The vast majority of Eritreans with hearing or vision impairment lack the proper resources which limit opportunities for education or work. Due to limited public awareness and social stigma associated with disability, school enrolment for the disabled is a big challenge. Social stigma associated with disability results in marginalization in social functions. EHVI has taken steps to address public awareness, early education, technology transfer and opportunities for higher education in Eritrea. In 2014, the Eritrean Hearing and Visually Impaired (EHVI) was established. The aim of EHVI is to promote awareness and commitment to full participation, equality and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Eritrea.

Because of the prevalent social attitudes towards people with disabilities, they often face limitation. Women with disabilities experience especially severe marginalization.

New laws for people with disabilities exist however enforcement will take place only when there is a genuine public understanding of the underlying issues that may be taken a step at a time.

Eritrea is a shining example of improvement. Most recently, Eritrea’s Ministry of Labor and Human Welfare has decided to incorporate disability issues into the country’s Comprehensive National Policy.