Marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchok | 3 December 2025
On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2025, Ability Manch provided technical support to Dhulikhel Municipality in organising a one-day Orientation on Family Caregiving for Persons with Disabilities. The programme brought together the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, ward representatives, caregivers, families of persons with severe disabilities, and disability advocates to strengthen understanding of disability-inclusive care and promote community-based support.
Held under the global theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” the orientation created a platform for dialogue on improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities through informed caregiving, inclusive local governance, and stronger municipal commitment.
During the programme, municipal leaders reflected on existing gaps in disability inclusion and reaffirmed their commitment to conducting comprehensive assessments of persons with disabilities in the municipality. They also pledged to ensure that future municipal plans, policies, budgets, and public services are inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of persons with disabilities.
The technical sessions were facilitated by Mr. Sudarshan Subedi and Ms. Bhawana Majhi from Ability Manch. Their sessions focused on self-care, caregiver well-being, and practical approaches to supporting persons with disabilities within families and communities.
The facilitators highlighted the importance of providing individualised and person-centred care, particularly for people with multiple disabilities. They emphasised that while families often provide support with good intentions, excessive assistance can unintentionally reduce independence and opportunities for persons with disabilities to develop their own skills and confidence.
Drawing on her lived experience and professional advocacy, Ms. Bhawana Majhi shared practical examples illustrating how small changes in communication, encouragement, and daily support can significantly improve learning, confidence, and participation. She also led an interactive reflection session where parents and caregivers openly discussed their challenges, experiences, and hopes for their children and family members with disabilities.
The discussion explored how disabilities, including Down syndrome, can affect learning, communication, and everyday functioning, while reinforcing that with appropriate support, understanding, and inclusive environments, individuals with disabilities can reach their full potential and live with dignity.
Participants appreciated the practical guidance provided during the orientation, noting that the sessions helped them better understand disability, caregiving responsibilities, and ways to promote greater independence for their family members.
Through this collaboration with Dhulikhel Municipality, Ability Manch reaffirmed its commitment to promoting disability-inclusive communities by strengthening the capacity of local governments, empowering caregivers, and advocating for the rights, dignity, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities.
Ability Manch believes that building an inclusive society requires collective action from local governments, families, communities, and persons with disabilities themselves. By investing in awareness, inclusive policies, and community-based support systems, Nepal can move closer to a future where every person, regardless of disability, has equal opportunities to learn, grow, participate, and thrive.
Together, we continue working towards a fair, accessible, and inclusive society where no one is left behind.
