SeeYou Foundation asked one question to all its local development partners in the Global South, namely: “How can we work more meaningfully with OPDs?” The responses uncovered insights that are valuable not only for organisations specializing in disability inclusion but for anyone committed to sustainable development. In this article, we share some of the key takeaways of our journey of self-reflection.
About OPDs
Organisations of persons with disabilities, or shortened OPDs, are representative organisations led by and for persons with disabilities. They give a voice to their communities, advocate for their rights, and ensure that policies, programs, and initiatives address real needs. By working directly with OPDs, policymakers and project teams can make sure that interventions are not only relevant, but also welcomed and supported by persons with disabilities and their families. As an organisation dedicated to disability-inclusive development, SeeYou Foundation works with OPDs across all of its projects—sometimes as direct partners, and other times as stakeholders.
Why it matters
Before diving into our key takeaways, it’s worth stepping back to consider two reasons why meaningful engagement matters. First, persons with disabilities represent one of the largest marginalized groups worldwide. Engaging with the organisations that represent them is not only logical, but absolutely necessary to help communities thrive.
The second reason is that many development actors—including INGOs, international agencies, and even national NGOs—too often make decisions from a position of power.
“Engagement can sometimes feel like a “box-ticking exercise” rather than a genuine conversation.”
Micha Schutten Business Development Manager at SeeYou Foundation
If we are serious about sustainable development, it is important to stop seeing OPDs as mere beneficiaries and instead recognize them as equal partners.
Our key takeaways
1) Give it time: Our partners emphasized that discussions around complex and sensitive issues cannot be rushed. Too often, we (in the North) spent a lot of time on our own thinking process and then expected ready-made answers from our partners in the first engagement, which then leads to hurried decisions. Meaningful engagement requires giving everyone at the table enough time to reflect.
2) Include multiple voices: Our partners stressed that they prefer multiple voices at the table. We should not be afraid to bring different organizations into one conversation because it enriches discussions and often leads to better recommendations. At the same time, it’s important to understand the strengths and capacities of different OPDs to ensure that the right organizations are involved at the right time.
3) Communicate directly: Our partners stressed the importance of speaking for themselves, rather than relying on intermediaries to convey their perspectives. They prefer direct lines of communication, even alongside existing hierarchies. While communication and cultural barriers were still acknowledged, direct communication provide them with assurance that their voices are truly heard and considered.
4) Shift your perspective: As already mentioned, our partners continue to challenge us to move beyond viewing them as mere recipients of aid contained in one project but instead recognize them as equal partners in community development. Strengthening OPDs, as active members forming the fabric of civil society, is in itself a contribution to community development.
5) Participation over immediate solutions: Last but not least, our partners indicate that despite our best intentions, we sometimes try to “do too much,” while OPDs simply want to participate and challenge misperceptions and stigma about people with disabilities. Therefore engagement should focus on empowerment, rather than only addressing immediate needs. This requires flexibility and funding to support the capacity of their organizations.
Wat we will do next
In the our new strategy, SeeYou will increase direct, unrestricted funding to OPDs across all projects. Direct grants will be provided to different OPDs, for example village disability groups, youth disability networks, women with disabilities’ collectives, and organisations representing specific disability communities, such as associations for people who are blind, deaf, or have other disabilities. We will allow them to communicate with us in the formats that work best for them—whether through videos, journals, online presentations, or other methods. An in addition to building their organizational capacity, we will invite OPDs to share their knowledge among themselves and with other partners. This way we will ensure that people with disabilities remain at center of our all our projects.
About SeeYou Foundation
For more than 40 years, Seeyou is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and promoting their inclusion, resulting in life-changing transformations for both individuals and communities. By providing support, advocating for rights, and collaborating with others, the foundation serves as a catalyst for positive change, fostering a society that values and respects individuals with disabilities.
SeeYou is a full member of the EU-Cord network, more information on the organisation can be found on their website: https://www.seeyoufoundation.nl/about-seeyou/
Witten by Micha Schutten Business Development Manager at SeeYou Foundation
