Archive for category: Disability

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Disability and Poverty in Burkina Faso

Disability and Poverty in Burkina FasoIn Burkina Faso, disability and poverty are deeply intertwined. Limited access to education, health care and employment traps many people with disabilities in cycles of exclusion. Without targeted support, their potential remains overlooked and their rights are unfulfilled.

Disability in Burkina Faso is more than a personal health challenge; it is a profound development issue. In one of the world’s most impoverished nations, having a disability often means being locked out of education, employment and health care. When systems aren’t built for inclusion, the result is predictable: poverty deepens, inequality widens and national progress stalls.

Systemic Poverty and Exclusion

According to the Tigoung Nonma, a cooperative of disabled artisans, approximately 10% of Burkina Faso’s population lives with a disability. Yet most of them are invisible in public life. Due to structural barriers and social stigma, access to jobs, education and even buildings remains limited.

Not only that, but for families already surviving on less than $2 a day, caring for a disabled member without social safety nets often means sacrificing their own basic needs. Medical devices like wheelchairs or hearing aids are expensive and hard to use and accessible public infrastructure is scarce. Children with disabilities are more likely to drop out of school and adults face major hurdles in finding stable work.

Health System Gaps: Underserved and Underfunded

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Burkina Faso allocates just 6.3% of its GDP to health. This is far below the global average and far short of the need. Rural health centers are often unequipped to serve patients with specialized needs, especially those requiring physical therapy, long-term care or rehabilitation services.

Most of Burkina Faso’s more than 3,000 health facilities are inaccessible to people with mobility impairments. Similarly, a 2024 survey across French-speaking sub‑Saharan Africa revealed that Burkina Faso has only 26 physiotherapists, a staggering shortage for a needy population. For those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, the situation is even more dire. Most go undiagnosed, untreated and entirely unsupported, falling through the cracks of an already strained health care system.

Social Stigma and Discrimination

Beyond physical barriers, people with disabilities in Burkina Faso face deep social stigma. Misconceptions linking disability to witchcraft or divine punishment are still prevalent in rural areas, leading to neglect, abandonment and violence.

In employment and education, discrimination persists. Many children with disabilities are kept at home, denied enrollment in schools or bullied by peers. Adults are often excluded from the labor market entirely or relegated to informal work without legal protections.

A Vicious Cycle

Disability increases the likelihood of poverty and poverty increases the likelihood of disability. Malnutrition, unsafe childbirth, poor sanitation and lack of access to vaccinations contribute to preventable impairments in children. Meanwhile, poverty-stricken families often lack the knowledge or means to seek early intervention.

This cycle is especially damaging for women and girls, who face a double burden of gender and disability-based discrimination. They are less likely to attend school or access health care and more vulnerable to abuse.

Toward Inclusive Development

Thankfully, efforts are growing to integrate disability rights into national development plans. Burkina Faso ratified the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2009 and has committed to more inclusive policies. However, Implementation remains slow.

Nonprofits like Light for the World and Humanity & Inclusion lead some of the most impactful initiatives. These organizations have progressed in supplying assistive devices and pushing for disability-inclusive budgets. Their work shows that inclusion isn’t just possible, it’s essential for sustainable development.

Conclusion

Disability and poverty in Burkina Faso are closely linked, forming a loop of exclusion that threatens the country’s development goals. The challenge is not disability but the failure to provide accessible infrastructure, inclusive policies and equal opportunities.

Addressing this issue requires more than charity; it demands systemic change, political will and international solidarity. Only then can Burkina Faso unlock the full potential of all its citizens, regardless of ability.

– De’Marlo Gray

De’Marlo is based in Long Beach, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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SmartCane: Technology Empowers Blind Communities in India

SmartCaneIn India, visual disability affects approximately 0.23% of the population, with significantly higher rates, up to 1.53%, among older adults. Despite efforts to improve access, about 15% of people with visual disabilities still lack access to health care for their condition.

Barriers such as affordability, low literacy and geographic isolation disproportionately affect women, marginalized communities and people with low incomes. These challenges limit access not only to treatment but also to assistive devices like canes or glasses.

Smart cane technology in India is addressing this gap by using sensor-based innovation to improve mobility, independence and safety for people who are blind or visually impaired.

The Limits of Traditional Mobility Tools

An estimated 4.95 million people in India are blind and another 35 million are visually impaired. Cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors remain the leading causes of blindness and low vision, respectively.

Many of these individuals rely on traditional white canes for mobility. While helpful for detecting objects on the ground, conventional canes fail to detect obstacles above waist height, such as low-hanging signs or open windows.

