Towards Inclusion, Not Isolation
The LUPD is a non-governmental, non-profit organization founded in 1981 by persons with disabilities to push towards achieving legitimate rights as stipulated in international conventions, and equal opportunities for PwDs. It is a grassroots, rights-based, non-sectarian organization with 1,200 mobility-impaired members and thousands of supporters, volunteers and friends. We work in Lebanon and the Arab world to promote the participation of PwDs in the decision-making process, and shift the dialogue from the charity model to demanding rights within the social model, and from isolation towards inclusion.
Community Activism Work
The LUPD, through its legal advocacy work with persons with disabilities, its legal consultations and referrals, and its awareness-raising and in-kind services and trainings, never discriminates on the basis of nationality, race, sect, region, gender, type of disability, social status, or educational level. Our projects target both citizens and refugees, as we seek to build homelands that respect all their citizens and invest in their capabilities.
Capacity Building
In addition to campaigns and projects, the LUPD also works to provide direct services aimed at supporting PwDs and their families, protecting and empowering women, raising community awareness about their reality, and facilitating inclusion processes in public and private institutions.
Resources for an Inclusive Environment
The LUPD produces various resources to promote a culture of inclusion and societal diversity, including informational publications, guidance and practical guides, addressing the topics of civil and political rights, socio-economic rights of persons with disabilities, inclusive environments, and inclusive education.
WAW Magazine: Inclusion Beyond Sympathy
A diverse online publication issued by our media unit, with the support of Diakonia, to promote the rights of persons with disabilities in Lebanon and carry their voice to the local and international communities. Prepared and edited by people with and without disabilities, under the supervision of the LUPD President, Sylvana Lakkis, and editor-in-chief Imadeddine Raef, it welcomes opinions, articles, investigations and contributions from everyone writing under the umbrella of human rights and the social model in dealing with disability issues.
Monitoring for Change
The Disability Rights Monitor aims to amplify the voice of Lebanese, Palestinian and Syrian people with disabilities in Lebanon, citizens and refugees, by documenting complaints about violations of their rights in accordance with local legislation or relevant international legislation. The Monitor urges people with disabilities to report any violation of their rights in various fields: Education, employment, access to places and information, health, civil rights, and exemptions.
Support Our March Towards Social Justice
Contributions and donations in all their forms help us continue our humanitarian and activism work to achieve the greatest impact and results whatever the internal and external circumstances. Our work is also fundamentally dependent on volunteering, which in turn achieves greater interaction between all segments of society and is therefore an integral part of the inclusion process.