Humanity & Inclusion in Cuba
Our team has worked in Cuba since 1998, initially supporting artificial limb and orthopedic brace production and community-based rehabilitation. In time, our attention has shifted to promote inclusion of people with disabilities.
With 11 million people, Cuba is the largest Caribbean nation. It is prone to hurricanes, which cause regular and severe economic damage to the country and undermine living conditions, especially for people with disabilities who generally have fewer resources.
The U.S. continues to impose a commercial, economic, and financial embargo against Cuba. Although people with disabilities receive free medical care, the lack of transport and of modern medical equipment limit access to specialized healthcare. The Covid-19 crisis has worsened the situation, depriving the country of one of its main resources: tourism.
Areas of Intervention
- Rehabilitation
- Economic inclusion
- Disaster risk reduction
Since we began working in Cuba, Humanity & Inclusion has been implementing a range of functional rehabilitation projects, using local community resources and developing models implemented by local actors.
Our 9-person team helps people with disabilities obtain employment, with a special focus on women and youth, whilst strengthening existing vocational training structures in collaboration with state services and civil society organizations. Staff empowers people with disabilities to participate in the socio-economic development of Cuba.
The organization also works with the local authorities and civil society actors on disaster risk reduction and resilience strategies, taking people with disabilities into account in the development of preparedness plans.
