Terms of Reference for Development of Disability Study Course Module

Terms of Reference on Development of Disability Study Course Module

Background 

Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) is an organization established by Blind and Partially Sighted (BPs) Youth of Nepal, with the vision of "BPS people of Nepal enjoying a dignified life in an inclusive society." Currently, BYAN is working in the areas of policy advocacy, education, employment, disaster risk reduction, political participation, and promotion of SRHR of persons with disabilities in general and BPS in particular.

BYAN is currently implementing a Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) project under Right Here Right Now 2 (RHRN2). One of its primary objectives is to empower young people with disabilities to make decisions regarding their sexuality, express their needs, and assert their rights. To achieve this goal, the project has generated Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) champions among young individuals with various disability groups, including physical disability, hearing-related disability, vision-related disability, and intellectual/autism-related disability. These champions are being mobilized to conduct awareness sessions in the schools and communities. Simultaneously, BYAN is engaged in advocacy and lobbying efforts with local and federal government agencies. The aim is to integrate CSE into local curriculums, allocate budgetary resources, and develop/produce Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials in accessible and alternative versions. 

Since its establishment, BYAN has been extensively working to promote disability inclusion. Major initiatives include conducting disability inclusion orientations among representatives of government and non-government agencies, organizing awareness programs at the school/college level, and engaging in social media campaigning. Additionally, BYAN has been developing educational materials, including booklets addressing various issues faced by youths with disabilities.

Disability is an evolving concept, and understanding it is paramount for the promotion of inclusive development. However, very few universities in Nepal have included this topic in their curriculum, and disability inclusion has not become a significant focus of academic discourse in the country. Consequently, the intersectionality of disability inclusion is often overlooked.

In this context, with the aim of bridging the gap between academic discourse and the disability movement, BYAN aims to develop a short Disability Studies Course module. This course will be rolled out at the undergraduate/graduate level in partnership with like-minded colleges/universities. The module aims to educate undergraduate/graduate students about disability inclusion and can also be offered to professionals working in government, non-government, and developmental fields.

The study course module will include topics such as an overview of disability, disability and intersectionality, disability rights and legislation, key disability issues including education, health (SRHR), and social protection, as well as disability research and its applications. It is estimated that the total duration of the course will be around 15-20 hours. 

In this context, BYAN calls for expressions of interest (EOI) from interested and experienced individuals/firms for the development of the Disability Study Course Module. Interested parties are requested to apply, mentioning the subject line "Expression of Interest for the Development of Disability Study Course Module," no later than May 27th, 2024, at procurement@byanepal.org.

Objective of the Assignment:

The primary objective of this assignment is to develop a comprehensive yet concise course module on disability inclusion studies. The module aims to educate undergraduate/graduate students and professionals about disability rights and inclusion, thereby enhancing their understanding and capacity to contribute effectively to academic, research, and professional endeavors in this field.

Scope of Work:

The scope of work may include following but not limited to: 

• Conduct a thorough review of existing literature, policies, and practices related to disability inclusion, both nationally and internationally.
• Develop a structured curriculum for the Disability Studies Course Module, outlining key topics, learning objectives, and methodologies.
• Design course materials, including lecture notes, presentations, reading materials, case studies, and assessment tools, ensuring accessibility for individuals with diverse disabilities.
• Incorporate interactive and participatory teaching methods to engage students and facilitate effective learning.
• Include practical examples, case studies, and real-life scenarios to contextualize theoretical concepts and enhance learning outcomes.
• Ensure alignment with relevant national and international frameworks, guidelines, and legislation related to disability rights and inclusion.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including BYAN members, disability rights advocates, educators, and professionals, to gather insights and feedback for module development.
• Pilot test the course module with a diverse group of participants to evaluate its effectiveness and make necessary revisions based on feedback.

Deliverables:

1. Comprehensive Disability Studies Course Module, including:

• Detailed curriculum outline
• Course materials (lecture notes, presentations, reading materials, etc.)
• Assessment tools (quizzes, assignments, etc.)

2. Presentation of the course module to relevant stakeholders,

Timeline:

Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission Deadline: Not later than 27th May 2024

Contract Duration: Maximum 15 days from the date of signing agreement 

Completion of Deliverables: End of June, 2024

Qualifications:

Interested individuals/firms should possess the following qualifications:

• Minimum bachelor degree in law, disability study, social science or any other relevant activities 
• Demonstrated experience in course/booklet/resource materials development, particularly in the field of disability studies or related areas.
• Strong understanding of disability rights, legislation, and intersectionality issues.
• Familiarity with inclusive teaching methodologies and accessible course design principles.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including persons with disabilities and advocacy organizations.
• Ability to deliver high-quality work within agreed timelines.

Submission Instructions:

Interested individuals/firms are requested to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) to procurement@byanepal.org with the subject line: "An Expression of Interest for the Development of Disability Course Module" by the deadline mentioned above.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Relevant experience and qualifications
• Quality and feasibility of proposed methodology
• Understanding of the project objectives and context
• Cost-effectiveness of the proposal

Contact Information:

For inquiries or clarification regarding this TOR, please contact Nir Shrestha, the Program Officer at nir@byanepal.org.  

Note:

BYAN reserves the right to accept or reject any or all expressions of interest without assigning any reason thereof. The selected individual/firm will be required to sign a formal contract outlining the terms and conditions of the assignment.