Leonard Cheshire supports individuals to live, learn and work as independently as they choose, whatever their ability. Led by people with experience of disability, we are at the heart of local life – opening doors to opportunity, choice, and support across the globe. With our partners in Africa and Asia, we provide inclusive education and livelihoods programmes that support people with disabilities in 15 countries.
We also research disability and poverty, and work with the United Nations, World Bank, International Labour Organization, national governments, disability organisations and development actors to influence policy and make sure everyone can live as they choose.
Our aims
- Disabled people feel respected, valued and safe, choose where and how they live, and participate freely in social and leisure activities.
- Full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- Laws enable individuals to live, learn and work as they choose.
Our actions
- We support disabled people to claim their rights, access quality learning and work, and live as they choose.
- We campaign and use our influence to increase access to education, employment, transport and buildings.
- We advocate for disability rights with, and build the capacity of, individuals and Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs).
- We address additional barriers faced by girls and women. We champion rights, promote inclusive behaviours and challenge discrimination.
- We conduct research and generate evidence to create persuasive insight.
- We influence decision-makers to drive change.