About Disability rights fund
The Disability Rights Fund (DRF) is a non-profit organization that works towards empowering persons with disabilities to advocate for equal rights and full participation in society. DRF is a grantmaking collaborative between donors and the global disability rights community, which aims to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of life.
The organization was founded in 2008 by a group of international disability rights activists who recognized the need for increased funding and support for disability rights organizations around the world. Since then, DRF has provided over $40 million in grants to more than 300 organizations across 30 countries.
DRF's mission is to support disabled people's organizations (DPOs) around the world by providing them with financial resources, technical assistance, and networking opportunities. The organization believes that DPOs are best placed to identify their own needs and priorities, as well as design strategies that will work best within their local contexts.
One of DRF's key objectives is to promote inclusive development policies and practices at both national and international levels. The organization works closely with governments, civil society organizations, UN agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure that disability issues are integrated into development agendas.
DRF also supports efforts aimed at promoting access to justice for persons with disabilities. This includes supporting legal aid services for people with disabilities who face discrimination or abuse; promoting awareness among legal professionals about disability issues; and advocating for changes in laws or policies that discriminate against people with disabilities.
Another important area of focus for DRF is promoting inclusive education systems. The organization recognizes that education is a fundamental human right but acknowledges that many children with disabilities still face significant barriers when it comes to accessing quality education. To address this issue, DRF provides funding support for initiatives aimed at improving access to education services for children with disabilities.
In addition to its grantmaking activities, DRF also engages in advocacy efforts aimed at raising awareness about disability issues globally. The organization works to promote the rights of persons with disabilities through various channels, including social media campaigns, public events, and partnerships with other organizations.
Overall, DRF is a vital organization that plays a critical role in promoting disability rights around the world. Through its grantmaking activities and advocacy efforts, DRF empowers persons with disabilities to advocate for their own rights and promotes inclusive development policies and practices at both national and international levels.