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

Empowers 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

Special needs and disability

• Working inclusively with YWDS since 2009.• Mainstreamed across all programs• Policies governing in 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. • 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

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.

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

Participatory

Addressing diverse needs

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

Youth friendly servicesMaking the link between communication and health

1. Counseling 2. STI treatment 3. Contraception services 4. Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing5. Cervical cancer screening6. Treatment of minor ailments7. Identification and referral for victims of sexual and

other forms of violence

Edutainment

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“Conversations” not messagesEnsures content is

relevant and evolving.

Not just any “conversation”

Real life stories

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

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

Thank you