There are over 600 million disabled people worldwide, 80% of whom live in developing countries. Disabled people are commonly the poorest of the poor in society, experiencing social exclusion and discrimination at all levels.
In recent years, there has been a shift in thinking on disability issues, championed by disabled people and their representative organisations.
© Inclusion team / Handicap International |
Disability is increasingly recognised as a human rights issue. This gradual shift in understanding and perception builds upon the emergence of the social model of disability. The social model moves away from looking at individuals’ impairments and how they can be fixed through medical treatment or charity. Rather, it places an emphasis on addressing social exclusion and discrimination, which are the primary barriers to inclusion and equal rights.
Since Handicap International was founded in 1982, we have been working to promote the rights of disabled people. In our work across 60 countries we are actively supporting Disabled People’s Organisations and other civil society groups to promote disability rights, including the rights to access quality education, employment, healthcare, and social services.
At the international level, Handicap International has been directly involved in the process to develop and promote the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This international law now provides a framework for all Governments and development agencies to make sure that disabled people’s rights are included in all policies and practices.
