Message from the Chairman
Dahir Jama Deria
Chairperson, Somaliland Disability and Handicap Organization (SDHO)
Building an Inclusive Somaliland Together
Welcome to the Somaliland Disability and Handicap Organization (SDHO).
It is my privilege to welcome you to SDHO, an organization committed to promoting the rights, dignity, equality, and inclusion of persons with disabilities across Somaliland. Our work is built on the belief that every individual has unique abilities, valuable contributions, and the right to live a life of dignity with equal access to opportunities and services.
At SDHO, we strive to create a society where persons with disabilities are recognized as equal partners in development. Through advocacy, inclusive healthcare, education, climate resilience, livelihoods support, humanitarian assistance, and community-based programmes, we work to reduce barriers and strengthen opportunities for persons with disabilities and their families.
We recognize that disability inclusion requires collective action. SDHO therefore works closely with government institutions, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), United Nations agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, communities, and private sector stakeholders to promote inclusive policies, strengthen services, and ensure that the voices of persons with disabilities are heard in decision-making processes.
Although significant progress has been achieved, many persons with disabilities continue to face challenges related to accessibility, healthcare, education, employment, social protection, and participation in public life. These challenges require commitment, collaboration, innovation, and sustainable partnerships.
As Chairperson of SDHO, I reaffirm our dedication to advancing disability rights and creating lasting solutions that empower persons with disabilities to participate fully in Somaliland’s social and economic development.
We warmly invite all partners, including governments, UN agencies, donors, NGOs, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and community leaders, to join us in building a more inclusive future. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and ensure that no person is left behind.
Thank you for your continued support, partnership, and commitment to disability inclusion.
Dahir Jama Deria
Chairperson, SDHO
About Us
<Our Mission
To empower persons with disabilities through advocacy, inclusive development, capacity strengthening, and strategic partnerships that promote equal access to education, healthcare, livelihoods, humanitarian assistance, climate action, and decision-making processes.
Our Vision
An inclusive Somaliland where persons with disabilities enjoy equal rights, opportunities, dignity, and full participation in all aspects of society.
Our Programs
Adeegyada muhiimka ah ee aan u adeegno bulshada
Disability Rights & Advocacy
- Human rights awareness & public education
- Policy advocacy & legal empowerment
- Civic engagement and active participation
Economic Empowerment
- Vocational & skills development training
- Entrepreneurship and business support
- Village Savings and Loan Associations
Humanitarian Response
- Emergency food and cash transfers
- Water, Sanitation, and WASH support
- Disability-inclusive protection
Sustainable Livelihood
- Sustainable employment frameworks
- Enabling active social independence
- Long-term livelihood support schemes
Climate Resilience
- Community-based safety measures
- Disaster risk adaptation initiatives
- Support for highly vulnerable families
Health & Rehabilitation
- Medical referrals & rehabilitation
- Mental health & psychosocial support
- Disability screening & health awareness
Key Achievements
Dhabbaha loogu talagalay dhisidda bulsho loo dhan yahay oo awood leh
Inclusive Education
SDHO has successfully facilitated full educational scholarship access to build academic paths for disabled students across leading institutes, creating equal future opportunities.
Academic Inclusion
Fostering educational access across Somaliland.
Inclusive Healthcare
We facilitate life-saving surgery processes and critical health checkups for vulnerable families with disabilities.
Medical Initiatives
Delivering critical healthcare interventions where most needed.
Assistive Devices
SDHO provides mobility-enhancing tools such as customized wheelchairs, supportive tricycles, and auxiliary equipment.
Mobility & Independence
Unlocking independent motion across all regions.
Rights & Advocacy
Empowering the disabled community to utilize civil rights, voting access, and democratic policy representation.
Equal Voice & Representation
Influencing public policies to ensure structural inclusion.
Livelihoods & Relief
Fostering food security and economic opportunities through inclusive agricultural cooperatives and direct family support schemes.
Sustainable Livelihoods
Protecting vulnerable households through modern micro-economic approaches.
lastest News
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Disability Situation in Somaliland
Persons with disabilities in Somaliland continue to face significant barriers that limit their full participation in society. Key challenges include:• Limited access to quality and inclusive education• Inadequate access to healthcare and rehabilitation services• High unemployment and limited livelihood opportunities• Social stigma and discrimination• Poor accessibility to public infrastructure and services• Limited availability of assistive…
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Programmatic Areas
SDHO implements integrated programmes that promote disability inclusion, protect human rights, and improve the well-being and resilience of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable communities across Somaliland. 1. Disability Rights and AdvocacySDHO promotes and protects the rights of persons with disabilities through: • Human rights awareness and public education• Policy advocacy and legal empowerment •…
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Target Beneficiaries
SDHO is committed to serving persons with disabilities and other vulnerable and marginalized groups through inclusive, rights-based, and community-driven programmes. The organization’s primary target beneficiaries include: Persons with disabilities• Women and girls with disabilities• Children with disabilities• Youth, including marginalized and unemployed youth • Older persons• Female-headed households• Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) • Refugees and…