Disability Aid Foundation

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬.

At Disability Aid Foundation, we believe accessibility starts with listening.

When persons with disabilities are meaningfully consulted from the beginning, solutions become practical, inclusive, and sustainable.

Nothing about us, without us-in action.

Disability Aid Foundation (DAF) welcomes the enactment of the law prohibiting Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM) in Southwest State of Somalia, marking an important advancement in the protection of girls’ rights, dignity, and well-being.

This legislative step reflects growing commitment by state leadership and institutions to confront harmful practices and uphold the safety and health of future generations. We acknowledge the collective efforts of the Southwest State Parliament, the Office of the President, the Ministry responsible for women and human rights, civil society organizations, and development partners whose advocacy and persistence contributed to this achievement.

DAF stands in solidarity with all stakeholders working to end FGM and reaffirms its support for inclusive, rights-based laws that safeguard all girls including girls with disabilities from violence and discrimination.

An important step forward. The work continues.

Today, we proudly commemorated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities under the global theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.” The event, held at Peace Hotel in Mogadishu, was organized by Handicap International - Humanity & Inclusion (HI) with generous funding from German Humanitarian Assistance, and carried out in close collaboration with Somalia’s leading disability organizations; SODEN, DAF, SWDE, Mustaqbal Special Need Center and the National Disability Agency (NDA).

This year’s theme captured the spirit of the day: building a society where inclusion is intentional, participation is meaningful, and progress is shared by all. Throughout the event, the voices of persons with disabilities led the conversation, reminding us that real development cannot be achieved when any segment of society is excluded. Today reaffirmed that a truly inclusive Somalia is not only possible but essential for national growth and social justice.

We extend our deepest appreciation to all partners, stakeholders, and OPDs whose unwavering commitment drives the disability inclusion movement forward. Together, we are shaping a future where accessibility is guaranteed, equality is realized, and dignity is protected for every person with a disability.

Inclusion is not a privilege, it is a right. Somalia moves forward when everyone moves forward.



Disability Aid Foundation Wasaaradda Qoyska & Horumarinta Xuquuqul Insaanka JFS Khadija Mohamed Al-makhzoumi

Disability Aid Foundation (DAF) warmly congratulates Dr. Ifrah Ahmed, founder of Ifrah Foundation, on being awarded a Doctorate in Law by Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.

This prestigious honor recognizes her unwavering dedication, resilience, and tireless advocacy for the rights and protection of women and girls. We are especially grateful for Dr. Ifrah’s consistent allyship with the disability community, she has regularly invited DAF to her programs and amplified disability inclusion within broader GBV and protection efforts.

We extend our appreciation to Trinity College Dublin, and acknowledge the support of board members, UN agencies, partners, family, colleagues, and friends who have walked alongside her.

Mabrouk, Dr. Ifrah. Your leadership inspires our shared commitment to a Somalia and a world where women, girls, and persons with disabilities live with dignity, safety, and equal opportunity.



Ifrah Ahmed Ifrah Foundation

Disability Aid Foundation (DAF) has successfully concluded a 3-day workshop on strengthening CSO participation in Inclusive Education & GEDSI advocacy, delivered in partnership with ADRA Somali through the Norad funded ASPIRE Project.

The workshop was officially opened and closed by Madam Sundus Abdullahi, Commissioner of the National Disability Agency (NDA) whose leadership and commitment to disability inclusion continues to inspire our collective efforts. We were also honored to receive encouraging remarks from the Inclusive Education Advisor at MOECHE, reinforcing the Ministry’s dedication to advancing equitable education for all learners in Somalia.

OPDs, CSOs, and line ministries spent three impactful days exploring inclusive education principles, policy frameworks, gender & disability analysis tools, and evidence-based advocacy strategies needed to drive systemic change.

Disability Aid Foundation DAF ensured full accessibility throughout the sessions including accessible materials for participants with visual impairments and Somali Sign Language interpretation for participants with hearing impairments.

Together, we continue strengthening Somalia’s movement for dignity, equity, and inclusive education.

Building Climate Resilience That Includes Everyone.

The Disability Aid Foundation (DAF) proudly took part in the Workshops on Climate Change and Disability Inclusion in Somalia, organized by UNDP in Somalia in collaboration with the Federal Government of Somalia and supported by the Global Disability Fund.

Held from 20–23 October 2025 at Peace Hotel, Mogadishu, the workshop brought together national stakeholders, including Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), UN agencies, and government representatives, to strengthen collaboration and ensure persons with disabilities are meaningfully included in Somalia’s climate adaptation and resilience strategies.

Discussions focused on connecting disability rights with environmental sustainability emphasizing the need for inclusive laws, community engagement, and coordinated action that empower OPDs to participate in national climate governance and decision-making.

As DAF, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing inclusive climate action that protects the most vulnerable and ensures that no one is left behind in the face of the climate crisis.

Building Inclusive Communities Through CBR/CBID Networks.

Today, the Disability Aid Foundation (DAF) participated in the regional online training on Establishing CBR/CBID Networks, organized by the CBR Africa Network (Afri-CAN) in partnership with the Norwegian Association of Disabled (NAD).

The session focused on practical strategies for building effective CBR/CBID networks, experience sharing among participants, and expert guidance on inclusive facilitation, including sign language interpretation, captioning, and translation.

Participants explored how Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) and Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) frameworks strengthen disability inclusion at all levels, global, regional, national, and district.

The discussion also emphasized the CBR Matrix, connecting the five pillars of inclusion; Health, Education, Livelihood, Social, and Empowerment and the importance of collaboration among governments, OPDs, NGOs, INGOs, and service providers.

In the context of Somalia, the session offered valuable insights for fostering stronger collaboration and inclusive community networks that can advance disability inclusion from the grassroots level upward.

Together, we move closer to building community-driven systems that ensure no one is left behind.

SDG 13 – Climate Action.

Climate action must be disability-inclusive.

Persons with disabilities face greater risks and must be part of the solution.

You could become a person with a disability anytime.

Disability is part of the human experience, not a distant reality. Inclusion, accessibility, and respect are responsibilities we all share.

Let’s build a society that’s ready to support everyone, because equality should never depend on circumstance.

DISABILITY DOESN’T DEFINE ABILITY.

We commend Hon. Khadija Mohamed Al-makhzoumi, Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, and the Members of the Federal Parliament for approving the Independent National Human Rights Commission, a major step forward for justice, accountability, and inclusion in Somalia.

We are particularly encouraged by the representation of persons with disabilities within the Commission, a sign that Somalia is moving toward a future where every voice matters and no one is left behind.

Together, let’s continue to build a nation where human rights are for all and ability is defined by determination, not limitation.



Wasaaradda Qoyska & Horumarinta Xuquuqul Insaanka JFS

Learning Disabilities: Different, Not Less.

Having a learning disability does not mean a child is not smart. It means they learn differently and with the right support, they can achieve greatness.

Strengths of learners with disabilities:
✅ Creative thinkers
✅ Problem solvers
✅ Artistic & innovative
✅ Determined & hardworking

Challenges they may face:
❌ Reading & writing difficulties
❌ Struggles with numbers & spelling
❌ Slow processing & short attention span
❌ Low self-esteem & frustration

Our call: Celebrate abilities, support challenges, and build inclusive classrooms where every learner shines.

Every child deserves to be seen not for their limitations, but for their potential.