(June 2015-December 2018)
Objectives: The project envisioned to create disability friendly model villages where communities, government agencies, and other relevant stakeholders through intensive discussions, each becomes responsible and accountable towards fulfilling the rights of persons with disabilities as provisioned in laws, policies and programs. Being implemented in 3 VDCs in Eastern and 1 VDC in Far-Western region, the main goal of the project was to enable persons with disabilities to enjoy equal rights, equal opportunities and barrier free environment which is adapted to fit the needs of people with disabilities for their independence, convenience and safety. This also involved integrating persons with disabilities into society so that they take an active part as development contributor in their societies and lead a normal life.

Activities: The main project activities included improving physical accessibility to services and utilities for persons affected by leprosy and persons with disabilities, by for instance creating disability friendly comprehensive WaSH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), provision of assistive and protective devices and livelihood support such as saving credit schemes, inclusion in cooperatives and vocational training.
Results: In total, the project reached 40000 beneficiaries, among them 5000 were persons with disabilities in 4 VDCs. Strong advocacy activities were conducted to promote equal rights & opportunities and barrier free environment for people with disabilities. Stigma and discrimination against persons with disabilitywas also addressed. Disability friendly physical infrastructures such as 15 toilets, 12 ramps and 11 handrails were built in schools, health institutions and public places to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities.
Government offices, community groups and civil society organizations included issues of disability in their policies and programs as it was felt that inclusive development can never be achieved leaving behind persons with disabilities and their concerns. This was accomplished through constant networking, advocacy and lobbying on disability issues with various stakeholders. As a result, 800 disability ID cards were distributed among PWD.

Additionally, by the end of project, 40% of persons with disabilities (approximately 2000) had an opportunity to improve their socio economic status. Persons with disabilities were trained on income generation schemes and were supported with seed money & technical services .Education and livelihoods are key determinants of good socio economic status. This was achieved by increasing the literacy rate of PWD, enhancing access to community services, increased public awareness about leprosy which reduced stigma and enhanced social acceptance for persons with disabilities.

Nepal Leprosy Fellowship (NLF)
Nepal National Social welfare Association (NNSWA)
National Federation of The Disabled (NFDN) and its member organizations
Village Development Committees (VDCs)