Messiah College, World Vision, Handicap International) est un résumé des activités et des conclusions de cette étude. Il s'agit également d'un guide pratique à destination des professionnels du programme WASH (eau, assainissement et hygiène) afin qu'ils développent ce type de programmes en incluant les personnes handicapées.

Le rapport fournit tout d’abord des informations concernant les barrières spécifiques qu’affrontent les personnes handicapées grâce à des interviews réalisées auprès de "chefs de famille" et de personnes handicapées. Ensuite sont exposés des détails concernant la mise en place de technologies d’assistance à bas coûts et également des recommandations pour l’implication des personnes handicapées au sein des communautés où ils vivent.