National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped

NASCOH

About us

The National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped (NASCOH) is the umbrella body for organizations of and for people with disabilities in Zimbabwe. It is concerned with the care and rehabilitation of people with disabilities. NASCOH was founded in 1969, it is a welfare organization coordinating the activities of the member organizations working with and for people with disabilities.

The non-profit making NASCOH has 53 member organizations throughout Zimbabwe. Its focus is on advocacy and lobbying rather than on the actual implementation of projects at the grassroots. It coordinates and represents societies of and for persons with disabilities; it cooperates closely with the African Rehabilitation Institute (ARI) and Rehabilitation International (RI) as well as with other non-governmental organisations and government departments. It speaks on behalf of persons with various disabilities and is the watch dog in the protection of their human rights hence its stance, that disability rights are human rights. The association acts as a change agent and forerunner in social politics and serves as a facilitator in the exchange of information and resources. It organises national seminars, workshops and conferences and it also publishes a quarterly national newsletter as well as different publications, that address important issues in the disability area.

Objectives:

- to initiate, promote and develop the co-ordination and participation of and between member organisations in matters concerning the care of people with disabilities,
- to periodically review the facilities available for the rehabilitation of people with disabilities in order to promote further developments,
- to advise the government on any existing or future organisation concerned with the care of people with disabilities,
- to disseminate information to any interested body.

NASCOH is constantly fighting to get disability issues heard in the media. This is an uphill as disability issues are often not regarded very important.

Farai Mukuta is the executive director of the association.

For other net participants we can offer an expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, deliver a lecture, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the following field: working to improve the lives and well being of persons living with disabilities.