1. Background
Nepal has made significant strides toward inclusive education, as reflected in its commitments under the Constitution of Nepal, the Disability Rights Act (2017), and international obligations such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4). These frameworks emphasize the right of all learners, including those who are blind or have low vision, to participate equally in education, including assessment systems.
However, despite these commitments, the current examination system in Nepal remains largely non-inclusive. At present, visually impaired students are primarily allowed to participate in examinations through the writing assistant (scribe) system. Other accessible modalities—such as Braille-based assessments, oral examinations, screen-reader-compatible computer-based exams, or tactile graphics—are not yet officially endorsed or institutionalized.
Since 2020, the National Examination Board (NEB) has taken a positive step by introducing alternative text-based questions in place of pictorial questions in a few subjects at the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) level. Nevertheless, this provision has not been scaled up to other assessments, such as internal school examinations, basic level exams, or Grade 12 board exams. This inconsistency continues to limit the full participation of blind and low-vision students across the education system.
The lack of accessible and inclusive assessment mechanisms undermines the performance and learning outcomes of students with visual impairments. Without suitable alternatives, these students are assessed in ways that do not reflect their actual capabilities, knowledge, or skills—resulting in systemic discrimination.
In this context, this Policy Brief aims to document global and national best practices in blind-friendly assessments, present a model framework based on universal design and inclusive education principles, and offer clear policy recommendations to guide education authorities in Nepal. The brief will serve as an advocacy tool for organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and other stakeholders to engage decision-makers such as the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST), CEHRD, CDC, and NEB in reforming the current examination and assessment system to make it fully inclusive and equitable.
2. Objectives of the Assignment
The primary objective of this assignment is to develop a comprehensive Policy Brief on Blind-Friendly Assessment in Nepal that promotes equitable learning outcomes for students who are blind or have low vision.
Specific objectives include:
- To document global and national best practices on inclusive and blind-friendly assessment systems.
- To analyze the gaps and barriers in Nepal’s current assessment practices affecting visually impaired learners.
- To propose a practical, contextually appropriate model framework for blind-friendly assessment aligned with the principles of inclusive education and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
- To develop a concise, evidence-based, and solution-oriented policy brief that outlines actionable recommendations for government agencies, particularly NEB, CEHRD, CDC, MOEST and local governments.
- To equip advocacy organizations with a strategic tool for influencing policy reform and implementation around accessible and inclusive assessments in Nepal.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant or firm will undertake the following tasks:
- Conduct a desk review of relevant policies, curricula, examination guidelines, and national and international frameworks related to inclusive education and assessment.
- Identify and synthesize global and regional best practices in blind-friendly and accessible assessment systems.
- Review local practices implemented by schools, NGOs, and pilot projects in Nepal that demonstrate elements of inclusive or adapted assessment.
- Analyze the barriers faced by visually impaired students in Nepal’s existing examination systems at various levels (school-based exams, SEE, and Grade 12 exams).
- Develop a model framework for blind-friendly assessment suitable for adoption within Nepal’s education system, with practical and scalable components.
- Draft a policy brief that is persuasive, accessible, and well-structured, addressing: Overview of the current challenges; Best practices (global and national); Proposed model framework; Policy recommendations and advocacy messages.
- Draft a 2-page advocacy summary brief for use with decision-makers and media.
- Incorporate feedback from a validation workshop with key stakeholders and finalize the brief accordingly.
4. Key Deliverables
Inception Report
- Draft Policy Brief: Including Executive summary; Background and key challenges; Global and national best practices; Proposed model framework; Policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
- Final Policy Brief (in Nepali language): Professionally edited and designed for dissemination.
- Advocacy Summary Brief (1–2 pages): A condensed version for use with policymakers, media, and education stakeholders.
5. Timeline
The total duration of the assignment is expected between 12-15 days. The assignment will immediately be started and completed by the end of June. 2025.
6. Required Qualifications
- Proven expertise in inclusive education, disability rights, or education policy development.
- Experience producing high-quality policy briefs or advocacy publications.
