समाचार,सुचना

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

Consultancy Services: Research Study on the Effectiveness of Peer Support mechanisms for Children with Deafblindness in Nepal

1.  Introduction and Background

The National Federation of the Deaf Nepal (NDFN) has been implementing peer support programs to facilitate the inclusion of children with deafblindness within Deaf special schools and other community schools. While these students share a school environment with deaf peers, their unique communication and orientation needs require specialized support.

NDFN currently facilitates peer-to-peer mechanisms where deaf students assist their deafblind peers. NDFN now seeks a qualified Research Consultant to evaluate the impact of these mechanisms on academic performance, social integration, and emotional well-being.

2.  Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this research is to assess how the peer support mechanism is functioning and its impact on students with deafblindness. Specific objectives include:

• Academic Competencies: Evaluating how peer support influences the student’s ability to follow classroom instructions, complete assignments, and participate in learning activities.
• Social Bonding and Relationships: Investigating the depth of social interaction, friendship formation, and the sense of belonging between deafblind students and their deaf peers.
• Mechanism Evaluation: Identifying the strengths and gaps in the current peer support model (e.g., how peers are selected, trained, and supervised).
• Impact on Peer Supporters: Assessing the benefits and challenges experienced by the deaf students who provide the support.

3.  Scope of Work

The consultant will be expected to:

• Design the Methodology: Develop a research framework using qualitative and quantitative tools (e.g., classroom observations, interviews with students/teachers, and focus group discussions).
• Field Data Collection: Visit selected Deaf special schools across various regions to gather primary data.
• Communication Accessibility: Ensure all research tools and interviews are accessible, utilizing Nepali Sign Language (NSL) and Tactile Sign Language as required.
• Data Analysis: Analyse the correlation between peer support and the academic/social outcomes of deafblind students.
• Recommendations: Provide actionable recommendations for scaling and improving the peer support model.

4.  Deliverables

• Inception Report: Detailed research design, sampling plan, and ethical considerations.
• Preliminary Findings: A presentation to NDFN board and stakeholders for feedback.
• Final Research Report: A comprehensive report (English) with an executive summary in Nepali.
• Policy Brief: A 4-page summary for advocacy with the Ministry of Education and local authorities.

5.  Required Qualifications

• Academic Background: Master’s or PhD in Inclusive Education, Disability Studies, Psychology, or Social Sciences.
• Technical Expertise: Proven experience in conducting disability-focused research, specifically regarding deafblindness or sensory impairments.
• Communication Skills: Proficiency in Nepali Sign Language (NSL) is highly preferred. If not proficient, the consultant must demonstrate how they will work with qualified interpreters.
• Experience: At least 5 years of experience in the NGO/INGO sector or academic research in Nepal.

6.  Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• Technical Proposal (max. 5 pages): Outlining the proposed research questions and methodology.
• Financial Proposal: Including all travel and data collection costs.
• Sample of Previous Work: A copy of a research report or article related to inclusive education or disability.

Submission Deadline: 27/04/2026

No phone calls are entertained; submissions and inquiries should be directed to: vacancy@deafnepal.org.np