BYAN Archives | Blind Youth Association Nepal

Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) is a national, youth-led, rights-based organization dedicated to promoting the rights, leadership, and meaningful participation of children and young persons with disabilities in Nepal. BYAN works to advance inclusive development by strengthening the capacity and leadership of children and young persons with disabilities, while advocating for inclusive policies and systems at local, provincial, and national levels. The organization’s key thematic areas include inclusive education, youth leadership and civic engagement, disability rights advocacy, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), climate change and disability inclusion, accessibility and assistive technology, and research and evidence-based advocacy. Through partnerships with government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners, BYAN works to ensure that persons with disabilities are actively included in development processes and decision-making platforms.

BYAN is implementing a three-year project titled “YATRA” – Youth-Led Actions for Transformation through Rights-Based Advocacy and Disability Movement in partnership with CBM Global Disability Inclusion. The project is being implemented in the Bagmati Province and Madhesh Province, with a particular focus on Bara District, Rautahat District, Sarlahi District, Dhanusha District, Mahottari District, Chitwan District, and Kathmandu. The project primarily focuses on strengthening the organizational and leadership capacity of grassroots Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), particularly youth-led and youth-focused OPDs, to sustain and lead the disability movement at the local level. YATRA adopts a comprehensive approach that includes capacity strengthening, youth leadership development, data and evidence generation, policy advocacy, and movement building to advance disability rights and inclusive governance. The project emphasizes enhancing youth participation within the disability movement while also promoting disability inclusion within the broader youth movement, enabling young persons with disabilities to actively contribute to advocacy processes and influence policies, plans, and programs that affect their lives.

Inclusion Facilitators based-in Madhesh Province-1

Details / requirements:

Organization: Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN)

Position: Inclusion Facilitators

Number of Position: 1

Location: Bara

Salary: Negotiable

Duration: 3 years

Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) is seeking competent and motivated Inclusion Facilitators to strengthen grassroots youth engagement and the capacity of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in Madhesh Province. The facilitators will support the implementation of the “YATRA project by promoting disability inclusion, youth participation, and advocacy at the community, local and provincial level. They will support in mentoring youth-led OPDs, facilitate local capacity development initiatives, document community-level issues, and contribute to monitoring, reporting, and knowledge sharing, ensuring meaningful participation and empowerment of persons with disabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Project Responsibilities

• Engage and mobilize grassroots youth and OPDs in assigned districts.

• Identify youth with disabilities and under-represented groups for active participation.

• Support organizational needs assessments and capacity development of OPDs.

• Coordinate and facilitate trainings on disability rights, inclusion, advocacy, leadership, and governance.

• Support in technical assistance and mentorship for advocacy initiatives and small grant projects.

• Implement local-level activities, including youth fellowships, awareness campaigns, and community initiatives.

• Assist in policy advocacy, document community-level issues, and communicate with Local District Coordination Committees (LDCCs) and Provincial District Coordination Committees (PDCCs).

• Track and report progress of field activities and youth engagement, ensuring timely documentation.

• Conduct awareness and community mobilization initiatives to promote disability inclusion, rights, and participation.

• Serve as a liaison between BYAN, youth OPDs, local authorities, CSOs, and other stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and advocacy efforts.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate records of field activities, OPD engagements, participants, and other relevant documentation; submit timely progress reports.

• Plan and manage logistics for district-level workshops, trainings, meetings, and events.

• Assist in monitoring field-level expenditures, allowances, and ensure proper financial documentation.

• Coordinate and maintain communication with local government, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.

• Ensure all activities adhere to organizational policies, donor requirements, and maintain organized documentation for monitoring and evaluation purposes.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social Work, Development Studies, Gender Studies, Disability Studies, Community Development, or a related field.

• Minimum two years of experience in community mobilization, youth engagement, disability inclusion, or working with OPDs/CSOs. Experience at the grassroots level is highly preferred.

• Strong understanding of disability rights (CRPD), SDGs, youth-led organizations, and grassroots advocacy. Familiarity with local government structures, LDCC/PDCC, and OPD networks is highly desirable.

• Proven communication, facilitation, documentation, and reporting skills.

• Ability to mentor and support youth-led and under-represented organizations.

• Sign language proficiency or basic knowledge of alternative communication methods is highly desirable.

• Fluent in Maithili/Bhojpuri and other local language of Madhesh province for effective community engagement.

• Commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, youth empowerment, and community development. Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with frequent travel to field locations.

• Local residents of Madhesh Province (Bara) will be given priority.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are requested to submit their CV and cover letter along with expected salary to [email protected] by 27 April 2026.