- Familiarity with assessment design, curriculum adaptation, or Universal Design for Learning.
- Strong research, writing, and stakeholder consultation skills.
- Understanding of the national education system and disability context in Nepal.
- Proficiency in English (and preferably Nepali).
7. Application Procedure
Interested individuals or firms should submit:
- A brief technical proposal outlining the approach and methodology
- A financial proposal (with detailed breakdown)
- CVs of consultant(s) or team profile with relevant experience
- Sample of similar previous work (policy brief, framework, or guideline)
Applications should be sent to [email protected] by 23rd May 2025 with the subject line: “Application for Policy Brief – Blind-Friendly Assessment in Nepal”.
BYAN reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal and to annul the selection process at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected consultants.
This TOR is subject to revision based on discussions and agreement between the contracting parties.
The Global Disability Summit 2025 in Berlin brought together global leaders, OPDs, and advocates to push forward disability-inclusive development. BYAN proudly represented Nepal, highlighting our youth-led initiatives in inclusive education, SRHR, and political participation. Our team actively participated in side events, consultations, and high-level dialogues, while our exhibition booth attracted over 1000 visitors with innovative, accessible materials.
From contributing to the Youth Call to Action, presenting in global forums, to advocating for the Amman-Berlin Declaration, BYAN reinforced the importance of grassroots voices in global policy discussions. The summit became a platform to share our work, build international networks, and reaffirm our commitment to inclusive development led by and for young persons with disabilities.
Follow this link for more → https://byanepal.org/resources/global-disability-summit-gds-2025-byans-participation-contributions-and-reflections/
Follow us on Social Media to know more → https://www.facebook.com/blindyouthnepal https://www.instagram.com/blindyouthinnepal/
As part of the First Deafblind International Asia Regional Conference, we proudly release our Call to Action on advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for individuals with deafblindness. This Call to Action highlights the urgent need for inclusive policies, accessible education, and strengthened healthcare services to ensure that individuals with deafblindness can fully exercise their rights to SRHR.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Policy & Legal Reforms – Inclusive SRHR policies and laws.
- Inclusive CSE – Accessible curricula and support materials.
- SRHR Services – Accessible and tailored healthcare services.
- Advocacy & Awareness – Challenging stigma and promoting participation.
- Monitoring & Accountability – Tracking progress and ensuring implementation.
This Call to Action serves as a roadmap for governments, policymakers, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations to create a world where individuals with deafblindness enjoy their full SRHR rights.
📥 Read the full Call to Action here: https://www.byanepal.org/resources/%f0%9f%93%a2-call-to-action-advancing-srhr-for-individuals-with-deafblindness-in-asia/
Let’s act now to break barriers and ensure no one is left behind in achieving SRHR for all.
#SRHRForAll #DeafblindRights #InclusiveHealth #CallToAction
Bangkok, Thailand | February 19–21, 2025
The Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) Youth Forum 2025, held at Prince Palace Hotel, Bangkok, brought together high-level delegates, ambassadors, and participants from over 30 countries, along with virtual attendees, to discuss and advance sustainable development goals.
During the three-day event, Jaldeep Sapkota and Rijan Thapa represented the Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) at a dedicated panel and exhibition booth showcasing our initiative, "Empowering Young People with Disabilities through Accessible IEC Materials." This innovative approach ensures that Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is inclusive and accessible for youth with disabilities, addressing critical gaps in information and education.
Participants from diverse backgrounds, including policymakers, civil society leaders, and youth advocates, actively engaged with our representatives, discussing best practices, challenges, and future strategies for making CSE more inclusive. The booth also provided an opportunity to demonstrate accessible IEC materials, emphasizing the importance of universal design in education and advocacy efforts. In addition to the exhibition, BYAN actively contributed to the Call to Action preparation, advocating for inclusive policies and youth-led initiatives at national and regional levels.
This engagement not only strengthened our advocacy efforts but also facilitated valuable networking opportunities. Several organizations and stakeholders expressed interest in collaborating with BYAN to expand and adapt our project in their respective countries and institutions. These connections pave the way for cross-border partnerships, ensuring that inclusive SRHR education reaches more young people with disabilities across the region.
