Approximately 15% of the world’s population experiences some form of disability, and an estimated 80% of those people live in developing countries. Various governments, bilateral donors, and international organizations have enacted a range of policies, conventions, and agreements – from the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by 181 countries; to disability discrimination laws and constitutional provisions adopted by over 40 countries; to specific disability policies established by the world’s largest development funders, including USAID, DFID, DFAT, and the World Bank. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development states that disability cannot be a reason or criteria for lack of access to development programming and the realization of human rights.

While these policy advancements indicate an emphasis on disability rights in development agendas, there is relatively minimal programming dedicated to disability, let alone effective mainstreaming of disability and inclusion. During this panel discussion, we will cover key questions – how do we increase dialogue between leaders in the disability rights space and the larger development community? How do we mainstream disability inclusion in development agendas? What steps can development practitioners take to improve inclusion at the project, corporate, and donor-levels?

This is event is part of our Series on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.