BRIDGE Foundation helps people with disabilities learn digital skills, create art, find meaningful work, and advocate for their rights through research. Since 2013, we have trained dozens of students in IT and hospitality, supported deaf and mute artists, and conducted groundbreaking research on disability rights in Bangladesh.
We believe everyone deserves the chance to be independent, creative, and valued.
Three Key Services
Skills Training & Research Learn computer skills, hospitality, and soft skills. Our programs are designed for people with all types of disabilities, including deaf, mute, and visually impaired individuals. [Button: Learn More]
Magical Art of Silence supports deaf and mute artists by buying their paintings, pottery, and handmade crafts. Every purchase helps artists earn income and gain recognition globally. [Button: View Artwork]
Advocacy & Research We research disability rights, accommodation, education, health, employment, and accessible environments to inform policy and create change. [Button: Read Our Research]
We provide skills training, create opportunities, and conduct research to build a more inclusive Bangladesh
Empowering People with Disabilities Through Technology, Art, and Research
Mohammad Sohel and Mashiat Tanin—Hearing and Speech Impaired Artist
Featured artist whose work was showcased at Hotel Sea Palace, Cox's Bazar, on International Disability Day 2020. His artwork represents the talent and creativity of deaf and mute artists and demonstrates that disability doesn't limit artistic expression.
Through the Magical Art of Silence, Mohammad Sohel and Mashiat Tanin had:
- Exhibited work nationally and internationally
- Earned sustainable income from art
- Gained recognition in the humanitarian sector
- Inspired other deaf and mute artists
- Challenged stereotypes about disability
Bangladeshi Artist Series 5
Information
We pride ourselves on our adaptability and commitment to excellence in every aspect of our service. Explore what we have to offer and how we can contribute to your success.
Research & Advocacy: Creating Systemic Change Evidence-Based Solutions for Real Problems
Statement
BRIDGE Foundation is primarily a research-based organization. Since 2013, we have conducted extensive and effective research on people with disabilities to understand their challenges and create evidence-based solutions.
Our research informs our programs, influences policy, and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities at local, national, and international levels.
Major Research Projects
COVID-19 Research (2020)
Research 1: How COVID-19 is Affecting Persons with Disabilities
We conducted online surveys across Bangladesh with all types of people with disabilities to assess the pandemic's impact.
Key Findings:
- People with disabilities faced severe challenges during COVID-19
- Access to essential services was drastically reduced
- Economic impacts were disproportionate
- Health and safety information was not accessible
- Government response did not adequately include people with disabilities
Research Methodology
Our Approach:
- Online and offline surveys reaching people across Bangladesh
- Participatory research involving people with disabilities
- Quantitative data (statistics and numbers)
- Qualitative data (stories and experiences)
- Stakeholder consultations with organizations and government
- Rapid assessments during crises
- Continuous monitoring of changing situations
Participants:
- 4 groups of people with disabilities (deaf, mute, visually impaired, physically disabled)
- Urban and rural populations
- All age groups and genders
Special focus on women and girls with disabilities
Humanitarian Response Research
Rohingya Refugee Camps Research
Topic: "Is it possible to ensure Inclusive Humanitarian Responses while Developing a Deaf and Mute friendly sign language as a new form to spread awareness on COVID19 inside the Rohingya Refugees Camps?"
Published: Act for Displaced [https://bit.ly/3bjq5Gx]
Focus: Ensuring deaf and mute refugees receive COVID-19 information and humanitarian support through accessible sign language communication.
Research 2: Menstrual Health of Women with Disabilities During COVID-19
We conducted specialized research on the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges faced by women with disabilities during the pandemic.
Key Survey Questions & Findings:
Question 1: Can you eat healthy foods for your SRH during this pandemic?
- No: 58% | Yes: 42%
Question 2: During pandemic, can you buy/get supply of necessary things (sanitary napkin/pad, medicine etc.) for your SRH?
- No: 75% | Yes: 25%
Question 3: Are you facing more deprivation during this pandemic?
- No: 43% | Yes: 57%
Question 4: Do you think the necessary things for SRH should be provided free to women with disabilities during this pandemic?
- Yes: 100%
Media Coverage:
- Risingbd.com: "Menstrual health of women with disabilities and a real scenario in COVID-19 situation" [https://bit.ly/39T6RGX]
Impact: This research highlighted the severe challenges women with disabilities face during crises and called for specific government support and free provision of menstrual health supplies.
Socio-Economic Research
"Socio-Economical Condition of the Persons with Disabilities"
Published in 2020 on social media, online news portals, and national dailies. This research examined:
- Income levels of people with disabilities
- Employment barriers and opportunities
- Economic contributions and potential
- Poverty and disability intersection
- Solutions for economic inclusion
Research Impact & Advocacy
How We Use Research:
- Media & Publication We publish our findings in:
- National newspapers (The Business Standard, The Independent, Bonik Barta, Dhaka Tribune)
- Online news portals (Risingbd.com, etc.)
