FROM SHADOWS TO SPOTLIGHT: Stories of Rights and Recognition of Persons with Disabilities

The National Federation of the Disabled – Nepal (NFDN) extends its heartfelt gratitude to CBM Global and the Australian Government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), for their invaluable support in implementing the Include Us project from 2019 to 2024. Through this initiative, we have worked in key areas such as accessibility, access to justice for individuals with disabilities, disability data, policy advocacy, and strengthening organizations of individuals with disabilities (OPDs).

This project has brought about meaningful change, and we have witnessed powerful stories of empowerment, resilience, and advocacy that have made a lasting impact.

This collection presents 15 inspiring stories in both English and Nepali, capturing real-life experiences, challenges, and triumphs of individuals impacted by the project. These stories highlight the importance of inclusion, accessibility, and collective action in building a just and equitable society. From the very beginning, the project has been about making a difference, and this collection showcases its impact.

You can download the full publication in PDF Format below or read individual articles of this collection listed in the next section.

Stories Collected in these Publications:

The Story of Manmaya

Manmaya BK, a 27-year-old resident of Bhandara, Rapti Municipality-5, Chitwan District, has had a visual impairment since birth. Born into a modest family, she was unable to pursue education beyond the 9th grade due to her disability.

From Silence to Strength: Nirmala Bista’s Inspiring Journey of Advocacy and Leadership

Once confined to the role of a housewife, Nirmala Bista from Kailali now leads an organization. She shares that participating in various programs has significantly enhanced her knowledge and awareness.

A Woman with Disability Joins the Community Police Service Center Committee

For years, the executive committee of the Deukhuri Community Police Service Center in Lamahi Municipality, Dang district, has included representatives from various sectors. However, persons with disabilities have been largely absent from these decision-making bodies—until now.

A Model Practice of Accessibility – Ministry of Urban Development in Koshi Province

The building and premises of the Ministry of Road Infrastructure and Urban Development in Koshi Province have been transformed into a model of accessibility, ensuring that all citizens can access services independently. Constructed and upgraded following universally accepted accessibility standards, the premises now provide a more inclusive environment where everyone, including people with disabilities, can...

The Fight for Accessibility in Sudurpashchim Province

For years, persons with disabilities in Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal, struggled to access government services due to the absence of inclusive infrastructure. The Ministry of Social Development, despite being a crucial institution, lacked a standard-accessible ramp, making it difficult for people with mobility impairments to receive services independently. However, through persistent advocacy, protests, and negotiations led...

A Step Towards Accessibility in Lakshminiya

For years, people with disabilities in Lakshminiya Municipality faced daily struggles accessing public offices. Without ramps, accessible complaint boxes, or information boards, basic services felt out of reach. Many felt unheard, and local representatives had little awareness of their needs. But over the past two years, things have started to change.

Simla’s Fight for Safety and Stability

Simla was born with an intellectual disability. She lived with her mother in a fragile thatched-roof home, struggling to stay safe. Two years ago, when her mother left for daily wage work, Simla was raped by a neighbor. The incident shattered her family's already vulnerable life.

Maya’s Journey to Identity and Rights

Maya Rumba, a resident of Padampokhari, Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City-12 in Makwanpur district, was born with a hearing disability. Despite her condition, she only obtained her birth certificate, citizenship, and disability identity card at the age of 27. As a mother of one, it was only after acquiring these documents that she became eligible for the...

A Step Towards Inclusive Digital Access

For individuals with visual impairments and intellectual disabilities in Nepal, accessing essential government services online has long been a challenge. Many government and institutional websites remain inaccessible, making it difficult for people with disabilities to obtain vital information. While the Accessible Physical Infrastructure and Communication Services Directive, 2069 mandates that all new public infrastructure and...

Breaking Barriers: Kala’s Journey to Self-Advocacy

Kala, a 21-year-old woman from Birendranagar Municipality in Surkhet District, has faced more hardship than most. Living with an intellectual disability, she struggled against societal prejudices that dismissed her potential. But Kala’s story is one of resilience.

Ramila’s Fight for Recognition: A Work in Progress

Ramila Ojha has spent years battling to be recognized. Living with a psychosocial disability, she faces daily challenges but remains determined to secure her rightful disability identity card. Without it, she is denied access to essential government services.

Advocacy Leads to Improved Accessibility at UNDP Office in Sudurpaschim

For many years, non-governmental organizations in Nepal have played a vital role in promoting inclusivity and accessibility. Among them is UNDP Nepal, which has been actively contributing to the development of the Sudurpaschim Province by establishing an office in the region.

Dinesh Wins Three Cases After Two Years of Struggle

Dinesh Mandal, a person with a disability, faced discrimination from his own family for years. However, after a long legal battle, he finally won three cases—property partition, fraud, and revocation of a gift deed—at the District Court of Dhanusha. He fought these cases against his father, elder brother, and niece.

How a Small Grant Sparked Big Change

The Disabled Unity Society, an organization founded by Dalit individuals with disabilities, was on the brink of closure. Located in Gurvakot Municipality, Surkhet District, the organization struggled to stay active due to a lack of resources. Without proper facilities or financial support, their ability to advocate for disability rights was limited.

Prame’s Initiative Brings Change and Hope

Prame Bahadur Gurung, a 30-year-old man from Kaski District, was born with a physical disability. He lives with his parents, wife, and two children. Despite completing his higher secondary education, he was unable to continue his university studies due to a lack of information about support systems such as assistance for writing exams.

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