Defining Disability
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) defines disability as ‘an evolving concept that results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.’
To put it simply a disability is the relationship between a person’s impairment and their environment, or in terms of an equation:
or better:
An impairment on its own would not lead to disability if the environment was completely inclusive and comprehensively accessible. (Source: CBM)
ADDC works with those delivering international development aid programs to ensure their work is reducing barriers people with disabilities experience so they can participate in their projects and are a part of positive development outcomes.
Key Facts from the World Report on Disability, 2011
- Over a billion people or about 15% of the world’s population have some form of disability.
- 1 in 5 people or 20% of the population of the poorest people in developing countries have a disability.
- 80% of people with disabilities live in developing countries.
- Children with a disability are much less likely to attend school than children without disability. The gap in primary school attendance rates between disabled and non-disabled children ranges from 10% in India to 60% in Indonesia.
- In many low and middle income countries, only 5% to 15% of people who require assistive devices/technology receive them.
- Only 20% of women with disabilities in low income countries are employed compared with 58% of men with disabilities.
- People with disabilities are at greater risk of violence: up to 4 to 10 times the rate of violence against people without disabilities.
See the World Report on Disability, 2011 for more information.
Want a more detailed infographic? Download the World Health Organisation’s “Better health for people with disabilities” inforgraphic here!