This limitation increases the risk of accidents and discourages independent travel, especially in crowded or unfamiliar environments.

SmartCane Solution for Safer Navigation

Smart cane technology aims to overcome these limitations. The SmartCane was developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi in collaboration with Phoenix Medical Systems and Saksham Trust, with funding from the Wellcome Trust.

It is an electronic mobility aid that uses ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles up to three meters away and at varying heights. The device sends tactile feedback through vibrations to alert users before impact. The SmartCane retails for around $34 and has reached more than 20,000 users across India and internationally.

Implementation and Impact

SmartCane’s distribution has primarily occurred through partnerships with NGOs, schools for the blind and regional disability centers in India. Saksham Trust, a key implementing partner, has helped train users to integrate the device into their daily routines. Instruction includes mobility training, orientation sessions and guidance on interpreting haptic feedback.

A study led by Rohan Paul, one of SmartCane’s innovators and a Rhodes Scholar, found a 93% reduction in collisions during a structured obstacle course compared to users of traditional canes. Another U.S.-based study of older adults evaluating smart mobility devices found that 83% supported the idea. Similarly, 100% believed they could learn to use it effectively with training. However, some raised concerns about accessibility, appearance and tech support.

Real Benefits Beyond Navigation

Smart canes give users greater independence, allowing them to move through public spaces and explore new places more confidently. Enhanced obstacle detection reduces the risk of injury and supports safer commuting. Integration with smartphones and other devices opens access to apps, navigation tools and public services.

However, affordability remains a barrier, especially for low-income users. About half of the people with visual disabilities can access recommended aids or appliances. Government subsidy programs and increased awareness could help scale the device’s reach and close these access gaps.

Looking Ahead

Smart cane technology in India illustrates how low-cost, scalable innovation can reshape the lives of people with disabilities. With further investment and inclusion in national disability programs, smart canes could empower millions to navigate their environments safely, independently and with dignity.

– Hayden Chedid

Hayden is based in Parker, CO, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Invisible and Forgotten: Living With Disability in Moldova

Disability in MoldovaIn Moldova, being born with a disability can mean being locked out of education, work and even basic human dignity. As one of the most impoverished countries in Europe and a neighbor to a war-affected region (Ukraine), Moldova faces significant challenges and offers limited opportunities for its citizens. But for people living with disabilities, the barriers are not just economic; they are systemic, cultural and deeply rooted.

Despite international agreements and national policies, gaps remain in reaching the country’s most vulnerable communities. Poverty and neglect continue to isolate the disabled population, leaving them under-resourced, unheard and invisible.

Living With Disability in Moldova

An estimated 7% of Moldova’s population lives with a disability, but state support is shockingly low. Many families are left to navigate complex disabilities alone, with grandparents or single parents stepping in as full-time caregivers, without guidance, training or respite.

Disability in Moldova is not just ignored; it’s hidden. According to a 2015 report, nearly 1,716 children with mental or intellectual disabilities remain in segregated institutions and many are still denied access to mainstream education. Around 2,500 people (children and adults) with mental disabilities are forced to live in institutions, cut off from communities and basic liberties.

Additionally, between 3,000 and 4,000 individuals, mainly with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities, are stripped of legal capacity. They’re barred from basic life decisions like marriage, employment, voting and refusing medication. Many are institutionalized by guardians or withheld from community life.

Moldova’s economic crisis affects everyone, but people living with disabilities bear the brunt of it. According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), more than 25% of Moldovans live below the national poverty line, with rural areas hit the hardest. For people with disabilities and their families, this means daily decisions between medicine and meals, therapy and survival. In Moldova, disability is not just a personal challenge; it’s a systemic trap.

International Promises vs. Local Reality

Moldova has ratified the United Nations (U.N.) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). On paper, this marks a commitment to equality and accessibility. But in practice, little has changed. There is no cohesive national disability strategy, no consistent monitoring and international aid has failed to prioritize the disability crisis. Progress is sporadic and largely symbolic, leaving thousands in legal and social limbo.

However, some nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are working on the ground to support people with disabilities in Moldova. One such organization, the Tony Hawks Center, is committed to improving the lives of vulnerable children. It provides non-invasive rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, for children aged 0 to 18.

According to the U.N., only 26% of Moldovans support the inclusion of persons with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities in the community. In response, the organization launched a broad awareness campaign aimed at increasing public acceptance and reducing stigma.