Please mention the subject line:

“Application for the Post “Application for the Post of Inclusion Facilitator.”

BYAN is an equal opportunity employer and promotes inclusion across gender, caste, ethnicity, Dalit, and disability. Persons with disabilities and LGBTIQ+ individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further processes. The organization reserves the right to reject any or all applications without assigning any reason.

Duty Station: Kathmandu (with frequent field visits)

Reports to: Executive Director

Employment Type: Full-time

Salary: Negotiable

Contract period: One year with Possible extension

Background

Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) is implementing initiatives focused on advancing the rights and meaningful participation of children with disabilities in Nepal. The organization works with government agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), and communities to promote disability-inclusive systems, policies, and practices.

Position Summary

The Disability Inclusion Specialist will serve as the project lead and technical expert, responsible for overall project management, technical guidance, advocacy, and institutional strengthening. The role will contribute to mainstreaming disability inclusion and child participation within partner organizations, government systems, and BYAN’s internal structures, while ensuring high-quality implementation, documentation, and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall planning, implementation, and monitoring of project activities related to child rights and participation of children with disabilities

• Prepare annual work plans, budgets, and project documents, ensuring timely and quality delivery of results

• Provide technical support to partner organizations, CSOs, and government agencies to mainstream disability inclusion and child participation in their policies, programs, and systems

• Design and facilitate trainings, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives on disability inclusion, child rights, and inclusive participation

• Lead evidence-based advocacy initiatives and engage with relevant government stakeholders to influence inclusive policies and practices

• Review and analyze laws, policies, programs, and guidelines from a disability inclusion and child rights perspective, and develop reports, policy briefs, and recommendations

• Document good practices, case studies, and key learnings related to child rights and participation of children with disabilities

• Strengthen internal capacity of BYAN by promoting inclusive approaches, supporting program teams, and contributing to organizational development

• Ensure effective coordination, networking, and communication with stakeholders, including government, CSOs, OPDs, and development partners

• Monitor project progress, track results, and prepare high-quality narrative and analytical reports independently as the project lead

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, Human Rights, or a related field

• Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in disability inclusion, child rights, and/or inclusive development

• Proven experience in project management, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting

• Demonstrated experience in advocacy, policy engagement, and working with government and civil society organizations

• Strong understanding of disability inclusion frameworks and child rights principles, including participation of children with disabilities

• Experience in mainstreaming inclusion within organizational systems, policies, and programs

• Proven ability to design and facilitate trainings and capacity-building initiatives

• Strong skills in documentation, report writing, and development of technical materials (e.g., policy briefs, guidelines)

• Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines

• High level of professionalism, accountability, and problem-solving skills

Application Procedure

Interested candidates are requested to submit their CV and cover letter along with expected salary to [email protected] by 11th Apr. 2026.

Please mention the subject line:

“Application for the Post of Disability Inclusion Specialist.”

From 2023 to 2025, Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN), in partnership with CBM Global UK, implemented the Action for Change (A4C) project to promote inclusive sexual and reproductive health and family planning (SRHR/FP) services for persons with disabilities in Nepal. Implemented across Kathmandu, Bara, and Surkhet, the project empowered persons with disabilities to claim their SRHR rights, strengthened the capacity of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and improved the responsiveness of local health systems. As a result, SRHR knowledge among persons with disabilities increased from 36% to 70%, access to satisfactory services rose from 9% to 63%, and NRs 3.15 million was mobilized from local governments for disability-sensitive programming.

The project also contributed to policy reforms at federal, provincial, and local levels and supported the establishment of model accessible health facilities in the three target districts. These facilities provide inclusive, accessible services, and health providers working in them have been trained to deliver care in a disability-sensitive manner. A key feature of the project was its peer-led approach, in which persons with disabilities themselves shaped the project according to their needs. Peer educators played a central role in normalizing discussions on SRHR, creating safe spaces to talk about sensitive issues, and extending awareness into families and communities. This power-shift modality ensured that the project objectives were fully met while promoting ownership among the participants.

Action for Change also generated important learnings for advancing disability rights, inclusive SRHR, and governance in Nepal. The project demonstrated that inclusive practices such as priority access at health facilities, accessibility audits, and disability-sensitive data collection must be backed by formal policies or standards to become permanent and sustainable. It emphasized the importance of context-specific strategies to address urban-rural disparities and diverse disability profiles, as well as the effectiveness of low-tech, widely accessible communication tools like radio, audio content, and social media videos in reaching persons with disabilities. Moving forward, strengthening local leadership, enhancing the role of BYAN chapters, sensitizing frontline health staff, ensuring representation of diverse impairments, and fostering collaboration with local governments will be critical to sustaining and scaling the gains made under Action for Change.

