Duskin Leadership Training in Japan

Activity Reports

Back to the list

Anjana’s Activity Report

Reports of activities by Independent Living Centre- Pokhara

Barrier free check program

On 28 November 2025, Independent Living Centre–Pokhara organized an accessibility excursion for persons with disabilities, especially wheelchair users, traveling to Sarangkot via the Annapurna Cable Car. Participants explored the route toward the Panchamukhi Ganesh idol as far as the terrain allowed. Steep and uneven paths prevented wheelchair users from reaching the idol area. The journey provided valuable firsthand insights into accessibility challenges at tourist and religious sites, strengthening the organization’s commitment to advocate for a more inclusive and barrier-free Nepal.

Photograph 1 Photograph 2
Photograph 3 Photograph 4

Training to Ground Handling staff in Pokhara International Airport on Concept of Disabilities and Accessibilities

On 30 November 2025 (Independent Living Centre–Pokhara) conducted an Accessibility & Disability Inclusion Training at Pokhara International Airport for ground handling and frontline staff, including airline personnel, airport authority representatives, taxi drivers, and other service providers. The training focused on the concept and types of disabilities, the rights of persons with disabilities, the importance of accessibility, respectful communication, and practical guidance on wheelchairs, including their parts and proper use. Participants also discussed accessibility standards, good practices, and gaps that still need improvement. The session was highly interactive, fostering awareness and commitment among participants to create a more barrier-free, inclusive, and dignified air travel experience for passengers with disabilities.

Photograph 5

Review Meeting

On 26 December 2025, Independent Living Centre–Pokhara organized a comprehensive review meeting to reflect on completed programs and plan for future initiatives. The meeting focused on assessing the impact of past activities, sharing experiences and lessons learned, and identifying areas that require improvement. Participants discussed upcoming programs aimed at promoting independent living, enhancing accessibility, and strengthening empowerment and inclusion for persons with disabilities. The session encouraged collaborative planning, constructive feedback, and strategic thinking to ensure that future programs are more effective, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of the community. Overall, the meeting reinforced the organization’s commitment to building a barrier-free and inclusive society.

Photograph 6
Photograph 7

School Awareness Program

On 29 December 2025, Independent Living Centre–Pokhara conducted a School Awareness Program at Janaki Secondary School focusing on disability and its classification. The session aimed to build understanding among students and teachers about the concept of disability, different types of disabilities, and the importance of respect, inclusion, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. Through interactive discussion and awareness-oriented learning, the program contributed to fostering positive attitudes and promoting an inclusive school environment.

Photograph 8 Photograph 9
Photograph 10

Overall Challenges

Despite the successes of these activities, several challenges persist:

  • Many tourist and religious sites remain physically inaccessible due to steep, uneven, or poorly maintained paths.
  • Public transportation and infrastructure still lack adequate accessibility features such as ramps, accessible toilets, and handrails.
  • Awareness among frontline staff and service providers regarding disability rights, respectful communication, and accessibility standards needs further strengthening.
  • Implementation of accessibility guidelines at airports and public facilities is uneven, requiring continuous monitoring and advocacy.
  • Limited resources and coordination among stakeholders sometimes slow down progress in promoting independent living and inclusive programs.

Key Achievements of Independent Living Centre–Pokhara

• Promoting Accessibility and Barrier-Free Spaces
  • Successfully conducted an accessibility excursion to Sarangkot for wheelchair users, identifying real-world challenges at tourist and religious sites.
  • Gathered firsthand insights to advocate for improved accessibility in public spaces across Pokhara and surrounding areas.
• Capacity Building and Awareness Raising
  • Conducted Disability & Accessibility Training for ground handling and frontline staff at Pokhara International Airport, covering disability concepts, rights, respectful communication, and wheelchair handling.
  • Enhanced awareness among 32 participants from airlines, airport authority, taxi services, and other service providers about creating inclusive and dignified travel experiences.
• Strategic Planning and Program Review
  • Organized a comprehensive review meeting to evaluate completed programs and plan future initiatives, particularly in promoting independent living.
  • Strengthened collaborative planning, constructive feedback, and strategic thinking to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of future programs.
• Advocacy and Commitment to Inclusion
  • Reinforced the organization’s dedication to advocating for a barrier-free and inclusive society, promoting the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
  • Encouraged stakeholders and service providers to commit to actionable steps toward accessibility improvements and disability inclusion.
• Community Engagement and Participation

Facilitated active participation of persons with disabilities and key stakeholders in program activities, ensuring that voices of persons with disabilities inform planning and advocacy efforts.

top page