Refugees with disabilities are thriving in their new homes

More than a billion people—15 percent of the world’s population—experience some form of disability. Among them, there are millions of people who have been uprooted from their homes by conflict and persecution and face additional barriers to education, livelihood and leadership opportunities. But thanks to the support of USA for UNHCR donors, many displaced people with disabilities are being given new opportunities that allow them to apply their skills and capacities to benefit themselves, their families and communities. 

This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, read the stories of four refugees with disabilities who are challenging misconceptions and showing the world that they are capable of doing anything if given the chance. 

Tetiana

Tetiana fell and broke her spine while doing gymnastics when she was just 10 years old; she has been a wheelchair user ever since. But Tetiana has refused to let her injuries limit her and has become a powerful advocate for others with disabilities in her native Ukraine. 

“My life story allows me to understand the people I work with,” says Tetiana, who co-founded Ami-Skhid, an NGO which works toward change and the protection of the rights of people with disabilities through advocacy, services and counseling. Today, Ami-Skhid has grown into a regional network of NGOs, serving even more people with disabilities, including many internally displaced people. “My mission is to help others, I just have to do it,” Tetiana explains.

Jean-Claude

Jean-Claude is a visually impaired refugee from Burundi. “When I became blind at the age of 11, I suffered a lot. I got excluded from society. It was very difficult to accept myself, to accept my disability.” But these challenges have not stopped him from persevering and pursuing his education. In fact, Jean-Claude was awarded the UNHCR DAFI scholarship for his commitment to learning, allowing him to attend the University of Rwanda where he is studying French, English and Education.

Now, all Jean-Clause wants is to give back and give hope to others.  “I think about all our brothers and sisters who have not had to chance to receive education, of those who are still in the camps. We intend to help them and pave the way for them…I want to tell all my fellows with disabilities to stay hopeful. First, we need to accept ourselves; that is the first step. Then we can plan our future and work to achieve our goals.”

Arianna 

24-year-old Arianna has a cognitive disability and the worsening situation in her home country of Venezuela was making it hard for her to survive. In moments of panic, she could no longer access her calming exercises. “There was no music, no TV…two of her favorite activities which used to calm her down,” explains Arianna’s mother, Carolina. When Arianna began self-harming, her family decided to leave the country for good. “We could not see our daughter in such a desperate situation.” 

Arianna and her parents traveled to Ecuador where, today, she is not just safe, but thriving. Arianna’s favorite thing to do in her new community is attend dance classes. 

Margetu 

Margetu, a refugee from Ethiopia, is a student at the Mogadishu Primary School in Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp. Margetu has been blind since she was a baby but that has never held her back. But when conflict broke out in Ethiopia's Oromia region, Margetu and her family were forced to flee for their home, putting a pause on her dreams and studies.

Now, living in Kakuma, Margetu can pursue her education once again. One of Margetu’s best friends, Natasha, helps her navigate the camp's winding roads and paths on their way to school, and Margetu uses assistive devices including a braille machine in her classroom. Despite the challenges she has faced, Margetu is at the top of her class. She aspires to be a human rights lawyer when she's older so that she can "stand up for the truth."

How you can help

This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, join USA for UNHCR in empowering refugees with resources, educational opportunities and livelihood training by becoming a monthly donor. Your donation could change the life a displaced person with a disability.