EXAMINING THE STRATEGIES OF DISABLED PERSONS ORGANIZATIONS (DPOS) IN PROMOTING AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY IN URBAN DISTRICT UNGUJA, ZANZIBAR. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF ZANZIBAR FEDERATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND ZANZIBAR NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR PERS

Background Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs) have been nationally and internationally recognized as advocates in promoting inclusion. They lay the foundation for a diversified society. Therefore, the study aimed to explore the strategies of DPOs in fostering an inclusive culture in the Urban District of Unguja, Zanzibar. Methodology The study used a qualitative research approach to engage six (6) senior staff from both the Zanzibar Federation of Persons with Disabilities and the Zanzibar National Council for Persons with Disabilities. Ideally, three (3) senior staff from the Zanzibar Federation of Persons with Disabilities were engaged in a Focused Group Discussion, and three (3) staff from the Zanzibar National Council for Persons with Disabilities were engaged in a face-to-face interview. Respondents were selected using non-probability sampling techniques like purposive and convenience sampling. Results Findings revealed that Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs) use various strategies such as media engagement, community outreach, and campaigns to enhance a diversified society. To enhance gender equality, three (3) of the respondents were male, and three (3) were female. Partnership among organizations is an adequate strategy that enhances inclusion. This is evident in the fact that DPOs collaborate on projects that enable the inclusion of persons with disabilities in social activities. In line with the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the two organizations are very supportive of persons with disabilities, ranging from providing assistive technologies like braille machines, wheelchairs, tricycles, and hearing aids to organizing capacity development training on entrepreneurship to enhance financial independence. Conclusion From a clear standpoint, DPOs are fundamental pillars in promoting an inclusive society in Zanzibar. In their efforts to enhance inclusivity, they collaborate with like-minded organizations to enable effective inclusive policies. Recommendations Strengthened collaboration is a strong pillar and sustainable approach to promoting a disability-friendly society. Therefore, DPOs must collaborate with like-minded organizations to enable an inclusive society in Zanzibar.