Disability - The ADA was formed to facilitate the inclusion of disability rights at various levels in Africa. Its mandate is premised on the human rights and social model of disability, which is an inclusive and comprehensive approach to disability rights where the focus is no longer just on the individual but on the environment and the interaction thereof. This is supported by various (international) instruments on disability that promote equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in society.

Development - Recognising that persons with disabilities are among the most marginalised in society and considering that many institutions and systems in society have not factored in their needs, ADA finds it imperative to work towards more sustainable solutions that alleviate the situations of persons with disabilities.

Human Rights - A third pillar to the work of ADA is human rights – the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled. ADA was founded upon the continental and global response to efforts related to inclusive development and mainstreaming of disability work in all sector strategies. This approach is well enshrined in various international and regional human rights instruments including the UN Convention on the Rights for Persons with Disability. ADA’s work is about promoting realisation of specific disability rights and ensuring effective enjoyment of all human rights without discrimination of people with disabilities in Africa

Role of ADA

  1. Utilisation of evidence to support planning, monitoring, evaluation and advocacy work related to disability rights;

  2. Working in diverse country environments and having up-to-date knowledge on disability work in Africa;

  3. Applying concepts articulated in policy instruments (such as United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities (UNCRPD), AU Continental Plan of Action (CPOA) for the African Decade of Persons with disabilities, Africa Disability Protocol, disability legislation, strategies, etc) in a manner that transfers knowledge, expertise and skills to key implementers;

  4. Managing the policy value chain, including direct access to legislative structures that pass and monitor legislation and conduct oversight;

  5. Building the capacity of both demand-and supply-side entities