On 30 July 2025, Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN), in collaboration with Right Here Right Now, organized a Training on Digital Accessibility at Alfa House, Baneshwor. The session was facilitated by Mr. Sagar Prasai, Director of Diverse Patterns, with participation from officials representing various divisions under the Ministry of Health and Population and Department of Health Services.

The training introduced participants to the principles of digital accessibility (POUR: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust) and demonstrated how persons with disabilities navigate digital environments using assistive technologies such as screen readers and keyboard navigation. Through a mix of presentations, live demonstrations, and hands-on exercises, participants explored ways to make websites, documents, and social media content more accessible.

The event emphasized the importance of inclusive digital platforms in public communication and service delivery, encouraging government stakeholders to integrate accessibility into Nepal’s digital transformation strategies. Participants left with enhanced knowledge, strengthened technical skills, and a renewed commitment to ensuring that digital spaces are inclusive and usable for all.

On 14 August 2025, YUWA and Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN), with support from Right Here Right Now, organized a Policy Discourse on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) at Hotel Royal Singi, Kathmandu. Nearly 70 stakeholders participated, including government representatives, academia, teacher networks, youth-led organizations, and civil society.

The discourse provided a collaborative platform to reflect on the status of CSE in Nepal, identify institutional and implementation gaps, and explore strategies for inclusive, age-appropriate, and sustainable CSE delivery.

Key highlights included a thematic presentation by Prof. Bhagwan Aryal of Tribhuvan University on the history and future of CSE in Nepal, followed by a panel discussion with representatives from CDC, CEHRD, UNFPA, TU, and the Nursing and Social Security Division. Discussions emphasized:

The gap between progressive policies and weak implementation.
The urgent need for teacher training and pedagogy reform.
Ensuring disability inclusion, mental health, and gender sensitivity within CSE.
Strengthening coordination across federal, provincial, and local levels.

Participants collectively recommended mainstreaming CSE across the curriculum, integrating it into pre-service and in-service teacher training, and fostering whole-school and community approaches to overcome stigma and cultural barriers.

The event concluded with a strong call for government ownership, inclusive approaches, and stronger collaboration among ministries, teacher networks, youth groups, CSOs, and development partners. Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to institutionalizing CSE so that all young people in Nepal—especially those from marginalized groups—can access evidence-based, rights-affirming, and inclusive sexuality education.

On 15 August 2025, Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) and YUWA organized a Sustainability Meeting on Youth and SRHR Movement at Square Hotel, Pulchowk. The event brought together government representatives, CSOs, OPDs, youth networks, UN agencies, and development partners to reflect on the achievements of the Right Here Right Now 2 (RHRN2) platform and discuss ways to sustain its impact.

The program featured presentations from YUWA and BYAN, showcasing their work on youth empowerment, inclusive SRHR education, policy advocacy, and the development of disability-friendly resources. A panel discussion with youth leaders and experts highlighted personal journeys, lessons learned, and strategies to move beyond project-based efforts toward a sustainable, movement-oriented approach.

Participants emphasized the importance of collaboration, resource optimization, inclusivity, and government accountability to ensure the progress of youth-led SRHR advocacy continues. The event concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and keep marginalized young people at the center of Nepal’s SRHR agenda.

Welcome to our digital photo story book — a powerful collection of unheard and untold stories of persons with disabilities, captured and narrated by persons with disabilities themselves.

This project showcases authentic voices and perspectives, proving that disability does not limit creativity, vision, or determination.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to our mentor, Kishor Sharma, for his unwavering dedication and guidance.

A big thank you to all our passionate participants who turned this vision into reality.

This work was made possible through the generous support of CBM Global Disability Inclusion Nepal and CBM Global Disability Inclusion UK.

Together, we hope these stories spark reflection, empathy, and change.

Visit our resource page to view or download this photo story book.

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!

The Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) conducted its annual Social Audit on 29th December, facilitated by auditor Mr. Prasidhda Neupane. The event brought together over 45 participants from diverse organizations, including Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), UN agencies, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations. This platform promoted transparency, accountability, and community engagement, allowing stakeholders to review BYAN's achievements, challenges, and overall performance throughout the year. Key accomplishments and financial updates were presented, followed by discussions and feedback from members, partners, and beneficiaries. This initiative underscores BYAN's commitment to fostering trust, inclusivity, and effective program implementation.