Disability Inclusion

Over a billion people, or 16% of the world’s population, are estimated to have a disability, and disability prevalence is higher in developing countries.

Persons with disabilities are more likely to experience adverse socioeconomic outcomes such as less education, poorer health outcomes, lower levels of employment, and higher poverty rates.  Poverty may increase the risk of disability through malnutrition, inadequate access to education and health care, unsafe working conditions, a polluted environment, and lack of access to safe water and sanitation. Disability may also exacerbate the risk of poverty, through lack of education and resulting in limited employment opportunities, lower wages, and increased cost associated with having a disability.