Young people with disabilities took the lead

In the fight for equal access to health services for young people with disabilities, interesting Youth-led research (YLR) was conducted in 2023 in Ethiopia, Kenya, Zambia, and Uganda. The research was carried out by the Regional Youth with Disabilities Council, established by the Liliane Fonds as part of the Make Way programme. This qualitative study aimed to provide insight into the challenges faced by young people with disabilities in accessing contraceptives and sexual and reproductive rights and health services (SRHR).

Boosted self-confidence because of the research

Although the research focused on identifying the limitations and obstacles of the target group to which they themselves belong, significant benefits emerged that proved to be highly valuable for the young researchers. The research gave the young people control over their issues, allowed them to connect with other youth with disabilities, and boosted their self-confidence as they were able to make decisions on their own. They themselves defined the research question, determined the approach for the study (which varied by country!), and managed their small budget independently. They found solutions for challenges they encountered. In Ethiopia, for example, the use of sign language and visual aids proved crucial to ensuring inclusivity among participants.
This experience is invaluable. With the knowledge and experience gained, the young researchers are now more aware of their own rights and needs and can communicate them more effectively. They are now better equipped to advocate for themselves and their rights and to make informed decisions.

The results of the research

The main barriers that young people with disabilities face in trying to access contraceptives and SRHR are mostly:

• Lack of knowledge and misinformation: Young people with disabilities were often poorly informed about contraceptives and SRH services. Insufficient training of healthcare providers and a lack of accessible information contribute to this issue.
• Accessibility: Physical access to health centers is a challenge for many young people with disabilities, especially in rural areas. The negative attitudes of healthcare providers and stigmatization also play a significant role, as are lack of appropriate communication materials or methods.
• Financial barriers: The cost of contraceptives and additional transportation expenses (for a guide, a sign language interpreter or an accessible vehicle) are major obstacles, especially since many young people with disabilities do not have a stable income.
• Confidentiality: Young people with certain types of disabilities need an intermediary. It is crucial to be able to fully trust that the intermediary will not share any sensitive information.

Improvement is possible

The youth-led research shows that while there are significant obstacles, there are also many opportunities to improve access to SRH services for young people with disabilities.

• Empowerment and self-help: Encourage self-help initiatives and create safe spaces for young people to share their experiences.
• Accessible information: Provide information through appropriate channels, such as screen readers and sign language interpreters.
• Community involvement: Increase awareness and collaboration among communities, religious leaders, and healthcare providers.
• Inclusive education programs: Develop sexual education specifically tailored to the needs of young people with disabilities.

The consequences of difficult or lack of access to contraceptives

Challenges and limitations of the research

The number of respondents (312) from the four participating countries was somewhat limited to fully represent all types of disabilities. Communication and interaction with youth with a hearing impairment or mental health issue was challenging. Additionally, biases were observed during focus groups, which could have influenced the data.

For more information about the Make Way project, take a look HERE