USAID Supports Tigray Disabled Veteran’s Association to Improve Lives of Persons with Disabilities 

April 20, 2007
No. 23/07

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Friday, April 20 announced its support for efforts to help persons with disabilities in Tigray develop entrepreneurial and business skills that will have an impact on the local economy.  A $25,000 grant from USAID to the Tigray Disabled Veteran’s Association (TDVA) will provide business development skills training for nearly 100 business cooperatives in rural and semi-urban areas of Tigray, benefiting 6,000 persons with disabilities and their families.

The grant announcement was made by USAID Mission Director Glenn Anders at the Milano Hotel in Mekelle.  Following the ceremony Anders visited projects supported by TDVA, including a physical rehabilitation center and low-cost housing units.  “The American people and USAID are proud to support TDVA in its efforts to prepare persons with disabilities to run successful businesses.  The skills they will learn will positively impact the lives of disabled participants, their families and the communities in which they live,” Anders said.

In Ethiopia, an estimated eight to ten million people are disabled.  Many are poor and food insecure, and many suffer discrimination against because of their disability.  Landmines in the northern part of the country continue to maim and kill innocent people, leaving victims disabled, destitute and unable to work.  Thanks to the efforts of the TDVA and others, nearly 18,000 disabled veterans are now engaged in self-help and income generating schemes that help them to lead productive lives and to provide for their families. 

USAID support to the TDVA will provide training in basic business skills for disabled persons, to help them develop efficient and cost-effective strategies to improve their livelihoods.  Participants will learn how to access credit, basic accounting and how to manage a small business. 

Since 1996, TDVA has provided integrated community-based physical, psycho-social, and economic rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities.  An important component of the organization’s work is reducing stigma and discrimination by documenting and sharing success stories that highlight the contributions of persons with disabilities in Ethiopia. 

Press Contact: Kimberly Flowers
Telephone: 091-150-0414
Email: kiflowers@usaid.gov