Discrimination against people with disabilities hinders economic development, limits democracy, and erodes societies. The U.S. Embassy has been working with concerned stakeholders to protect the rights of disabled persons as well as to ensure their inclusion and participation in society. 

As part of ongoing efforts, the U.S. Embassy in collaboration with Mandela Washington Fellows and the Fashion Designers Association is organizing an “Inclusive Fashion Show” with the aim of promoting inclusion and bringing about attitudinal change towards disability, on March 18, 2017 at the Sheraton Hotel. 

15 designers will be participating in the Inclusive Fashion Show by designing outfits and accessories for individuals with disabilities. 28 models with disabilities and 9 professional models will be wearing the specially designed clothes and accessories.

Winners of the U.S. Embassy sponsored, “Inclusion: Our Story,” video challenge will be announced at the fashion show. The video challenge was organized to commemorate the International Day of Peoples’ with Disabilities and to share the challenges as well as the success stories of people with disabilities.

In connection with the “Inclusive Fashion Show” and “Inclusion: Our Story” video challenge, a U.S. Embassy representative and partner organizations will brief the press.

You are invited to attend a press conference at:

Date: Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 9:30 am Venue: Sheraton Addis, Semien Room

Please RSVP to Zelalem Befekadu (091-150-9522) or Ali Suleiman (091-150- 9510).