BYAN remains committed to advocating for inclusive SRHR education and accessibility for all. Our participation at APFSD 2025 marks another milestone in our journey toward building an equitable future for youth with disabilities.
Stay connected for more updates on our advocacy and innovation efforts!
CBM UK’s partner-led programme, Actions for Change, is testing new ways of shifting resources and decision-making power to our partners. To facilitate shared learning between Actions for Change partners, an exchange visit recently took place between our partners in Nepal and Kenya.
A team from the Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN), our local partner in Nepal, recently participated in a transformative exchange learning visit to Kenya. Hosted by our Kenyan Actions for Change partner, the Northern Nomadic Disabled Persons Organization (NONDO), the visit aimed to draw valuable insights from Kenya’s Action for Change project, — a project closely aligned with BYAN’s initiatives in Nepal.
Representing BYAN were Nilu Maharjan (Project Coordinator), Ramchandra Gaihre (President) and Arjun Bahadur Rawal (General Secretary). Supported by CBM UK, and facilitated by colleagues from CBM Global Nepal and Kenya, the visit provided an invaluable opportunity for cross-learning, fostering collaboration and shared strategies to advance inclusion and empowerment for people with disabilities in both countries.
The following reflection was written by BYAN’s Nilu Maharjan.
Cultural and historical immersion
The visit commenced with an enriching cultural exchange. The team explored the Giraffe Centre and the iconic Kenya International Convention Center (KICC) in Nairobi, delving into Kenya’s history and culture. These initial interactions laid the foundation for building meaningful connections during the visit.
Organisational learning and courtesy visits
On the second day, the team visited the NONDO office, where they reviewed the week’s schedule and engaged in strategic discussions. Courtesy calls were made to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities and the CBM Global Kenya office, fostering collaborative dialogues on disability-inclusive development.
“Learning from the inclusive approaches of NONDO and CBM Global Kenya was an eye-opener. The way they empower persons with disabilities in leadership and decision-making inspired us to strengthen similar practices within BYAN.” – Nilu Maharjan, Project Coordinator, BYAN
Field visits: learning from the ground up
The third day took the team to Kajiado County, where they visited key stakeholders and learned about NONDO’s grassroots efforts. Courtesy calls to the County Office’s Social Service and Disability Mainstreaming Departments highlighted Kenya’s governmental commitment to disability inclusion.
The team visited two local Organisations of People with Disabilities (OPDs), Loodokilani and Ewauso. These organisations, supported by NONDO, demonstrated inspiring practices in capacity building. Members, including people with disabilities, caregivers, and parents, receive training in bee-keeping, table banking, animal rearing, and bead ornament making. Beyond training, NONDO provides financial support to empower these OPDs for self-sustainability.
The hands-on experiences offered an insightful glimpse into how NONDO uplifts communities by enabling OPDs to thrive independently, ensuring long-term impact and resilience.
Peter, the Secretary of the OPD group in Ewaso, shared a powerful insight during the exchange visit, stating, “The success is in the unity rather than the money we get.” This profound statement highlights how the OPD group values the strength of their collective unity above the financial gains from their hard work. It reflects their belief that true sovereignty and success come from the collaboration and connection among members, with unity forming the foundation of their achievements.
“Interacting with OPD members in Kenya was truly inspiring. Their resilience and determination to address community challenges showed us the power of grassroots-level change led by persons with disabilities.” – Ramchandra Gaihre, President BYAN
Exchange with DREAM Achievers Youth Organisation (DAYO) in Mombasa
The team’s journey continued to Mombasa, where they engaged with DAYO, a partner of the Right Here Right Now (RHRN) initiative. The visit showcased the impactful work of youth champions who deliver Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) sessions to individuals with disabilities.
A collaborative meeting between BYAN, CBM Global, DAYO, and RHRN further strengthened partnerships, emphasising the shared mission of advancing SRHR for people with disabilities. As a highlight, BYAN’s president participated in a radio programme organised by DAYO, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities for people with disabilities in accessing SRHR services.
