Support for persons with disabilities from a peer who has been in a similar situation can be more powerful than non-disabled professionals’ interventions. This can be true for helping to understand one’s situation, assuming responsibility for one’s life, and in developing coping strategies, and can also help persons with disabilities learn to take more initiative and control over their lives. Between June 4-6, 2022, USAID’s INCLUSION-I Project conducted a survey among persons with disabilities in Quang Tri province to assess their need related to independent living skills. In response to the survey results, key members of organizations of persons with disabilities—trained in peer counseling by USAID in April—will visit select households to offer support on independent living. The goal is to reach 150 persons with disabilities in 19 communes in 3 project districts, of which at least 120 will be provided with peer counseling by the end of 2022. The self reporting through surveys and peer counseling model is a key component of USAID’s approach, which raises awareness that persons with disabilities know their own needs best, and must take the initiative—individually and collectively—to design and promote better solutions and organize themselves to advocate for their rights.
Independent living skills are essential for persons with disabilities to build self-respect and self-determination, create equal opportunities, and facilitate their integration into daily life activities.