Resumen

The development of this manual is part of the Department of Disability and Elderly
Affairs efforts to accelerate inclusion of persons with disabilities and the elderly in
national development endeavors. The manual will be a useful tool and source of
valuable information for capacity building of key stakeholders in disability and elderly
mainstreaming. These include programme officers and policy makers in government
ministries, departments and agencies, Non-Governmental organizations, Organisations
of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), Civil Society Organizations both at national and
district levels as well as the Community at large.
The development of this manual follows the findings from the consultations that the
Department of Disability and Elderly Affairs conducted in all the district councils in
Malawi. Through the consultations, it was established that there is limited awareness
about disability and elderly policies, laws, and programmes among district council
personnel. Plans and programmes at council level have also not fully mainstreamed
disability and elderly issues. It was also revealed that officers at council level have little
or no technical capacity to handle elderly and disability issues.
This manual will serve as a key reference tool for capacity building of various
stakeholders at national, district council and community level. The manual has provided
detailed technical information in the handout section of each unit. It challenges both
rights holders and duty bearers to be proactive in championing disability and elderly
mainstreaming as an integral component of inclusive social protection agenda.