Across the world, 1 in 7 people has a disability and 80 percent live in developing countries. Many people with disabilities face discrimination and stigma in their everyday lives; they often remain locked out of opportunities, and as a result remain locked into poverty.
“Leave no one behind” is now a fundamental principle enshrined in the United Nations’ new Global Goals on sustainable development. And these goals have pledged to reach all 650 million people without access to clean water, and 2.3 billion without access to sanitation — that means making taps, toilets and community processes accessible to everyone.
Everyone means everyone — we all have rights to water and sanitation, whether disabled or not, young or old, no matter where we live. But beyond these high-level commitments, what practical ways can nongovernmental organizations mainstream disability inclusion in their work?
About the author
Jane Wilbur
Jane Wilbur is a social inclusion specialist currently working at WaterAid. She has experience in developing and implementing inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene programs; carrying out program reviews and evaluations, as well as conducting, analyzing and disseminating research to influence policy and practice.
