In Bangladesh, PDF (Physically-challenged Development Foundation) is the leading youth-based organization in disability inclusion. Having begun its journey on July 6, 2008, in Jahangirnagar University (JU) by Mizanur Rahman Kiron and friends, it advocates for the admission rights of visually impaired students. The success of this advocacy boosted the organization's growth.
PDF later expanded its activities to other universities, including Dhaka University (DU), Rajshahi University (RU), and Jagannath University (JnU), and its Summer Challenge Project engaged around 30 public and private institutions. In the interim, the initiative was registered with the Department of Social Services under the Ministry of Social Welfare.
Providing opportunities
Since its establishment 16 years ago, PDF has been successfully promoting the inclusion of youth with disabilities studying in mainstream public universities in Bangladesh. It has resulted in several profound impacts that benefit students with disabilities both directly and indirectly. For instance, at JU, visually impaired candidates and those with other disabilities are now admitted more easily. At RU, the disability quota has increased from 15 to 122, and accessible washrooms, ramps in academic buildings, and reserved residential and transportation seats have been introduced.
At DU, advocacy and awareness campaigns have led to positive changes, including the establishment of more than five ramps, additional exam time, and improved admission quotas for students with disabilities. At JnU, admission fees for undergraduate and graduate levels have been waived for students with disabilities, and the administration has taken strategic steps to make the new campus accessible, all due to PDF's advocacy.
PDF also organizes skill development and computer training, creates employment opportunities, and fosters networking. Its volunteers provide academic assistance based on individual needs, such as serving as scribes during exams, recording academic materials, accompanying students in daily activities, assisting in the admission process, and mentoring for job preparations.
PDF's journey has helped me comprehend disability issues more practically than my undergraduate course on it
The first-ever national debate competition for youth with visual disabilities was broadcasted in ATN Bangla. Recently, I introduced the idea of a "study circle" where youth can engage in intellectual brainstorming in the field of disability inclusion as well. I saw significant changes when communicating and collaborating with the other GOs and NGOs like BRAC, UNDP, UKAID, US Embassy on building partnerships. With them, the PDF Scholarship Program over the last three years has provided 150+ students with disabilities with monthly financial support.
I joined PDF as a volunteer in 2016 intending to serve for a few months. I ended up working there full-time for two years, and I still couldn't break my voluntary involvement with them even after starting my professional career. Working with youth with disabilities has been a significant opportunity for learning and inspiration for me.
PDF's journey has helped me comprehend disability issues more practically than my undergraduate course on it. It provided me with invaluable opportunities to meet and receive training from national and international disability experts, join multiple learning platforms, and acquire numerous skills. Working at PDF helped me prioritize and fix my career goal in this field.
Recruitment and progress
PDF recruits all kinds of students to form activist groups on campuses. These groups plan and execute advocacy projects based on the needs and barriers for students with disabilities. Each year, new recruits receive training and guidance.
Currently, around 600 volunteers from various institutions work with 400 students with disabilities. PDF organizes seminars, workshops, motivational sessions and training to boost volunteers' skills and commitment to disability inclusion. Since 2008, approximately 5,000 volunteers have been trained by PDF. Many of these former volunteers now hold leadership roles in government, private sectors, and development platforms, where they continue to advocate for accessibility and create disability-friendly environments.
The outcomes are inspiring as students with disabilities are forming friendships, getting married, leading joint businesses, and participating in social activities together with any other student, instead of being excluded from mainstream society.
PDF has made a significant positive impact on youth attitudes toward persons with disabilities. However, much work remains to expand these successful campaigns to other campuses, from urban to rural areas and from universities to schools. Today's youth have the power to shape the future, and with their belief and practice, we can envision a Bangladesh that is inclusive and welcoming for persons with disabilities.
Misbahul Alam is a Disability Rights Activist who has been engaged with several voluntary youth organizations including PDF, in which he was a member of the DU chapter. He is currently serving at Handicap International-Humanity and Inclusion at Cox’s Bazar. He expects to do a Master’s program in Disability Studies at University of Manitoba next fall.
