Restoring Autonomy and Dignity Through Disability-Inclusive Sanitation

In Darchula in Sudurpashchim Province, the geography itself often acts as a barrier to those living with physical disabilities, yet for many, the most significant obstacles are not the steep mountain trails but the structural limitations within their own homes. For Lalit Tamata in Naugad Rural Municipality, the simple act of using a toilet was a daily ordeal that stripped away his privacy and autonomy. Because his home was equipped only with a traditional squat pan, his physical disability made the facility nearly impossible to use without help; he was forced to stand precariously during use, requiring a family member to hold him for support, and he relied entirely on his wife to assist with washing.

In this reality, sanitation was a shared struggle rather than a private right, creating a cycle of dependency that weighed heavily on both the individual and his caregivers. To address these challenges, LACC Project integrates Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles directly into its infrastructure planning. In Naugad Rural Municipality, LACC is successfully completing the construction of specialized accessible toilets for nine households. These toilets are specifically designed for family members with physical disabilities.

The true impact of this work is found in the quiet relief of the beneficiaries, such as the resident in Naugad who, during a recent visit, shared that he no longer has to wait for his wife’s assistance or fear falling.

His simple statement, “Now, I can do it myself,” captures the essence of restored dignity and serves as a powerful reminder that inclusion is the difference between feeling like a burden and feeling like an independent member of a household.

This success has already inspired local leadership in Naugad Rural Municipality to plan to expand these inclusive interventions in the upcoming fiscal year, ensuring that sustainable and community development are measured by the autonomy returned to every member of the community.

This story was originally published in the LACC Project Semi-Annual Progress Report FY 2025/26. It has been reproduced on the LACC website with minor editorial edits for readability while preserving the original content and meaning.