A transformative two‑day Disability Inclusion and Awareness Training (DIAT), was held on March 13–14, 2026 at Azzeman Hotel. The training, organised by Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development (ECDD), was led by Andargachew Deneke, PhD, of Addis Ababa University’s Ethiopian Sign Language and Deaf Culture Studies program. The event brought together leaders, faculty, and staff from St. Mary University and Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU) to deepen their understanding of disability and strengthen institutional commitment to inclusion.
The training emphasized the urgent need to move beyond exclusion and segregation toward integration and full inclusion. Participants explored the distinction between impairment and disability, highlighting how societal barriers rather than individual limitations restrict participation. They examined evolving models of disability, from traditional and medical perspectives to social and human rights frameworks, underscoring that inclusion is both a human rights imperative and a development priority.
Sessions also addressed respectful communication, the importance of “person‑first” language, and the adoption of appropriate terminologies. National proclamations and international frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were reviewed, aligning Ethiopia’s efforts with global standards.
Dr. Andargachew Deneke reminded participants that exclusion of persons with disabilities contributes to economic losses and undermines social equity. He urged universities to integrate inclusive policies and practices into their programs, ensuring accessibility, reasonable accommodations, and equal opportunities for all.
The training concluded with a powerful call to action: institutions must lead by example in dismantling barriers and creating environments where diversity thrives and every individual can succeed.
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