MUHSEN

Grant Type: General Operating

Duration: January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021

Organization Overview

Muhsen is a nonprofit umbrella organization that aims to establish an inclusive and accessible environment for individuals with disabilities and their families. Muhsen advocates and educates, conducts training, and implements programs and services across North America to improve the experience within mosques, conventions and related classes and events, as well as to engender a positive and welcoming community for persons with disabilities.

Summary

Muhsen advocates for people with disabilities, as well as their families and caregivers, by increasing awareness, facilitating accommodations, and building more acceptance in Muslim communities. In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, Muhsen has undergone a significant digital transformation that has required them to be especially intentional about creating access that accounts for a diversity of needs for people with a range of disabilities. Muhsen’s Caregiver Support programs have become essential online networks, especially in the absence of in-person interaction. Muhsen is also facing increased demand as a hub for American Sign Language and captioning for other Muslim organizations and institutions who have taken their programming online. Muhsen’s landmark Masjid Certification Project trains community leaders and provides them with the support they need to ensure people with disabilities can access community spaces and participate in public events and educational opportunities. The organization is using this time of decreased in-person interaction to support masjids and Islamic centers in their efforts to catch up on physical accessibility improvements.

Year founded: 2014

Location: Naperville, IL

Website: https://muhsen.org/