About Us
Deaf's Sustenance and Development Organization (DSDO) is a Tanzanian non-governmental organization established in 2016 and registered under the Non-Governmental Organizations Act of 2002. Headquartered in Tanzania Mainland, DSDO was founded to improve the livelihoods of marginalized and vulnerable groups — particularly people with disabilities — through inclusive development,community empowerment, and nature conservation.
DSDO operates at the intersection of disability inclusion, community-based natural resource management, and conservation science. Our work is grounded in the conviction that the people most often excluded from decision-making — including deaf and hard-of-hearing community members — are also among the most directly affected by environmental change. By integrating disability inclusion into conservation programming, DSDO demonstrates that community conservation can be genuinely accessible and just.
Our organization implements a range of key programs and initiatives designed to address the diverse needs of people with disabilities. These include inclusive education programs, healthcare access initiatives, economic empowerment through vocational training and entrepreneurship programs, and robust advocacy and awareness campaigns. Through these efforts, we aim to improve access to essential services and opportunities, ensuring that people with disabilities can lead independent and fulfilling lives. Our initiatives are further strengthened through partnerships with reputable organizations like Voice, Wildaf, Gered Gereedschap, and the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA), which help us amplify our impact and reach.
Since its inception, DSDO has made significant strides in enhancing the lives of people with disabilities in Tanzania Mainland. Our impact is evidenced by the numerous individuals who have benefited from our programs, gaining skills, resources, and support necessary for their personal and professional development. Looking forward, DSDO aims to expand its reach and impact by developing new programs, strengthening partnerships, and scaling successful initiatives. Our commitment to creating an inclusive society drives us to continuously advocate for and support the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of life.
Vision
To create a Tanzanian society where Deaf persons are respected, protected, and economically stable, with access to better social services in a conducive environment.
Mission
To foster a joyful and improved life for the Deaf community within an inclusive society that fully acknowledges their rights and ensures access to comprehensive services.
Our Partners
Voice is an innovative grant facility that supports the most marginalized and discriminated people in their efforts to exert influence in accessing productive and social services and political participation. DSDO has been in collaboration with Voice since 2018 to empower and amplify the voices of deaf individuals in our community, focusing on advocacy and access to resources and essential services.
WiLDAF is a Pan-African women’s rights network dedicated to promoting and strengthening strategies that link law and development to increase women’s participation and influence at the community, national, and international levels. Together with WiLDAF, DSDO works on initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and providing legal support to deaf women in Tanzania.
Gered Gereedschap (Rescued Tools) collects used tools and refurbishes them to support vocational training projects in developing countries. Gered Gereedschap supports DSDO by providing tools and equipment for vocational training programs aimed at enhancing the skills of deaf individuals.
The European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) focuses on the promotion of good governance and citizen participation at the local level. DSDO and ALDA collaborate on projects that promote inclusive local governance and enhance the participation of deaf individuals in democratic processes.
