Breaking Down Barriers: The Urgent Need for Disability Inclusion

 Breaking Down Barriers: The Urgent Need for Disability Inclusion

By Tahir Ali Shah

Disability is not a distant issue for me; it is a deeply personal and ever-present reality. My 25-year-old son has cerebral palsy, which leaves him both mentally and physically paralyzed. Living with him has given me firsthand insight into the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and has heightened my awareness of the barriers they encounter daily. It has also reinforced my belief that disability should not be viewed as an obstacle to be feared or pitied, but rather as a natural part of human diversity that deserves understanding, acceptance, and support from society.

Despite progress in disability rights and awareness, persons with disabilities continue to be one of the most marginalized groups globally. Over one billion people—about 15% of the global population—live with a disability, and they are disproportionately affected by poverty, social exclusion, and discrimination. Half of all children with disabilities never attend school, often due to a lack of accessible infrastructure, trained teachers, or inclusive policies. Employment discrimination further exacerbates this inequality, pushing many individuals with disabilities into poverty. Households that include persons with disabilities face significantly higher costs, including medical expenses, assistive devices, and lost income from family members who must become full-time caregivers. These barriers create cycles of poverty and social exclusion that persist across generations.

For those of us working in the humanitarian sector, the exclusion of persons with disabilities is particularly evident. During disasters, conflicts, and humanitarian crises, they are often the last to receive aid and face immense challenges in accessing basic services like healthcare, food, and shelter. Emergency evacuations frequently overlook their needs, increasing their risk of being left behind. Relief camps are rarely designed with accessibility in mind, making it difficult for individuals with mobility challenges to access sanitation facilities, medical assistance, and food distribution points. This exclusion not only violates basic human rights but also undermines the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts by neglecting a significant portion of affected populations.

The humanitarian sector has made efforts to acknowledge and address these challenges. The “Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action” calls on organizations to integrate disability inclusion into their frameworks, ensuring accessible services and meaningful participation in decision-making. However, there remains a significant gap between policy and practice. Many humanitarian agencies lack the expertise, resources, or awareness necessary to implement effective disability-inclusive programming. Aid responses must be designed with persons with disabilities in mind from the outset, ensuring that shelters, healthcare facilities, and relief distributions are fully accessible. Training for humanitarian workers is crucial so they can identify the specific needs of persons with disabilities and provide appropriate support. Furthermore, collecting and disaggregating data by disability status is essential to measure progress and address service gaps.

A key challenge to achieving full inclusion is how society perceives disability. Too often, persons with disabilities are seen through a lens of pity, charity, or burden, rather than as individuals with rights and potential. This mindset must change. Disability is a natural part of the human experience, and needing accommodations or support does not make a person lesser or incapable. When societies recognize disability as a normal aspect of human diversity, they can design policies and practices that include everyone from the beginning, rather than retrofitting (upgrading) accessibility measures afterwards.

Government action is crucial in ensuring full inclusion. While many countries have enacted disability rights legislation, enforcement is often weak, and accessibility remains a significant challenge. Public infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment systems must be designed with universal accessibility in mind. Governments should ensure that persons with disabilities have access to inclusive education and vocational training, and that workplaces provide reasonable accommodations. Disability rights must be at the forefront of policy discussions, with dedicated funding and accountability measures to guarantee their implementation.

However, legislation alone is not enough. Disability inclusion must also be a social priority. Businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations must actively work towards creating inclusive environments. Inclusive hiring practices, workplace accommodations, and accessible infrastructure are not just legal requirements but also beneficial to society. The International Labour Organization estimates that excluding persons with disabilities from the workforce results in significant economic losses, costing low- and middle-income countries between three to seven percent of their GDP. In contrast, societies that prioritize inclusion benefit from increased productivity, innovation, and a more diverse workforce.

Beyond employment, education is a critical factor in breaking the cycle of disability-based exclusion. Every child, regardless of ability, deserves access to quality education. However, in many parts of the world, children with disabilities are either turned away from schools due to a lack of accommodations or receive inadequate support that limits their ability to thrive. Inclusive education not only benefits children with disabilities but also fosters a culture of acceptance and understanding among all students, preparing them for a diverse world where differences should be embraced rather than shunned.

In addition to education and employment, access to healthcare is a fundamental right that many persons with disabilities are denied. In many parts of the world, they face discrimination, limited access to medical facilities, and a lack of specialized healthcare services. For individuals with complex medical needs, such barriers can mean the difference between life and death. The health sector must recognize disability as a key factor in health equity and implement policies that ensure persons with disabilities receive the care and support they require.

For meaningful progress to happen, we must listen to and involve persons with disabilities in policy decisions that affect them. Too often, governments and organizations create programs without consulting those with lived experiences. This must change. People with disabilities are the most knowledgeable about their own needs and the barriers they face, making their insights invaluable in designing effective policies and services. Their voices must be heard, amplified, and respected. The good news is that there are four tangible steps we can take to create a more inclusive future.

Firstly, we must reevaluate our own attitudes towards disability. I'm often asked if it's realistic to include people with disabilities in international development programs, especially when others are struggling. This question stems from outdated stereotypes that associate disability with pity and charity. We need to recognize that disability is a natural part of human diversity and that needing accommodations or support doesn't diminish a person's dignity or worth. This is a matter of justice and equity, not charity.

Secondly, we must choose to include. While many countries have enacted disability laws and ratified international conventions, there's still a significant gap between policy and practice. We can pressure government to implement laws, but we also need to look at where we can effect change. We should examine our organizations' diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies and identify areas for improvement. By actively supporting and including people with disabilities in the workplace, we can create a more inclusive and equitable environment.

Thirdly, we need to recognize the intersections between disability and other issue areas. When discussing gender equity, we must include women with disabilities, who are more likely to face gender-based violence. Similarly, when addressing health, we need to consider the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities, who often experience poor health outcomes due to stigma and lack of access to care. Everyone can contribute to creating a more inclusive environment, and collective efforts can drive the cultural shift we need.

Lastly, and most importantly, we must listen to people with disabilities themselves. Countless self-advocates around the world are driving change. Take, for example, my friend Rasheed, who successfully advocated for accessible crosswalks near our office. Or Brina, who defied expectations and became a preschool teacher and UNESCO champion. Or Haseeb, who spoke out against stigma and discrimination on a TEDx stage. When seeking to create a more inclusive environment, seek out the voices and experiences of people with disabilities and follow their lead.

Disability inclusion is not a favor granted by society—it is a fundamental human right. The cost of exclusion is too high, not just for individuals with disabilities but for all of us. By ensuring that our schools, workplaces, cities, and humanitarian responses are inclusive, we create a world that is more just, more equitable, and better for everyone. True progress is not measured by the few who succeed despite adversity but by how a society ensures that no one is left behind. It is time to shift our perspective, challenge outdated norms, and commit to a future where every person—regardless of ability—can participate fully in life. This is not just about policy changes or physical infrastructure; it is about changing mindsets and building a world where inclusion is the norm, not the exception. The future must be accessible to all.

About the Author:
Tahir Ali Shah is a humanitarian professional with over 20 years of experience managing protection and development programs across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. He has worked extensively in refugee response, child protection, and humanitarian advocacy.