Critical reflections
During our visit to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities in Kenya, we learned about their integrated approach to disability inclusion, where each of Kenya’s 47 counties has a council dedicated to people with disabilities. This structure is quite different from Nepal, where no such centralised council exists. It was eye-opening to understand how Kenya’s Disability Act of 2003 and the subsequent establishment of the National Council have shaped their disability policies and support systems. We were particularly inspired by the council’s web-based disability statistics database, the allocation of protection allowances, and the 30% procurement opportunities reserved for women, youth, and marginalised groups, including people with disabilities.
BYAN also visited the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK), where we saw firsthand their impactful work in producing wheelchairs, prosthetic legs, and crutches, in addition to providing physiotherapy services. These visits underscored the innovative accessibility and rehabilitation programmes in Kenya and provided us with insights that we could potentially adapt for BYAN’s ongoing efforts in Nepal.
One of the key highlights during the Kenya learning visit was BYAN’s presentation of inclusive Information, Communication, and Education (ICE) materials. These materials, developed in Braille, large print, easy-to-read formats, and pictures, underscored the importance of ensuring accessibility for individuals with diverse needs.
For the NONDO, DAYO, and Kenya teams, this was a significant learning opportunity. They acknowledged the gaps in their own efforts to incorporate inclusive actions in accessibility. The absence of such tailored materials in their initiatives highlighted the need for proactive measures to ensure that no individual is left behind.
BYAN’s approach to inclusivity served as an eye-opener, inspiring the teams to consider how similar practices could be adopted in their contexts. The reflective discussions reinforced the idea that inclusion is not just about practical, accessible solutions that empower all individuals, particularly persons with disabilities, to access information equitably.
“The exchange visit was truly insightful as we learned about the nomadic communities in Kenya and how OPDs are successfully engaging them in their initiatives. Compared to Nepal, where such engagement can be very challenging, this experience provided valuable exposure to the unique ways OPDs can adapt their approaches to include nomadic lifestyles.” – Samjhana Shah, Program Officer, CBM Nepal
Best practice and initiatives for replication
One of the standout initiatives we observed during the visit was NONDO’s work with self-help groups formed by parents of persons with disabilities. These groups are mobilised to develop income-generating skills and work together in a supportive, unified environment. The members not only help each other but also engage in various community development activities, such as training in vocational skills like bee-keeping and bead ornament making. The group solidarity and empowerment is something we coulld replicate in Nepal.
The champions of NONDO were deeply involved in these groups, facilitating the registration of people with disabilities and supporting self-help groups in remote areas like Kajiado. Despite the challenges posed by their location, the members of these groups were remarkably progressive and enthusiastic about their work. Their resilience and sense of community left a lasting impact on us, and we believe there are key elements of this model that we can integrate into our own initiatives in Nepal to further empower persons with disabilities and their families.
“When I introduced myself to participants from self-help groups of OPDs, they admired my journey as a visually impaired individual who became a successful government teacher. The conversations we had during the visit inspired them to strive for greater achievements in their own lives.” – Arjun Rawal, General Secretary, BYAN
Key takeaways
The exchange visit underscored the importance of global learning and collaboration in advancing disability rights and inclusion. Kenya’s Action for Change project inspired the BYAN team with practical strategies for capacity building, empowerment, and sustainability. The team returned to Nepal with renewed vigour and innovative ideas to enhance their ongoing efforts.
Conclusion
This exchange learning visit was more than just an opportunity to observe practices and strategies – it was a journey of shared growth and understanding. It reinforced the importance of global collaboration in advancing disability inclusion while providing a platform to exchange innovative ideas and best practices. Beyond the technical learning, the visit allowed the BYAN team to deeply understand the cultural and contextual nuances of disability inclusion in Kenya. This immersive experience highlighted the value of contextualising solutions to fit the unique needs of communities while embracing shared goals. Such exchange visits are vital not only for identifying challenges and replicating successful practices but also for fostering mutual respect and collaboration across borders. They provide a holistic perspective, encompassing technical knowledge, cultural appreciation, and innovative thinking. BYAN remains committed to integrating these valuable insights into its efforts in Nepal, building a more inclusive society that empowers people with disabilities to thrive.
