About – Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled

About

About SAFOD

A disability rights network built by and for persons with disabilities.

SAFOD — the Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled — was founded in 1986. It was created by disabled people, for disabled people. Today, SAFOD is the leading regional network of national disability federations across Southern Africa.

We work with 16 national affiliates, covering all 16 SADC Member States. Through these affiliates, we reach persons with all types of disabilities — in cities, towns, and rural communities across the region.

Our motto: Unlocking an Inclusive Society for Persons with Disabilities in Southern Africa.

est.

1986

Disability-led

Every decision at SAFOD reflects the voices of persons with disabilities.

Regional reach

We work across all 16 SADC Member States through our affiliate network.

Policy influence

We engage governments and the SADC Secretariat on disability rights.

six core work areas

We seek to unlock an inclusive society!

Rights advocacy

We push for laws and policies that protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

Capacity building

We strengthen national disability federations to lead their own change.

Research and learning

We document evidence to shape better policy across the region.

Youth and gender

We support young people and women with disabilities to take part fully.

Disaster risk reduction

We work to keep persons with disabilities safe when crises hit.

Economic inclusion

We help persons with disabilities access jobs, training, and income.

Our partners

Over the years, we have worked with incredible partners and friends globally. Click on a logo to learn more about each one of them.

FFO

Funksjonshemmedes Fellesorganisasjon

CBM

Christoffel-Blindenmission e.V.

ATscale

Global Partnership for Assistive Technology

L'boro Uni

Loughborough University

OSISA

Open Society Foundations

Google

Google Impact Challenge Programme

UW

Center for Tech & Disability