People with disabilities are still excluded

On 3rd December, we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Globally, people with disabilities continue to be excluded. Whether it’s accessing social services, health care, education, or a decent job, people with disabilities and disability rights advocates continue to fight for inclusion for all. Humanity & Inclusion’s teams work to ensure that people with disabilities are included in all aspects of life.

Ali charges phones in the shop he owns with his wife Abiba, in Kakuma Town, Kenya. Both Ali and Abiba are blind. They are from Kakuma and have received support for their shop from Humanity & Inclusion and other NGOs after NGO's arrived to support the influx of refugees. | © Kate Holt / HI

A few facts about the struggles people with disabilities face on a daily basis:

15% of the world’s population lives with a disability

That’s one in six. When governments and societies discriminate, people with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty. As a consequence, they are also much more likely to experience food insecurity, the inability to pay rent and have limited access to health and social services, among others.

Access to social protection services

In many countries, people with disabilities do not have equal access social protection services. People with disabilities are often not fully aware of their rights and may not know how to apply for these services. There is a lack of accessible information and documentation. Furthermore, people with disabilities cannot physically access grant offices and other facilities for support due to the lack of accessibility.

Decent health care

People with disabilities are three times more likely to face barriers in accessing health care. People with sensory or mobility disabilities may encounter physical obstacles to diagnostic equipment and health facilities. In addition, people with disabilities may be prevented from accessing health care because of discriminatory practices and policies, lack of access to information, and insurance schemes that may limit the availability of coverage for pre-existing conditions.

School for all

Globally, 32 million children with disabilities do not go to school. In many countries, teachers don’t know how to adapt lessons to make them accessible for children with disabilities. Oftentimes in low-income settings, school buildings and educational materials are inaccessible. Children with disabilities are less likely to attend school, less likely to complete primary or secondary education, and less likely to be literate.

Meaningful, waged employment

In developing countries, up to 80% of people with disabilities of working age are out of work. Employers might be reluctant to employ people with disabilities due to misconceptions about their working capacity, negative societal attitudes, and non-accessible workplaces.

Date published: 04/12/19