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The United Nations estimates that approximately 10% of the world's population (650 million) live with a disability on a daily basis, and approximately 80% of these disabled live in developing countries where they are impoverished and have little or no access to basic services, including rehabilitation. Sadly, these daunting figures are set to climb due to a combination of poverty, conflict, child labour, malnutrition, unsafe workplaces, HIV/AIDS, natural disasters and an ageing population.
People with disability face major barriers to full participation in community life and are very likely to face social exclusion, unable to access education, health services, employment opportunities as well as access to basic aids and equipment that would grant them independence. As a result, not only are people with disabilities impacted but also their families and their communities. Unsurprisingly, disability is both a cause and a consequence of poverty.
Therefore, it is vitally important that the benefits of development reach those who are most excluded. WRA plays a part in actively including those with disability in development activities and processes by facilitating the work of various partner organisations including Deaf Action Inc, APIDS, and ARMS.
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