“To develop collective resilience in order to find and implement sustainable and inclusive solutions that leave no one behind.”
This is one of Fondation Haitienne de Réhabilitation’s (FONHARE) objectives as it seeks to create a better life for people with disabilities in Haiti. The organization runs a Universal Accessibility Program to address exclusion, inequality, discrimination, institutional and physical barriers in the country. They provide training in accessibility standards to construction workers, while creating awareness of the need to build and rebuild inclusively.
Awareness campaigns are conducted in schools, with local business, government and religious leaders for the elimination of all barriers and the provision of equal opportunity to everyone. To date, more than 20 institutions are now handicap-accessible including City Park, churches, public hospital, schools and courthouse in Ouanaminthe.
We have seen much positive change in the northeast region of Haiti because of this program, but we are still far away from achieving our goals. We would like to extend this program to other regions of the country,” said FONHARE’s Dr. Louius. “We are looking for sponsors and partnerships to help us to do more because the need is huge.”