DDS Leadership Development Training
Building Confident Leaders from the Disabled Community
The Disabled Development Society (DDS) believes that true empowerment begins with leadership. Persons with disabilities possess immense potential to lead their communities, advocate for change, and influence policies—yet they are often excluded from leadership roles. To change this narrative, DDS conducts comprehensive Leadership Development Training designed specifically for persons with disabilities, particularly youth and women.
Purpose and Goals
The Leadership Development Training program is designed to:
- Identify and nurture potential leaders within the disabled community.
- Equip participants with the skills and confidence needed to lead self-help groups, community organizations, or advocacy campaigns.
- Promote inclusive leadership that reflects the voices and priorities of people with disabilities.
- Encourage civic engagement and participation in democratic processes.
Key Training Components
- Leadership Styles and Qualities: Understanding different approaches to leadership, including inclusive, transformational, and participatory models.
- Public Speaking and Communication: Building clarity and confidence in expressing ideas and addressing audiences.
- Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: Strengthening critical thinking and planning abilities in group or organizational contexts.
- Advocacy and Rights Awareness: Teaching the rights of disabled persons and how to advocate for inclusion and equality.
- Team Building and Conflict Resolution: Encouraging unity, collaboration, and peaceful conflict management.
- Gender-Sensitive Leadership: Empowering women with disabilities to step into leadership roles and challenge gender bias.
Target Participants
- Youth leaders from DDS Self-Help Groups.
- Women and girls with disabilities aspiring to become community leaders.
- Parents of disabled children, caregivers, and disability rights advocates.
Training Methodology
The training is delivered through interactive workshops, group exercises, real-life case studies, guest sessions with experienced leaders, and peer mentoring. DDS ensures full accessibility through sign language, braille, and inclusive facilitation techniques.
Impact and Achievements
- Many DDS-trained leaders have gone on to lead local disability associations, represent their communities in local governance, and participate in national disability forums.
- Women with disabilities are increasingly taking up leadership roles within DDS’s structure and in their communities.
- Participants report increased self-esteem, advocacy skills, and engagement in policy-making platforms.
Future Vision
DDS aims to institutionalize leadership development as a continuous program and build a network of disability leaders across Bangladesh. Plans include a Leadership Resource Center, youth mentoring hubs, and annual leadership conferences.
Through its Leadership Development Training, DDS is preparing a new generation of empowered individuals who are not only breaking stereotypes but also leading Bangladesh toward a more inclusive future.
