To Carry Out a Mapping Study on the Status of Access to Justice and Services for Deaf Persons in Nepal with focus in Madhesh Province

Project: Advancing Empowerment, Inclusion and access to Rights of the Deaf

Organization: National Federation of the Deaf Nepal (NDFN)

Location: Ranibari, Samakhushi, Kathmandu

Issue Date: 12^th June, 2026

Deadline for EOI: 21^st June, 2026 (5:00 PM NST)

A) Background and Objectives

The National Federation of the Deaf Nepal (NFDN) is the umbrella organization of Deaf people in Nepal, working to advocate the rights, representation, accessibility and inclusion of Deaf persons. NFDN and NDFN MAdhesh Province Committee are planning to develop a comprehensive Mapping Report on the Status of Access to Justice and Services and identify and address the systemic gaps and barriers to the deaf community with focus in Madhesh Province. This initiative focuses on analyzing policies, programs and delivery mechanism of Federal and with focus in Madhesh Province. The mapping report aims to analyze and identify the  Federal and provincial policies, programs, and service delivery mechanisms to identify structural barriers and highlight successful local practices. This report will serve as critical evidence to guide upcoming advocacy, policy reform, and enhance accessibility across service delivery agencies.

• Objectives of the Mapping Study

The objectives of the mapping study are to:

1. Review Federal and Madhesh Province legislative frameworks, programs and delivery mechanisms concerning the access to justice and public services of the deaf persons.
2. Assess the procedural, communication and attitudinal barriers that deaf persons encounter to access the public services and social participation.
3. Document existing good practices and interventions in Madhesh Province.
4. Identify concrete, actionable, and sector-specific policy and administrative reform recommendations to promote inclusive services to the deaf.

C) Scope of Work and Methodology

The scope of the assignment of the consultancy are  as following.

1. Preparation and Planning

• Analyze international human rights instruments (such as the UNCRPD, SDG), national laws, Acts, Provincial laws of Madhesh Province, and existing pertinent research reports.
• Map available services, inclusive interventions and gaps to access the services.
• Design quantitative and qualitative study questionnaires, interview guides, FGD protocols for the deaf, parents, teachers, service providers, policymakers etc.
• Ensure adaptation of accessibility measures such as sign language interpreters, local language etc.
• Develop detailed work plan with timelines for policy and service review, data collection, analysis  and report development.

1. Data Collection and Field Visit
   1. Design the data collection plan in coordination with NDFN and NDFN Madhesh Province Committee
   1. Carry out FGDs and key informant interviews (KIIs) with deaf persons, parents, teachers, service providers, policymakers in the districts of Madhesh Province to assess the accessibility, practices, understanding, social stigmas. barriers to access rights and services in the districts of Madhesh Province.
   1. Adapt tools to local norms and community needs.

1. Analysis of Data
   1. Analyze quantitative data using descriptive statistics.

• Evaluate structural and legal gaps in policy provisions and implementation on the ground.
• Analyze qualitative data on attitudes, stigma, good practices and identify existing barriers (e.g., absence of court interpreters, systemic bias, lack of simplified legal information in accessible formats).
• Apply a gender and intersectional lens to analyze the obstacles that deaf women, youth, and rural deaf populations combat.

1. Preparation and Submission of Report
   1. Submit draft report of the mapping with the findings.
   1. Present initial findings of the mapping in the feedback collection workshop and incorporate in the report form the workshop and NDFN.
   1. Submit comprehensive final report including the status of access, challenges, gaps, opportunities, recommendations etc.  including the pictures and documents developed in course of carrying out mapping study.

D) Plan of Action, Deliverables, and Timeline

The mapping study will be conducted between July to September, 2026. The consultant must submit a comprehensive work plan that includes clear timeline and work-plan with clear deliverable mapped to specific deadlines outlined below.

The study employs both quantitative and qualitative data collection approaches.

Consultant should submit the budget breakdown details corresponding to the workplan.

Work-plan, methodology, field visit, accessibility, payment schedule will be finalized after the consultation between NDFN and selected consultant.

E) Consultant Qualifications

The ideal consultant or consultancy firm should possess the following qualifications:

• At least Bachelor degree or higher in Law, Human Rights, Gender Studies, Disability Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Demonstrated understanding of disability rights as provisioned in international and legal frameworks, particularly regarding the Deaf community, communication accessibility. 
• Proven experience in conducting qualitative policy mapping, legal analysis or social research including disability sector.
• Skills in mixed-methods research, disability-inclusive data collection and gender analysis.
• Knowledge on local social context in Madhesh Province.

F) Roles and Responsibilities

Consultant:

• Follow the agreed plan, timeline and timely delivery of all outputs as outlined.
• Strict adherence to ethical protocols, including obtaining informed consent and ensuring absolute confidentiality for all participants.
• Managing logistical and interpretation needs for field operations, in coordination with NDFN.

NDFN/NDFN Madhesh Province Committee:

• Provide relevant and available resources to carry out the mapping.
• Facilitate linkages with provincial chapters, local partners, and Deaf community representatives in Madhesh Province.
• Coordinate with stakeholders, organize feedback workshop, proceed payments as scheduled.

G) Confidentiality and Ownership

All documents, data, transcripts, and records generated during this assignment are the sole property of NFDN. The consultant shall not disclose, share, or publish any part of the data or report to a third party without prior written authorization from NDFN.

H) Termination

This agreement shall enter into force upon mutual signing of the contract and will remain active until all final deliverables are approved, unless terminated earlier by either party through written notice as specified in the service contract.

I) Zero Tolerance and Do No Harm Policy

NFDN is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and fair environment. The consultant must follow a strict zero-tolerance policy against violence, fraud, exploitation, discrimination, harassment, and unethical behavior. They must also adhere to the 'Do No Harm' principle, ensuring that all data collection respects the dignity, safety, language rights, and well-being of everyone involved. Violating these principles will lead to immediate contract termination and possible legal action.

J) Application Procedure

Interested qualified consultant are requested to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) including:

1. Technical Proposal: Detailed methodology, work plan, experience and references of similar works with special focus on disability.
2. Financial Proposal: Detailed budget breakdown of consultancy fee covering preparation, field visit, report development, travel/DSA and accommodation etc.
3. Detailed CV including qualification and experience documents.

Submit to:

National Federation of the Deaf Nepal (NDFN)

Email: vacancy@deafnepal.org.np

Subject Line: EOI for Mapping Study on Access to Justice and Services of Deaf Persons.