Support development of the NAD Approach to Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodation in International Development Programmes

1. Background

The Norwegian Association of Disabled (NAD) is an independent human rights organisation of persons with disabilities. Our vision is a society for all, where persons with disabilities have the same opportunity as others to live according to their own wishes, abilities, and interests. With extensive experience both in Norway and internationally, NAD engages in projects that promote equal rights, full participation, freedom, and dignity for persons with disabilities. The thematic focus of NAD’s international work is Human Rights Advocacy and Organisational Development, Inclusive Education, Economic Empowerment, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarian Response.

NAD has long experience working with Community Based Inclusive Development (CBID), which encompasses the thematic areas above. NAD actively promotes CBID by implementing comprehensive training programs targeting key actors from local community to national level. These trainings are designed to enhance the capabilities of various stakeholders to play a key role in the inclusion and fulfilment of rights. Additionally, NAD facilitates the creation and nurturing of CBID networks, which serve as platforms for sharing best practices, resources, and collaborative opportunities. Regular stakeholder meetings further strengthen this initiative, ensuring ongoing dialogue and coordination among community leaders, disability advocates, bureaucrats, policymakers, NGOs, and others. These concerted efforts aim to create a cohesive ecosystem that supports the full inclusion of persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodation are pivotal in ensuring that persons with disabilities enjoy equal opportunities and are included in all aspects of societal life. These concepts are entrenched in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which mandates state parties to modify environments, practices, and procedures to allow persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully.

Despite international mandates, the practical enforcement and implementation of these duties are inconsistent. As NAD is developing its strategic vision and plans for 2025 – 2029, a key focus will be to strengthen our work on accessibility and reasonable accommodation. While focus is often on accessibility, reasonable accommodation is crucial to ensure individual adjustments, and will be in even higher demand as long as accessibility is not systematically in place. This consultancy is commissioned to undertake a comprehensive study of global literature on accessibility and reasonable accommodation, including the tools currently available for standard-setting and monitoring. Furthermore, it will develop actionable strategies for Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to influence these systems effectively, with a specific focus on Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania mainland, and Zanzibar.

2. Objectives

This consultancy aims to support NAD’s strategic vision and plans for the 2025 – 2029 period. The specific objectives are to:

1. Conduct a comprehensive literature review on accessibility and reasonable accommodation duties (as defined in UNCRPD General Comment No 6 of 2018), focusing on identifying at a systemic level innovative legislative frameworks and practices.
2. Review available tools and standards for assessing national systems that ensure compliance with accessibility and reasonable accommodation duties.
3. Develop actionable recommendations for NAD to support Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania Mainland, and Zanzibar, aiming to influence systems to ensure the universal fulfilment of accessibility and reasonable accommodation duties.

3. Scope of Work

The consultancy will involve the following key activities:

1. Literature Review:
   • Conduct a detailed review of global literature concerning accessibility and reasonable accommodation duties for persons with disabilities.
   • Identify and summarize best practices, challenges, and opportunities from various geopolitical contexts that can inform NAD’s strategic initiatives.
2. Review of Tools and Standards:
   • Assess the tools and standards currently used by nations and civil society to uphold and monitor accessibility and reasonable accommodation duties.
   • Evaluate the effectiveness of these tools in various implementation contexts, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Strategic Recommendations:
   • Based on findings from the literature review and tools assessment, as well as dialogue with key NAD staff/stakeholders, formulate strategic recommendations for NAD.
   • Focus on practical strategies that NAD can implement to strengthen the capacity of OPDs in the target countries to advocate for and ensure compliance with accessibility and reasonable accommodations standards.

4. Methodology

The consultant will utilize a mixed-methodology approach:

• Literature Review: Comprehensive review of global and national literature.
• Stakeholder Consultations: Digital interviews with NAD staff and key NAD stakeholders.
• Analytical Frameworks: Use of both qualitative and quantitative frameworks to assess tools and standards.
• Comparative Analysis: Cross-country comparison to identify best practices and common challenges.

5. Deliverables

The consultant is expected to provide the following deliverables:

1. Write Comprehensive Report (max 50 pages, plus appendices), including:
   1. Global Literature Review – detailing findings related to accessibility and reasonable accommodation duties, with annotations and an executive summary.
   2. Assessment of Tools and Standards – including a critical analysis of existing tools, their application, and suggestions for improvements.
   3. Strategic Recommendations – outlining practical steps and measures NAD can take to support OPDs, taking into consideration the socio-political contexts of Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, and Zanzibar.
2. Develop Presentation – summarizing the research findings and recommendations for NAD’s senior management and key stakeholders.

6. Timeline

The consultancy will be conducted over a period of 6 months, starting from the date of contract signing. Key milestones include:

• By mid-September 2024: Based on literature review and digital consultations, submit a draft comprehensive report, which includes the global literature review, review of tools and standards and strategic recommendations.
• By mid-October 2024: gain feedback from NAD, including through a digital meeting with key NAD staff.
• By end-October 2024: Revision of report based on feedback.
• By mid-November 2024: Submit of final comprehensive report together with a presentation that can be used by NAD to present the report to key stakeholders.

A more specific timeline should be outlined in the technical proposal, while allowing flexibility to agree on conducive timing of consultative meetings.

7. Reporting

The consultant will report directly to the designated Project Manager, and all deliverables should be submitted in English, in electronic formats, adhering to the provided guidelines.

8. Qualifications

• Advanced degree in International Development, Social Policy, Disability Studies, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in disability rights, policy analysis, and program evaluation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of disability rights instruments (international, regional and national)
• Experience working in sub-Saharan Africa and familiarity with the disability rights landscape in the target countries.