The Empowerment and Inclusion Division (EI) works to improve the safety and well-being of at-risk populations often beyond the reach of USAID’s programming. EI works to empower individuals to not only enjoy improved security and well-being, but also to thrive, achieving the full and effective participation and inclusion in society that is their human right.

 

The EI portfolio comprises fi ve congressionally directed programs—Displaced Children and Orphans Fund (DCOF); Leahy War Victims Fund (LWVF); Victims of Torture fund (VOT); Disability Program and Wheelchair Program—and the Center on Children in Adversity (CECA). All are housed within USAID’s Center of Excellence on Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (DRG) in the Bureau for Democracy, Confl ict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA). Each provides a dedicated source of fi nancial and technical assistance in their respective programming areas. Empowerment and Inclusion Division initiatives have been at the forefront of developing innovative, state-of-the-art programming for children affected by war; in setting orthopedic, rehabilitation and wheelchair standards in developing countries; and in improving treatment and healing options for survivors of torture. They have also led worldwide policy change on barrier-free accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities in family and community. EI is also home to overall coordination of the U.S. Government’s Action Plan on Children in Adversity (APCA).