LONDON — The needs and challenges around making development programs work for people with disabilities has gained prominence over the last 10 years, most recently after it was taken up by United Kingdom aid boss Penny Mordaunt as one of her core focus areas.
Approximately 15 percent of the world’s population has some kind of disability. But despite increased focus on disability rights, as shown by their explicit inclusion in the Sustainable Development Agenda, experts say that many people with disabilities, especially women, remain locked out of services, trapping them in a cycle of poverty and vulnerability. This is especially true for those living in developing countries.
The British government has recently funded research into how countries can translate their disability inclusion commitments into practice, led by U.K. NGO Leonard Cheshire Disability. The findings are due to be discussed by advocates, experts, and politicians at a two-day summit in London next week.