– Marina Martin

Marina is based in Rapid City, SD, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Inclusive Education: Confronting Disability and Poverty in Bhutan

Disability and Poverty in BhutanBhutan is a country with a unique culture and traditions. It is the only South Asian country that has a Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of collective happiness and well-being over economic growth in the nation. This index is based on four pillars including sustainable socio-economic development, cultural preservation, environmental preservation and good governance, which help measure the quality of life and happiness of citizens.

Despite the importance given to GNH, the country faces a number of challenges with respect to poverty including access to education and basic resources, access to health care and social support. These factors disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in the country, especially children with disabilities. However, recent developments in regional and national policies and legislation aimed at addressing disability and poverty in Bhutan have resulted in positive changes in these areas. 

The Correlation Between Disability and Poverty in Bhutan

The Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) report (2018) indicated that people with disabilities experienced significantly higher levels of multidimensional poverty in Bhutan. It suggested that the multidimensional poverty rate of people was at a stark 11.1%, as compared to people without disabilities (5.6%). A 2022 report revealed that systematic barriers to education, vocational training and employment particularly affecting children and youth with disabilities reinforces the connection between disability and poverty in Bhutan. It further emphasized the role of Bhutanese social norms, like “Karuna” (compassion) and “Karma,” in perpetuating social and economic exclusions experienced by the disabled population especially.

The intersection of lack of coordination, funding for initiatives and targeted support were identified as both the cause and consequence of poverty in Bhutan. Another study noted a higher degree of prevalence of disabilities amongst poor children and those of mothers with lower levels of education. While this analysis does not paint a rosy picture regarding the intersection of disability and poverty in Bhutan, it acts as an entry point for change, grounded into local social institutions and realistic implementation, offering a roadmap to the policymakers for actionable goals—an approach that is already beginning to show tangible progress.

Disability and Education in Bhutan

In 2024, Kesang Chuki Dorjee, Chairperson of the Social and Cultural Affairs Committee (SCAC) presented a report titled “Review Report on the State of Persons with Disabilities.” In the report, Dorjee indicated how between the 12th and 13th Five-year plans, the government’s allocation towards educational activities for children with disabilities saw a rise from approximately Nu 87 million to Nu 1.115 billion.

The 2024 report estimated that 1,071 children with disabilities were attending in schools in a nationwide capacity. Bhutan has established three early childhood intervention centers offering services including communication skills, socialization behavior management, school readiness and other vocational training, like cooking, weaving tailoring and so on. Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Bhutan has made important strides in implementing these inclusive strategies and policies for educating children with disabilities.

Education is an important aspect in the intersection of disability and poverty in Bhutan. The fact is that education is a critical point of intervention as it directly tackles the root cause of marginalization. As the abovementioned data suggests, children with disabilities are especially more likely to experience discrimination in mainstream educational settings. Ensuring that all children can participate in quality education regardless of ability can help build a stronger economic future for all, along with promoting equity. In Bhutan, where educational attainment has close links with future livelihoods, inclusive educational policies have become a key tool in breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty, promoting social inclusion and fulfilling the country’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy of collective well-being and equity.

Looking Ahead

Despite many challenges stemming from the link between disability and poverty with respect to children in Bhutan, the momentum for change has been set into motion. The significant increase in government investment, along with inclusive educational initiatives, reflects a national commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind. As Bhutan continues incorporating principles of Gross National Happiness into its policies, the government and stakeholders are working to ensure that children with disabilities living in poverty, not only gain access to equitable education but also have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society. Though the journey may be long, the actions taken today are laying a strong foundation for a more inclusive and equitable Bhutan in the future.

– Vasudhaa Shakdher

Vasudhaa is based in Vancouver, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Disability and Poverty in Latvia

Disability and Poverty in LatviaLife becomes a hardship when an injury causes disability. The case is even worse for individuals with permanent disabilities, and often experience neglect from society. As such, without proper care, they are significantly more at risk of living below the poverty line. For disabled individuals living in impoverished nations, resources and care can be nonexistent. Although the perception of disabled persons in Latvia improved, disability still has significant links to being at risk of poverty and social exclusion. Here is more information about the links between disability and poverty in Latvia.

Social Isolation and Mistreatment

Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, links poverty and social isolation together through the at risk of poverty or social exclusion metric (AROPE). Isolation and mistreatment from society can in turn exacerbate poverty. In 2021, Eurostat projected that in Latvia, 37.5% of disabled persons over the age of 16 were considered AROPE. Latvia’s rate was the highest in the Baltic States and was among the highest in the European Union. This number has grown since 2015, whereas only 566,000, or 28.5% of residents, were considered AROPE.

