Retrofitting Water Access Points for People with Physical Disabilities
Summary
ORDA Ethiopia's initiative to retrofit water points in Guna Begiemidir and Andabet woredas addresses the crucial need for inclusive WASH services, significantly enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities and promoting their independence, safety, and social inclusion.
Despite challenges such as financial constraints, lack of awareness, and resistance to change, the program's success underscores the importance of involving multiple stakeholders, including local water committees, government officials, and disability advocacy groups, and actively including people with disabilities in the planning and implementation processes. This multi-stakeholder collaboration, coupled with sustained investment, education, and advocacy, is essential for achieving truly universal access to WASH services and reinforcing a commitment to development that leaves no one behind.
Accessibility of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services is rarely discussed in development literature and practices. In Ethiopia, over 17% of the population has a disability (Niras, n.d.). To date, there has been relatively limited work on making WASH more accessible for persons with disabilities, however, the research that does exist on inclusive design highlights the importance of usable access points for people with disabilities. In order for access to be truly universal, people with disabilities need to participate and contribute - in an equal way - in the planning, development, and implementation processes, including incorporating their perspectives as a way of tackling prejudices and stigma (Niras, n.d.). Within the woredas of Guna Begiemidir and Andabet, residents with physical disabilities and their caregivers, as well as disability advocacy organizations, have expressed the need for accessible water points, with the latter highlighting that the lack of accessible water points is a barrier to full participation in society.
Intervention
ORDA Ethiopia was established in 1984 and has been legally registered as a local non-government organization since 1991. ORDA Ethiopia began to retrofit water points for improved accessibility as part of their Inclusive Health, Economic, and Social Development Program (IHESDP), which began as part of their five-year plan in 2019 (2019-2023). The work is focused in the woredas of Guna Begiemidir and Andabet, located in the South Gondar Zone.
The retrofitting of water points to make them more accessible for people with physical disabilities has been an ongoing process that has gained momentum in recent years. While there has been an intent to make all water points accessible, the process of retrofitting existing infrastructure can be complex and time-consuming. As part of their IHESDP, ORDA Ethiopia's WASH and Irrigation Program supports retrofits on rural pipe systems and small spring developments to enhance accessibility. The retrofits include, but are not limited to: ramps and sloped services to provide wheelchair access; handrails along ramps and staircases for support and stability; accessible height of taps and sinks for individuals using wheelchairs (e.g., 60cm); non-slip materials on pathways and around water points; and clear and visible signage with universal symbols and Braille for individuals with visual impairments. The responsibility for making the upgrades to water points to enhance accessibility varies depending on the ownership and management of the water point. During the construction process, ORDA Ethiopia is solely responsible for executing work on the water access point, while the water committee and government officials are responsible for route accessibility to the water point, signage, and ensuring continuous service. Moreover, the relevant municipality and/or local government authorities are then responsible for ensuring that the water points are accessible in compliance with disability laws and regulations.
There are various funding sources available to support the retrofitting of water points, including government grants for accessibility improvements in public infrastructure (at the local, state, and/or federal levels), nonprofit organizations focused on disability rights and advocacy, private foundations dedicated to support accessibility and inclusion (e.g., Hope and Healing International), and corporate sponsorship as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives. It has also been noted that collaborating with local disability advocacy groups and government agencies can assist in the identification of funding sources and support for accessibility projects given their on-the-ground experience.
Challenges
Improving accessibility at water points for individuals with disabilities faces various challenges and resistance. Financial constraints, lack of awareness, and resistance to change are significant hurdles. Community members may find adjustments inconvenient and may hold negative attitudes towards disability. Overcoming these barriers requires education, advocacy, and collaboration. Securing resources, technical expertise, and political support are also essential. Addressing these challenges demands a comprehensive approach involving community engagement, awareness-building, and effective coordination among stakeholders. With concerted efforts, communities can advance accessibility and inclusivity at water points for individuals with disabilities.
Outcomes
Since 2019, more than 450 water schemes with approximately 1500 water points have been constructed to support access for people with disabilities across various woredas within the Amhara regional state. The benefits of ORDA Ethiopia's work extends beyond simply providing access to water. Individuals with disabilities are able to participate more independently in daily activities, such as fetching water, washing hands, and maintaining personal hygiene. Accessible water points also reduce the risk of accidents and injuries while promoting inclusivity within communities and fostering a sense of belonging for all.
References
Retrofitting Water Access Points for People with Physical Disabilities
Summary
ORDA Ethiopia's initiative to retrofit water points in Guna Begiemidir and Andabet woredas addresses the crucial need for inclusive WASH services, significantly enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities and promoting their independence, safety, and social inclusion.