- Social media platforms
- International publications (Act for Displaced)
- CSR reports and journals
- Government Advocacy
- Present findings to government ministries
- Inform policy discussions
- Participate in stakeholder meetings
- Collaborate with SEIP (Ministry of Finance)
- Work with disaster management authorities
- Public Awareness
- Op-eds in major newspapers
- Live sessions and webinars
- Social media campaigns
- Media interviews
- Documentary participation
- Program Development
- Our research directly informs our training programs
- Identifies gaps in services
- Ensures we address real needs
- Measures program effectiveness
Live Sessions & Events (2020)
Young Bangla Live "Let's Talk on Post Covid-19 Youth Development"
- Discussed utilizing people with disabilities to contribute to Bangladesh's economy
- Emphasized protection measures during COVID-19
- Advocated for inclusion in recovery planning
The Journalist Chat
- Media discussion on disability rights
- Challenges during COVID-19
- Solutions and advocacy
Tarunya Katkatha - Budget Women
- Budget analysis from disability perspective
- Women with disabilities' needs
- Economic inclusion
BDMorning Live
- Public awareness on disability issues
- Showcasing success stories
- Breaking stigma
Workshops & Field Activities
International Disability Day Celebration at Cox's Bazar (2020)
- Showcased artwork by Mohammad Sohel
- Raised awareness in refugee camps and local communities
- Collaboration with Age and Disability Working Group
Workshop with Shishuder Jonno Amra (Dhaka)
- Working with children with disabilities
- Training and awareness programs
- Building inclusive education
Partnership with ActionAid
- Youth Innovation Challenge 2019 winner
- Research collaboration
- Advocacy for disability rights
Key Messages from Our Research
15% of Bangladesh's population has disabilities
- We cannot build Bangladesh's future leaving this large population behind
- They must be included in all development planning
People with disabilities are skilled and capable
- They are more skilled than people without disabilities in some cases
- We are not utilizing their expertise in development work
- Proper evaluation and hand-in-hand collaboration is needed
Digital Bangladesh requires inclusion
- We can only build the digital Bangladesh of our dreams by including people with disabilities
- Technology training must be accessible
- Employment opportunities must be inclusive
COVID-19 disproportionately affected people with disabilities
- Lack of accessible health information
- Economic hardship increased
- Women with disabilities faced severe challenges
- Government response must be inclusive
Continuous struggle for inclusion is necessary
- Disability is in our mindset, not in people
- Engagement and employment create true inclusion
We must fight discrimination, exclusion, and marginalization
Key Metrics (Impact Section)
- 27+ youth trained in IT and hospitality
- 12+ artists in our program
- 7 countries where we've exhibited
- 2019 WSIS Prize Champion (Category 15)
- 100+ people with disabilities reached in COVID-19 research
Our Impact & Research
By the Numbers (Since 2013)
Training & Programs:
- 27+ young people trained in IT skills
- 12+ artists supported through Magical Art of Silence
- 12-day specialized infographics training provided
- 100+ people with disabilities reached through COVID-19 research
- Multiple hospitality training participants through SEIP partnership
Exhibitions & Events:
- 7 countries where our artists have exhibited
- 10+ exhibitions in 2019-2020 alone
- International Disability Day celebration at Cox's Bazar
- Multiple workshops and live awareness sessions
Research & Advocacy:
- 2 major COVID-19 research studies published
- 10+ newspaper articles and op-eds published
- 5+ live sessions and media appearances
- 100% of women with disabilities surveyed said free menstrual health supplies should be provided during pandemic
- 75% couldn't access necessary menstrual health supplies during COVID-19
- 58% couldn't eat healthy foods during pandemic
Recognition:
- WSIS Prize 2019 Champion (Category 15)
- Global Youth Travel Awards 2015 - 3rd Place Best Social Responsibility Initiative
- Action Aid Youth Innovation Challenge 2019 Winner
- Joy Bangla Youth Award 2018 Finalist
- Deutsche Welle (DW) Documentary feature
- CSR Report 2019 Featured organization
Meet our team
Behind every service we provide is a dedicated team of professionals, each bringing their unique expertise and enthusiasm to our business.
Natasha Kabir
Founder
Swarna Moye Sarker
Co-founder
Salauddin Ahmed Sharif
Advisor
Meet our team
Behind every success, we ensure that there is a dedicated team of professionals, each bringing their unique expertise and enthusiasm to our business.
Shamimul Islam
Advisor
Mahabubur Rahman
Advisor
Mehedi Hasan
Head of the Research
Matiur Rahman Tuhin
Treasurer
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