General Questions

Q: What does BRIDGE stand for? A: Bangladesh Reform Initiative for Development, Governance and Empowerment Foundation.

Q: Who do you serve? A: We serve people with all types of disabilities including deaf, mute, visually impaired, and physically disabled individuals. We have been working with deaf and hard-of-hearing people since 2013 and with visually impaired people since 2016.

Q: Are your programs free? A: Most of our programs are free or low-cost, supported by government funding (SEIP), international donors, and our social enterprise (Magical Art of Silence). No one is turned away for inability to pay.

Q: Where are you located? A: We are based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. [Add specific address when ready]

Q: Do you work outside Dhaka? A: Currently most programs are in Dhaka, but we conduct research nationwide and have held events in Cox's Bazar and other areas. We're working to expand geographically.

Frequently asked questions

Skills Training Questions

Q: What types of training do you offer? A: We offer IT skills training (computers, graphic design, infographics), hospitality training (through SEIP partnership), soft skills training, cultural development programs, and English language education.

Q: How long are the training programs? A: IT training is 7 months, infographics training is 12 days, hospitality training varies by SEIP schedule, and workshops range from 1 day to several weeks.

Q: Do I need previous experience? A: No! Most programs are designed for beginners. We teach from basics to advanced skills.

Q: Are classes taught in sign language? A: Yes! For deaf and hard-of-hearing students, all classes are taught in Bangla Sign Language by trained instructors, many of whom are deaf themselves.

Q: Can visually impaired people participate? A: Absolutely! We've been working with visually impaired people since 2016 and provide accessible materials, screen readers, and adapted teaching methods.

Q: Will I get a job after training? A: We provide comprehensive job placement support and have partnerships with employers. While we cannot guarantee employment, our graduates have found work in IT, hospitality, graphic design, and other fields.

Magical Art of Silence Questions

Q: How can I buy artwork? A: Visit our Facebook page (facebook.com/magicalartofsilence) to see available pieces, or contact us at email for custom commissions.

Q: Do artists really get 100% of the payment? A: Yes! We operate on fair trade principles. The full purchase price goes directly to the artist. BRIDGE Foundation takes no commission.

Q: Where have your artists exhibited? A: Our artists have exhibited in 7 countries: Bangladesh, USA, Mexico, Italy, Austria, United Kingdom, Germany, and Netherlands.

Q: Can I commission a custom piece? A: Yes! We offer custom commissions for portraits, landscapes, pottery, and other artwork. Contact us with your requirements.

Q: How can a deaf or mute artist join the program? A: Email us with samples of your work and information about yourself. We accept new artists based on available space and funding.

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Research & Participation Questions

Q: How can I participate in your research? A: If you are a person with a disability, we regularly conduct surveys and interviews. Follow our Facebook page for announcements, or email inatashaisratkabir@gmail.com  and swarnamoyeesarker@gmail.com

 to express interest.

Q: Can I access your research findings? A: Yes! Many of our research reports are published online in newspapers and our social media. Contact us for specific reports.

Q: Do you conduct research only on people with disabilities? A: Our primary focus is people with disabilities, but we also research related topics like inclusive education, accessible environments, disaster management, and economic inclusion.

Q: Can my organization partner on research? A: Yes! We welcome research collaborations with universities, NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations. Contact us at natashaisratkabir@gmail.com  and swarnamoyeesarker@gmail.com

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Partnership & Support Questions

Q: How can my company hire BRIDGE graduates? A: Contact us at natashaisratkabir@gmail.com  and swarnamoyeesarker@gmail.com

We'll discuss your needs, recommend qualified candidates, and provide ongoing support for inclusive hiring.

Q: Can my organization sponsor a student? A: Yes! Student sponsorship is a great way to directly support someone's education. Contact us to discuss sponsorship options.

Q: How can I volunteer? A: Email inatashaisratkabir@gmail.com  and swarnamoyeesarker@gmail.com

 with your skills, availability, and areas of interest. We need instructors, researchers, event support, and administrative help.

Q: Can my school/college partner with BRIDGE? A: Absolutely! We've partnered with Grace International School, BF Shaheen College, and others for exhibitions and awareness events. Contact us to discuss possibilities.

Q: How can I donate? A: Contact us at natashaisratkabir@gmail.com  and swarnamoyeesarker@gmail.com

 for donation information. Your support helps provide free training, materials for artists, and research funding.

Inclusive Disaster Support Related Questions

Q: Are programs running during ? A: We adapted our programs during the pandemic with safety measures and some online components. We also conducted special research on COVID-19's impact on people with disabilities.

Q: What did your research find? A: Our research showed that 75% of women with disabilities couldn't access menstrual health supplies, 58% couldn't eat healthy foods, and people with disabilities faced disproportionate economic and health challenges. Read full findings on our website and in published articles.

Q: How can I get support as a person with disability? A: Contact us at natashaisratkabir@gmail.com  and swarnamoyeesarker@gmail.com

 While we cannot provide direct financial support, we can connect you with resources and advocate for your needs.

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