Despite challenges such as financial constraints, lack of awareness, and resistance to change, the program's success underscores the importance of involving multiple stakeholders, including local water committees, government officials, and disability advocacy groups, and actively including people with disabilities in the planning and implementation processes. This multi-stakeholder collaboration, coupled with sustained investment, education, and advocacy, is essential for achieving truly universal access to WASH services and reinforcing a commitment to development that leaves no one behind.
Accessibility of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services is rarely discussed in development literature and practices. In Ethiopia, over 17% of the population has a disability (Niras, n.d.). To date, there has been relatively limited work on making WASH more accessible for persons with disabilities, however, the research that does exist on inclusive design highlights the importance of usable access points for people with disabilities. In order for access to be truly universal, people with disabilities need to participate and contribute - in an equal way - in the planning, development, and implementation processes, including incorporating their perspectives as a way of tackling prejudices and stigma (Niras, n.d.). Within the woredas of Guna Begiemidir and Andabet, residents with physical disabilities and their caregivers, as well as disability advocacy organizations, have expressed the need for accessible water points, with the latter highlighting that the lack of accessible water points is a barrier to full participation in society.
Issue
Intervention
ORDA Ethiopia was established in 1984 and has been legally registered as a local non-government organization since 1991. ORDA Ethiopia began to retrofit water points for improved accessibility as part of their Inclusive Health, Economic, and Social Development Program (IHESDP), which began as part of their five-year plan in 2019 (2019-2023). The work is focused in the woredas of Guna Begiemidir and Andabet, located in the South Gondar Zone.
The retrofitting of water points to make them more accessible for people with physical disabilities has been an ongoing process that has gained momentum in recent years. While there has been an intent to make all water points accessible, the process of retrofitting existing infrastructure can be complex and time-consuming. As part of their IHESDP, ORDA Ethiopia's WASH and Irrigation Program supports retrofits on rural pipe systems and small spring developments to enhance accessibility. The retrofits include, but are not limited to: ramps and sloped services to provide wheelchair access; handrails along ramps and staircases for support and stability; accessible height of taps and sinks for individuals using wheelchairs (e.g., 60cm); non-slip materials on pathways and around water points; and clear and visible signage with universal symbols and Braille for individuals with visual impairments. The responsibility for making the upgrades to water points to enhance accessibility varies depending on the ownership and management of the water point. During the construction process, ORDA Ethiopia is solely responsible for executing work on the water access point, while the water committee and government officials are responsible for route accessibility to the water point, signage, and ensuring continuous service. Moreover, the relevant municipality and/or local government authorities are then responsible for ensuring that the water points are accessible in compliance with disability laws and regulations.
There are various funding sources available to support the retrofitting of water points, including government grants for accessibility improvements in public infrastructure (at the local, state, and/or federal levels), nonprofit organizations focused on disability rights and advocacy, private foundations dedicated to support accessibility and inclusion (e.g., Hope and Healing International), and corporate sponsorship as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives. It has also been noted that collaborating with local disability advocacy groups and government agencies can assist in the identification of funding sources and support for accessibility projects given their on-the-ground experience.
Challenges
Improving accessibility at water points for individuals with disabilities faces various challenges and resistance. Financial constraints, lack of awareness, and resistance to change are significant hurdles. Community members may find adjustments inconvenient and may hold negative attitudes towards disability. Overcoming these barriers requires education, advocacy, and collaboration. Securing resources, technical expertise, and political support are also essential. Addressing these challenges demands a comprehensive approach involving community engagement, awareness-building, and effective coordination among stakeholders. With concerted efforts, communities can advance accessibility and inclusivity at water points for individuals with disabilities.
Outcomes
Since 2019, more than 450 water schemes with approximately 1500 water points have been constructed to support access for people with disabilities across various woredas within the Amhara regional state. The benefits of ORDA Ethiopia's work extends beyond simply providing access to water. Individuals with disabilities are able to participate more independently in daily activities, such as fetching water, washing hands, and maintaining personal hygiene. Accessible water points also reduce the risk of accidents and injuries while promoting inclusivity within communities and fostering a sense of belonging for all.
Issues |
|---|
Water Scarcity and Access |
Solutions |
|---|
Water & Sanitation Infrastructure for Vulnerable Areas |
References
No one left behind: Ensuring people with disabilities have access to and are involved in water and Sanitation Planning and Management . Niras. (n.d.). https://www.niras.com/sectors/development-consulting/stories-from-the-field/community-led-accelerated-wash-cowash-project/