Adolescents with disabilities are among the most marginalized and poorest of all of the world’s youth. According to the United Nations, almost a third of the world’s disabled population are youth and over 80% live in developing countries. Like people with disabilities generally, adolescents with disabilities often experience social exclusion and discrimination and do not have the same access to human rights as their non-disabled peers.
Adolescence is a time of great emotional and psychological change, of emerging sexuality and important life choices about employment and education. During this period of transition, adolescents, and especially those with disabilities, may be vulnerable in society.
Disability and/or international development programs tend to focus on young children or adults, without specific attention to the needs and interests of adolescents. This can negatively affect opportunities for adolescents to develop skills and participate in community life. Key factors influencing personal development and socialization often include the attitude and behavior of parents, family members and peers, and traditional social or community values.
Disability and adolescence is an under researched area, with limited data on prevalence and impact. With regard to preventing disability, it is important to note that adolescence itself can be a risk or causal factor, as young people are at increased risk of acquiring impairments, for example through road traffic accidents, injuries from sport activities, violence or warfare. More research is required, especially given that the numbers of youth with disabilities is likely to increase due to medical advancements and the youthful age-structure of most developing countries.
The issues highlighted in this key list such as rights, education, employment, sexuality and relationships, affect adolescents generally; however, they are more pronounced in young people with disabilities.
And realizing this factor, Timely God Led Club launched a program of Making and distributing of reusable sanitary Pads for adolescent girls and women in the community called THE WOMAN PRIDE PROJECT.
PROPHETESS MARION BRENDA BINAISA,
CO-FOUNDER TGLC.