Consultancy to conduct a Research Study on Referral Pathways for Children with Disabilities.

1.0. USDC background:

Uganda Society for Disabled Children (USDC) is a registered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) with registration number INDR3313898NB and was established in 1985. USDC is located on Plot 112 Owen Road, Mulago Hill Kampala, P.O. Box 16346 Kampala.

USDC began as a UK based charity, but slowly evolved into the National NGO that today reaches out to over 12,000 CWDs annually through the Society’s Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) approach which emphasizes the use of locally available resources, active involvement of parents and family members within the home environment. USDC offers a holistic package to CwDs, believing that every child is unique and deserves an individual rehabilitation plan to attain their full potential.

2.0. The project:

USDC is implementing a three-year project named Right to Active Parenting (RAPII) in 10 Districts of Masaka, Jinja, Kampala, Kikuube, Masindi, Arua, Yumbe, Nebbi, Luwero, and Bullisa with an aim of Improved access to quality inclusive learning, health, and parenting for children with disabilities in their communities. The project is funded by Bread for the world.

The project was developed in the way of bringing gaps realized from Right to Active parenting (RAPI) 2018-2021) recommendations like Advocacy for access to quality health care should be taken seriously looking at both preventive as well as sustainable management and early intervention.

There is need for the next project to position more strategically so that parent’s position is strengthened but also that more services of health rehabilitation are utilized to achieve their advocacy. Spreading the reach to more districts and covering only a few sub counties per district while triggering change in mindsets of both policy and user groups is better value for money. USDC will work in 10 districts instead of 3; and 20 sub counties.

3.0. The consultancy:

Uganda Society for Disabled Children (USDC) is seeking for the services of an external consultant to carry out a research study on referral pathways for Children with Disabilities aimed at providing comprehensive understanding of the situation towards the needs, challenges, and opportunities in relation to referral pathways. The study will also help in identifying the current situation, gaps, and potential solutions for uplifting the referral pathways for CWDs in the country.

4.0. Purpose of the Research study:

The research study is intended to collect information about/and or the following:

1. To assess the prevalence and types of disabilities in the district and their impact on respondents, families, and communities.

2. To examine the extent of implementation of the legal and policy framework on referral pathways in the health sector.

3. To identify the existing interventions and initiatives/opportunities of supporting children with disabilities and their health.

4. To explore the opportunities for strengthening the referral systems and services for Children with disabilities in the project districts and Uganda at large.

5.0. Deliverables:

The consultant will be required to:

1. Develop a comprehensive work plan for the overall process of the study.
2. Gather the relevant existing health policy documents and other related policies for literature review.
3. Identify the issues/ gaps and explain the significance of the issue on referral pathways for CwDs.
4. Identify the major stakeholders i.e. the individuals and interest groups to engage in question for discussions and interviews.
5. Identify and assess viable government actions for addressing the issues/gaps and make recommendations on how to address the gaps identified in the research study.
6. Assess the implementation and results of the existing referral pathways and determine whether they are effective in supporting CwDs.
7. To generate strategic and operational information on the extent, characteristics, and service provision for CwDs in the health sector.
8. Generate workable recommendations (actions and evidence-based approaches) in support for improving health services for CWDs in Uganda.
9. Identify key stakeholders and develop an agenda for disseminating the findings.
10. Prepare a report and present it to stakeholders’ during sharing of finding.

6.0. Expected profile of the consultant:

i. Relevant skills/qualifications in Health with knowledge on disability.

ii. Demonstrated experience in implementing inclusive health projects.

iii. Familiarity with disability issues and health context globally

7.0. Submission of expression of interests:

The following requirements should be enclosed and delivered i.e. electronic copies to the undersigned address:

· Curriculum Vitae (CV) attaching contact details of three referees.

· Letter of motivation outlining how your experience, skills, qualifications, and professional networks fit with the required deliverables (two pages maximum of A4).

· Copies of the relevant work undertaken in a similar field or reports published through indication of www links or submission of PDF version of these via e-mail attachments .In order to participate in the call, please submit your detailed expression of interest in PDF format and all related communications to The Executive Director, Uganda Society for Disabled Children Owen Road plot 112 Mulago Hill, P.O Box 16346,Kampala,Uganda [email protected] not later than December 31st 2023; 5:30 pm local time in Uganda. Please indicate RS/RAPII consultancy on the subject title and documents attached should not exceed 10MB.

All communications and queries related to this call should be addressed to the same e-mail address. [email protected] Tel: +256 703 417044