Our Work
Activities
We support the independent living and equal participation of persons with disabilities. From personal assistance, peer counselling and training to research and advocacy, we help people and organisations in seven areas.
7
areas of work
2010
the year we began our work
15
partner organizations
Our Work
What we do
Select “Learn more” on any card to read the full description, real examples and related materials.
Personal assistance service
Trained personal assistants support people with severe disabilities in their daily activities.
Peer counseling and conversations
Peer counselling between persons with disabilities helps people get through psychological difficulties.
Training and information
Training and information for persons with disabilities and our members on independent living, employment, legal rights and public services.
Policy research
Research and monitoring of accessibility in education, social protection and infrastructure, with advice based on the findings.
Advocacy
Advocacy towards public policy and society to change misconceptions and attitudes and to improve the legal framework.
Employment support
We create adapted workplaces for persons with disabilities and so increase their participation in society.
Member development
Regular activities and skill-building programmes that strengthen our members’ capacities and participation.
Full descriptions
For each area: what we do, who it is for, real examples and related materials.
Personal assistance service
We provide a personal assistance service that supports persons with severe disabilities in their daily activities. We identify each person's needs and assign an assistant who has completed personal assistant training and has the necessary skills.
Who is it for? Persons with severe disabilities — support with everyday activities
Examples from our work
- Personal assistance service model projects (2017 — AIFO, Tegsh Niigem (Equal Society) NGO, Canada Fund)
- Long-term model project on the right to independent living, with Mainstream Association, Japan (2018)
- Personal assistance service pilot program (2022), following our proposal to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the General Agency for Development of Persons with Disabilities
More examples
- Home care service — under contract with Bayangol District since 2013
Peer counseling and conversations
One of the hardest problems persons with disabilities face is going through a psychological crisis. Internationally, this is addressed through “peer counseling”: conversations between persons with disabilities.
Who is it for? Persons with disabilities — through conversations with other persons with disabilities
Examples from our work
- The Independent Living Support Department’s “peer counseling and conversations” service
- The first Independent Living Program, supported by the international organization Mercy Corps (2012)
Training and information
We regularly provide training and information to help persons with disabilities live independently, find work and take a fuller part in society. Training is planned around our members' needs and interests, and we share everyday information, as well as information on relevant laws and public services, online.
Who is it for? Persons with disabilities and our members — training is planned around members’ needs and interests
Examples from our work
- Training on built-environment accessibility assessment (GIZ project)
- Human rights and accessibility training for 129 teachers from three polytechnic colleges (2019)
- “Improving Voter Education for Young People with Disabilities” project
More examples
- Our quarterly e-newsletter
Related materials
Policy research
Our aim is to build a society that is accessible to everyone. To this end, we carry out research and monitoring on improving accessibility in education, social protection and infrastructure, and provide advice, information and training based on the findings.
Examples from our work
- CBID 2019 — sidewalk accessibility assessment: 97 crossings, 8071 meters of sidewalk
- Accessibility assessment of public transport stops and bus services (JICA, 2016)
- Accessibility assessment of labor and social protection sector organizations (2018)
More examples
- Simplified guide to accessibility standards — for the Bayangol District Governor’s Office
- Accessibility standards assessments and advice at the request of organizations
Video (YouTube, in Mongolian): Introducing the assessment app
Related materials
Advocacy
We carry out awareness-raising and advocacy aimed at government policy and decision-making and at the wider public, to change misconceptions and attitudes about persons with disabilities and to create a sound legal framework.
Examples from our work
- Asia TRY / Mongolia TRY advocacy tour (2011–2019)
- “Accessible Public Transport for All” advocacy march (2014)
- Shadow report to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2015)
More examples
- Barrier Parade walk — showing first-hand how accessible the sidewalks are
Related materials
Employment support
We work to increase the participation of persons with disabilities in society by creating adapted jobs. This includes jobs in all kinds of computer services, small souvenir products, and advice and information on legal and infrastructure issues.
Who is it for? Persons with disabilities — adapted jobs
Examples from our work
- UP Coffee Shop — in partnership with the international organization AIFO (2024)
- Jobs in computer services, souvenir products, and giving advice and information
- Opportunity to study with a stipend and learn a trade at the Rehabilitation, Training and Production Center
Member development
Universal Progress ILC regularly organizes activities to strengthen its members’ capacity and participation in society. These include celebrating holidays and special occasions together, spending leisure time together, and programs that support personal skills.
Who is it for? Members of Universal Progress ILC
Examples from our work
- “Increasing the Social Participation of Adolescents and Young People with Disabilities” Z10/Z20 program (2019, 2020)
- Celebrating holidays and special occasions and spending leisure time together
- Our 10th anniversary (2020)
Departments and programmes
Our work is carried out by four departments and programmes.
Independent Living Support Department
Inclusion Department
A policy council for safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities.
Members' Social Participation Program
Core Office
- International cooperation
- Finance
- Facilities and logistics
Responsible for the organisation’s internal operations.