About LUPD
Toward Inclusion, Not Isolation
The LUPD is a non-governmental, non-profit organization founded in 1981 by persons with disabilities to advance this segment of society towards achieving their legitimate rights stipulated in international conventions, towards equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in society. It is a grassroots, rights-based, non-sectarian organization with 1,200 members who are mobility-impaired and thousands of supporters, volunteers and friends. The LUPD is active throughout Lebanon and the Arab world in promoting the participation of persons with disabilities in the decision-making process, and shifting the dialogue from the charity model to demanding rights according to the social model, and from isolation to inclusion.
Vision
The LUPD believes that growth can only take place in a society built on respect for human rights, social justice, solidarity and equality; a society that gives its citizens opportunities to develop their skills to reach their full potential according to their needs and competencies, and offers them the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process and to work with others at the local, regional and international levels to ensure that social and economic development benefits all.
Mission
The LUPD works to defend the rights of persons with disabilities and their access to equal opportunities and quality of life, and to ensure that their basic needs are respected and guaranteed. Through its activities and projects, the LUPD seeks to spread the culture of inclusion and the right to participation, and to raise disability issues as an integral part of human rights.
The work of the LUPD focuses on two main areas: advocacy and rights work aimed at raising awareness around the rights of people with disabilities in order to ensure their integration and equal opportunities with others; and community development projects that include physical rehabilitation, educational integration, economic integration, vocational rehabilitation, community awareness, and inclusive development.