People with disabilities are still excluded
As the world celebrates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, HI calls governments and actors involved in development cooperation and humanitarian action to make all efforts to fully include people with disabilities and lift any barriers that discriminate against them.
Blind Ali charges phones in the shop he owns with his wife Abiba, who is also blind, in Kakuma Town, Kenya. Both Ali and Abiba 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
Did you know?
People with disabilities : 15% of the world population
15% of the world population lives with a disability. That’s one person in six. Discrimination by society and discriminatory policies by governments cause a higher risk of poverty for people with disabilities. As a consequence, they are much more likely to experience food insecurity; inability to pay rent, mortgage, and need social services…
Barriers to access to welfare services
In many countries, people with disabilities do not have access to health or social protection services. They are often unaware of their rights and do not know how to apply. There is no accessible information and documentation. They cannot physically access grant offices and staff may have a discriminatory attitude.
Barriers to access health care
People with disabilities are 3 times more likely to be unable to access health care. People with sensory or mobility impairments may encounter physical obstacles to diagnostic equipment and health facilities. People with disabilities may be prevented from accessing health care because of discriminatory practices and policies, lack of access to information, and insurance schemes may limit the availability of coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Barriers to access to education
Depending on countries, up to 90% of children with disabilities do not go to school: Teachers might consider that school is not for them; or not know how to adapt lessons to their needs… School buildings and educational materials are inaccessible. People with disabilities are less likely to attend school, less likely to complete primary or secondary education, and less likely to be literate.
People with disabilities are excluded from the labour market
In developing countries, up to 80% of people with disabilities of working age are out of work. Employers might be reluctant to employ them due to misconceptions about their working capacity, negative societal attitudes and non-accessible workplaces, vocational skills centres and job services.
