Goto main content

Cuba: Improving the living conditions of people with disabilities and their families

Inclusion
Cuba

There is a high prevalence of disability in Cuba. One third of people with disabilities have an intellectual impairment. Handicap International’s project aims at improving the living conditions of people with disabilities and their families and promotes their inclusion in communities in Piñar del Rio province, in the west of Cuba.

A dance performance by members of Handicap International's community-based-rehabilitation project in Cuba. Project beneficiaries include nearly 400 people with an intellectual disability.

A dance performance by members of Handicap International's community-based-rehabilitation project in Cuba. Project beneficiaries include nearly 400 people with an intellectual disability. | © Marta Burgaya/Handicap International

“There are over 360,000 people with disabilities in Cuba, one third of whom have a form of intellectual impairment. Pregnant women aren’t fully aware of disability risks, and families aren’t given enough advice on how to look after a child with disabilities,” explains Philippe Martinez, Handicap International’s director in Cuba.

Handicap International’s community-based rehabilitation project in Piñar del Rio province is designed to prevent disabilities in children, improve care and treatment, and increase awareness of disability in local communities. Community-based rehabilitation is an approach that aims at improving the quality of life of people with disabilities and their families by meeting their basic needs and ensuring their participation and inclusion in society.

The organisation trains health professionals (paediatricians and obstetricians), organises awareness-raising campaigns about intellectual impairments, and produces learning tools to promote the educational and psychological development of children and young people. Handicap International also helps parents set up self-help groups.

"I really love this project"

“We want to improve the lives of people with disabilities and acceptance by their families and communities,” explains Marisol Roca, a project representative in Mantua. “We organise fun, sporting and social activities they can do together.”

“I really love this project,” says Julio Julio Sànchez Breto, who has a physical disability. “It helps people with disabilities feel more included in society and fights discrimination that says ‘because you’re disabled, you can’t live here with us’.”

“I wasn’t at ease with my disability,” adds Tomàs Rodrìguez Maqueira. “The project made me more visible. I’ve started a new life, and I can help people who are in the same situation as I am.”

Benefiting more than 1,400 people with disabilities, the project is run in partnership with 800 health professionals and community officers.

Handicap International’s six-strong team in Cuba also promotes the inclusive employment of people with disabilities in Granma province, and builds the capacities of various authorities and public institutions to manage the risk of natural disasters in the cities of Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo and Baracoa. We particularly target the most vulnerable individuals, especially women and children with disabilities.

Date published: 31/03/16

COUNTRIES

Where we work

Read more

When collective cooking brings back social cohesion
© HI
Health Inclusion

When collective cooking brings back social cohesion

After a decade of conflict, mistrust is still prevalent in Central African communities. To recreate safe spaces, HI has been reaching out to these communities to organise collective activities.

Thanks to a more inclusive and accessible environment, Mario can now go back to school
© Screen Imagem / HI
Inclusion

Thanks to a more inclusive and accessible environment, Mario can now go back to school

Mario Monteiro is a young man who lives in Mozambique. At school, he used to be mocked and shunned, but since HI supported him, he has made friends and can pursue his dreams.

In Cuba, HI continues to support local people one year after Hurricane Ian
© T. Medina / CARE-HI
Emergency Prevention

In Cuba, HI continues to support local people one year after Hurricane Ian

In September 2022, Hurricane Ian hit Cuba with winds of over 200km/h. A year later, HI is still supporting communicites and is helping them become more resilient.

FOLLOW US