TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF A CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT A SURVEY ON DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY FOR PERSONS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT
I.BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION
Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) is a local non-governmental organization legally operating in Rwanda since 1995 with the mission to work towards the improvement of the situation of blind people through education and rehabilitation to facilitate meaningful equality and integration. RUB envisages having a situation where all necessary services for people with visual impairment are provided as a right of the individual and see education and employment opportunities as well as all other welfare services being as available to those who are visually impaired as they are to all other citizens. Since its foundation, RUB has strengthened and extended the scope of its activities by establishing branches in all districts of the country. Currently, RUB has 64 well-established branches in 30 districts with primary beneficiaries being Persons with visual impairment.
As years went by, RUB established various programs and interventions in line with the continuous efforts to advocate for the inclusion of persons with visual impairment into the mainstream society and it has been strengthening and extending the scope of its activities and work by establishing branches in all districts of the country. Currently, RUB has 64 well-established branches operating in all 30 districts of the country
RUB promotes the rights of people with visual impairment through advocacy assistance, education and outreach work to build the Rwandan society’s awareness and support for inclusion. Its members are supported in a wide range of situations, including cases where they have been denied their right to education, to work, to live independently, to access a good standard of healthcare and to enjoy participation in family and community life.
Using Human Rights Based Approach as part of its National Rights advocacy, RUB utilizes advocacy, awareness raising and other various strategic mechanisms in order to advocate for access to necessary services for the inclusion of persons with visual impairment in all aspects of life.
Understanding the importance of digital accessibility in fostering the inclusion, independence, and equal participation of individuals with visual impairment across diverse spheres of life, RUB has decided to undertake a comprehensive survey on digital accessibility among this category of people in Rwanda. This survey aims to pinpoint existing barriers and challenges, providing invaluable insights to guide our advocacy endeavors towards bridging the digital divide and fostering digital inclusion
It is in the above context that RUB wishes to recruit an experienced consultant to work with and for RUB in conducting the above mentioned survey.
II. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT
In connection with its mission and vision, RUB is committed to advocate for the inclusion of persons with visual impairment in all aspects of life.
This consultancy therefore aims at conducting a survey which will help RUB to collect evidence base data on digital accessibility among persons with visual impairment.
Specifically, the consultant will be responsible to conduct a survey:
III. SCOPE OF THE WORK
The survey aims to engage 100 individuals with visual impairment from 10 distinct locations/districts across Rwanda. Additionally, it will incorporate input from relevant stakeholders. Taking into consideration this, the consultant will be tasked to:
IV. DELIVERABLES
The key deliverables for the consultancy assignment are as follows:
VI.DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The consultancy should be completed within two months from the date after signing the contract including the inception report, review of relevant documents, development of survey tools, conducting the survey and finalization of the assignment.
VII.SUPPORT TO BE PROVIDED BY RUB
During the period of the consultancy, RUB shall avail the following:
VIII. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
IX.EVALUATION CRITERIA
The consultant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
X. APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Interested consultants should send cover letters, technical proposal explaining the consultant’s understanding of the assignment, methodology, curriculum vitae highlighting relevant experience and a detailed financial proposal in a sealed envelope marked ‘’Consultancy to conduct a survey on assistive technology among persons with visual impairment’’. All applications documents should be submitted only in hard copies to RUB office not later than Friday, 3rd May,2024 at 4pm.
No unsolicited communications from applicants will be accepted before or during the evaluation period and any queries relating to this consultancy should be directed to rubura1994@gmail.com with a copy to donakanimba@gmail.com.
Only hard copies will be accepted. All applicants will receive feedback on their applications not later than 10 days after the submission deadline.
Thank you and we look forward to receiving your applications.
Kigali 26th April,2024
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