On **21 July 2026**, RHSTEP’s **Aparajeyo Tarunno (Unlocking Youth Potential)** project organized a workshop titled **“Disability Inclusive Health Initiatives: Design Targeted Interventions to Include Youth with Disabilities in Health Reform Activities”** at **Alordhara Pathshala, Sylhet**.

The workshop brought together relevant stakeholders and youth participants to discuss the challenges faced by young people with disabilities in accessing healthcare, their meaningful participation in health reform initiatives, and strategies for developing a more inclusive and equitable health system.

**Siddhartha Shankar Roy**, District Disability Development Officer, Sylhet, attended the workshop as the Chief Guest. The session was chaired by **Nihar Ranjan Das**, Unit Manager, RHSTEP Sylhet. Also present were **Mehedi Hasan**, Project Officer, Aparajeyo Tarunno (Unlocking Youth Potential), RHSTEP Sylhet; **Tanzina Begum** and **Mahfuz Alam**, Mentors, Aparajeyo Tarunno, Sylhet. The session was moderated by **Ayesha Akter**, Mentor, Aparajeyo Tarunno, Sylhet.

Participants engaged in group discussions to identify key challenges and develop recommendations and action plans for ensuring greater inclusion of youth with disabilities in health reform activities. The discussions focused on creating opportunities for young people with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to decisions and initiatives that directly affect their health and well-being.

During the workshop, **Siddhartha Shankar Roy** shared information about various activities of the Department of Social Services and the Department of Disability Development. He expressed his intention to recommend the participation of youth with disabilities in monthly meetings and other relevant activities of the disability development authorities.

He also took part in an open dialogue with participants, listening attentively to their experiences, opinions, concerns and expectations regarding healthcare access and participation in institutional activities.

Speakers emphasized that the **active and meaningful participation of youth with disabilities is essential for making health reform initiatives more effective, equitable and inclusive**. They highlighted that initiatives of this nature can play an important role in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, strengthening youth leadership and ensuring equal opportunities to access healthcare services.

Through such participatory initiatives, **RHSTEP’s Aparajeyo Tarunno (UYP)** continues to create platforms where young people with disabilities can share their voices, contribute to health reform discussions and take an active role in building a more inclusive health system.