On December 3, 2024, the Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) hosted a significant meeting at its central office, attended by UK Members of Parliament, representatives from CBM Global Disability Inclusion Nepal, the Coalition for Global Prosperity, and BYAN's staff, board members, and beneficiaries. The meeting highlighted BYAN's impactful work in disability inclusion and empowerment under the "Action for Change" project. The session featured inspiring stories from BYAN's peer educators and champions, emphasizing resilience and unique disability perspectives, as well as an exhibition of IEC materials that garnered appreciation for their inclusivity. The MPs commended BYAN’s accessible practices, including simultaneous translation and sign language interpretation, praising the organization’s commitment to meaningful inclusion and fostering collaboration for disability-inclusive development.
#BYAN#CBM#CBMuk#cbmglobal#ActionForChange#cbmglobalnepal
1. Background
Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) is an organization founded by blind and partially sighted youth in Nepal. It envisions a dignified life for children and young people with disabilities in an inclusive society. BYAN actively engages in policy advocacy, education, employment, disaster risk reduction, political participation, and the promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for persons with disabilities, particularly young people.
Since 2023, BYAN has been implementing a Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) project under the Right Here Right Now 2 (RHRN2) program in the Kathmandu Valley. The project focuses on four key areas:
- Information and Education
- Public Support
- Advocacy
- Strengthening Civil Society
A core objective of this project is to empower young people with disabilities including those with physical, hearing, visual, and intellectual/autism-related disabilities to make informed decisions about their sexuality, voice their needs, and claim their rights. BYAN has provided training to these young individuals and supported them in conducting awareness sessions in their schools and communities. Additionally, the organization actively advocates for integrating CSE into local curricula, securing budget allocations, and developing accessible IEC materials.
As a result of these interventions, various achievements, best practices, and impact stories have emerged, including:
- Hundreds of children and young people with disabilities have gained knowledge, skills, and confidence on CSE/SRHR matters.
- Development of innovative accessible IEC materials, including an easy-to-read CSE flipchart for young people with intellectual disabilities and Picture Exchange Communication (PEC) materials for young people with autism.
- Positive initiatives by government agencies to promote disability inclusion, particularly in information accessibility, inclusive service delivery, and capacity-building for service providers.
- Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working in CSE/SRHR have taken steps to promote disability-inclusive CSE and SRHR.
- The disability movement has recognized SRHR and CSE as core priority issues.
As RHRN2 nears its conclusion in September 2025, BYAN aims to document its best practices, achievements, impact stories, and lessons learned through a booklet and documentary video, highlighting the project's influence at individual, community, and stakeholder levels.
2. Objective
The objective of this assignment is to develop a booklet and a video documentary that:
- Showcases BYAN’s best practices and success stories.
- Documents positive impacts on beneficiaries, communities, and stakeholders.
- Identifies challenges and gaps encountered during project implementation.
- Provides insights to guide future advocacy efforts for inclusive CSE.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant/team will be responsible for:
Booklet Development
- Review and Analysis: Examine project reports (event, monthly, and annual) to identify key interventions.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Conduct meetings with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and partner organizations to gather insights on project effectiveness.
- Internal Consultations: Conduct meetings with BYAN board members and project staff to collect in-depth information on project implementation and impact.
- FGDs/KIIs: Conduct focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) with project beneficiaries, champions, and stakeholders to gather their stories, voices, and reflections.
- Develop a 40–50-page booklet based on evidence-based information from reports, meetings, and beneficiary testimonials.
- Ensure that the content is accessible, inclusive, and linguistically appropriate, with versions available in Nepali and English.
- Feature impact stories, direct beneficiary statements, and action photographs that reflect real-life experiences and transformations.
Video Production
- Produce one high-quality video (4–5 minutes) aligned with the developed booklet.
