Morocco

© Handicap International Morocco/Tunisia

Handicap International set up a programme in Morocco in 1993, following a request from the country's authorities. The declining economic and social situation since the 1980's had taken its toll on the country's social and health services, to the detriment of people with disabilities.

Our main aim in Morocco is to improve the living conditions of people with disabilities and their involvement in wider society. People with disabilities and their families and friends form the focus of our activities. During emergency situations, the programme aims to intervene systematically as permitted by the local authorities, with a particular emphasis on people in disabling situations.

Key Facts - Morocco

• Population: 32.4 million
• Household Consumption: $2,037 per year
• Life Expectancy: 72 years
• Human Development: ranked 114th out of 169 countries

^{Source: UNDP HDR 2011}

Our Activities

Social inclusion The goal of the project is to improve the participation of people with disabilities in development processes in the city of Sale, by promoting the adaptation of local services to the specific needs of people with disabilities and by facilitating access to these services.

Promoting inclusive development The project provides support adapted to local resources and know-how, focusing on the transfer of skills and the empowerment of people with disabilities in the Souss Mass region, an area lacking doctors specialised in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Three main areas of work have been identified in collaboration with local stakeholders: • Structural and organisational capacity-building for disabled person's organisations to enhance their professionalism, credibility and influence on the local environment. •Creation and enhancement of social and medical services to include people with disabilities. • Increasing the awareness of local stakeholders to include people with disabilities in their programmes and the creation of provincial disability committees bringing together DPO's, local stakeholders and local authorities.

Personal account - Racing, my reason for living At 26, Nezha Khadiri, a young Moroccan woman, has had to battle against prejudice in order to race in her wheelchair. Now her family have rallied to her cause, in order to support her.

© Handicap International