- Ensure accessibility features, including sign language interpretation, captions, and audio descriptions, to make the content inclusive for all.
- Use clear and simple language to ensure comprehension among diverse groups of young people.
- Engage with BYAN and relevant stakeholders to ensure the impact stories effectively reflect project outcomes and address key advocacy messages.
4. Final Deliverables
The consultant/team will deliver:
- A comprehensive impact stories booklet (40–50 pages) in both Nepali and English.
- One short documentary-style video (4–5 minutes) showcasing the project’s impact, with full accessibility features (captioning, sign language interpretation, and audio descriptions).
5. Duration of the Assignment
The assignment is expected to be completed within 2 months from the start date, covering consultation, booklet development, video production, and final submission.
6. Qualifications and Experience
The consultant/team should possess the following qualifications:
- Proven experience in developing impact stories, case studies, and accessible materials (booklets and videos).
- Experience in Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), SRHR, or working with young people and persons with disabilities.
- Strong understanding of accessibility standards, including captioning, sign language interpretation, and audio descriptions.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, particularly in disability-inclusive and youth-centered projects.
7. Submission Guidelines
Interested applicants are required to submit:
- Technical Proposal – A detailed proposal outlining:
- Approach to impact story development
- Methodology for booklet and video production
- Timeline and key deliverables
- Financial Proposal – A clear budget breakdown covering all costs.
- Work Samples – Examples of previous work, preferably impact story booklets or videos involving disability-inclusive content.
- CV/Team Profile –
- For individuals: An updated CV highlighting relevant experience.
- For teams: Profiles of all members involved in the project.
- Legal Documents – Including company registration, PAN number, tax clearance certificate, etc.
Submission Deadline:
All submissions should be sent via email to [email protected] no later than March 4, 2025, with the subject line:
📩 "Submission for Development of Impact Stories"
Late submissions will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation.
For inquiries, please contact:- [email protected].
प्रकाशित मिति- वि.सं. २०८१ माघ २२ गते
यस नेत्रहिन युवा सङ्घ नेपालले चार पाङ्ग्रे सवारी साधन बिक्रीका लागि सार्वजनिक सुचना आह्वान गरेकोले इच्छुक व्यक्तिले यस सुचना प्रकाशित भएको मितिले एक हप्ताभित्र आवश्यक कोटेसन र कागजातसहित [email protected] मा दर्खास्त पठाउन आह्वान गरिन्छ-
सवारी साधनको विवरण निम्नानुसार छ:
1. कम्पनीको नाम: Ford
2. मोडल: EcoSport
3. बनेको वर्ष: 2014
4. इन्जिन क्षमता: 1499 CC
5. सवारीको रङ्ग: Grey
6. चालकसहित तौल क्षमता: 350 किलोग्राम
7. ईन्धन प्रकार: पेट्रोल
(नोट- सवारी साधन खरीद गर्नेले कानुनी प्रक्रिया पूरा गर्दा लाग्ने शुल्क तथा आवश्यक कानुनी दस्तुर स्वयंले बेहोर्नुपर्नेछ।)
समय सीमा: सूचना प्रकाशित भएको मितिले ७ (सात) दिनभित्र।
थप जानकारिका लागि “Inquiry About Vehicle” Subject-line सहित [email protected] मा इमेल गर्न सकिने छ।
We successfully concluded a two-day residential workshop in Nepalgunj, bringing together youth-led organizations from Karnali, Sudurpaschim, and Lumbini provinces. It was inspiring to learn about their impactful works in their communities and their dedication to empowering youth.
Through leadership sessions and discussions, we explored the challenges of youth political participation and discussed the potential solutions to overcome these barriers.
The in-depth discussions in youth civic engagement, the role of evidence-based advocacy and RTI in active civic participation, advocacy for inclusive and accessible election, and youth intervention in the policy-making process paved the way for generating future action plans and advocacy priorities.
We are deeply inspired by the energy and commitment of these young changemakers, and we look forward to seeing their continued efforts to strengthen youth political engagement.