Paired with the fact that the number of disabled persons in Latvia is growing, individuals under AROPE require even greater attention in order to not suffer poverty’s devastation.

Poverty Alleviation for the Disabled

Latvia has one of the largest wealth gaps in the European Union. Data from 2012 demonstrates that the top 10% of the population received 26% of the entire income. In 2023, data from the Central Statistical Bureau listed that the richest population’s income was 6.3 times greater than the income of the poorest, rendering Latvia as a top country with wealth inequality. 

With a percentage of the affluent population, it is possible to provide greater support to individuals in poverty. However, little is occurring to benefit disabled and impoverished individuals. Since 2005, the social minimum has been 64.03 Euros per month, equivalent to that of the benefit given to disabled individuals. In addition, the minimum disability pension ranges from 64.03 Euros to 170.75 Euros per month. 

Given that these rates have been unchanged since 2005, it is difficult for individuals under these funds to sustain a viable lifestyle, especially as inflation increases the cost of living every year. In addition, Latvia’s classification of a poor person, an individual who is not earning more than 128.06 Euros per month, has not changed since 2001. As the minimum benefit that disabled citizens receive is significantly less than the minimum amount necessary to be in poverty, disabled individuals experience significant disadvantages.

A Path Forward for the Disabled

Despite clear societal hardships for disabled individuals and increased risk of poverty, treatment has improved. In 2010, the Independent Living Institute, which is dedicated to promoting rights of individuals with disabilities, stated that “the view of people with disabilities has improved.” Latvia addressed the matter of living conditions for the disabled in 2009 with draft legislation discussing personal assistance and the specifics of individual care. The legislation provided minimum requirements for social services and assistance to the disabled, and outlined the responsibilities of local governments in providing such care. Although the legislation did not move forward due to a financial crisis, the fact that officials discussed this demonstrates that Latvia acknowledged disability and the risk of poverty.

This shift is due to borders opening and the changing of stereotypes of disabled persons. As Latvians gained the ability to travel abroad and view how disabled individuals were treated in other countries, their own perceptions began to change positively. 

Since the increased awareness of disability and poverty in Latvia, greater progress has occurred to ensure that the disabled are cared for and less at risk. Interest groups such as the Independent Living Institute have played a significant role in lobbying the Latvian government to consider and implement disability care legislation, and was critical in signing onto of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

Looking Ahead

While stigma surrounding disabled individuals still exists, more respect and acknowledgement of their capabilities and hardships ultimately create better treatment and greater equity. The first step to reducing disability and poverty in Latvia is to first understand and take issues of disabled individuals seriously. With support from individuals and groups fighting to promote accessible resources, the disabled population will be less likely to be at risk of poverty, and should live happier lives.

– Owen Wu

Owen is based in Westborough, MA, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Disability and Poverty in Guinea

Disability and Poverty in GuineaIn 2018, the poverty rate of people who lived in Guinea was at an astounding high, with 43.7% of Guineans living below the poverty line, which is equivalent to about 5.8 million people. One year before, in 2017, 1.5% of the population lived with disabilities. Although these percentages are vastly different, the correlation between disabled individuals and poverty is hard to miss. Here is information about the relationship between disability and poverty in Guinea.

Effects of Poverty

Increases in global commodity prices led to rising inflation levels, pushing more people into poverty as they were unable to access affordable food, effectively depriving them of their necessary nutritional intake. The effects of high food inflation caused Guineans to resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, which have a long-term impact on their daily lives and, ultimately, their ability to earn a living. More than half of the entire population is also experiencing extreme food insecurity and poverty. This ultimately also leads to high rates of malnutrition.

Despite this, the percentage of people below the poverty line has decreased from 55.2% in 2012, suggesting that living conditions are actively improving over time.

Effects of Disability

People with disabilities in Guinea face significant discrimination and are highly vulnerable to violence. For example, people with albinism are subject to many myths and stereotypes about their condition, such as the belief that they bring good luck. This myth often results in these individuals being kidnapped or becoming victims of ritual crimes.

Guinea signed and ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007-8. This convention works to help individuals see disabled people as subjects with rights who are capable of claiming those rights, making their own decisions rather than just objects of charity and social services. After this, Guinea adopted multiple measures to help foster human rights and the rights of people with disabilities. Multiple organizations originated as well in order to protect disabled people.

Organizations Addressing Disability and Poverty in Guinea

Disability and poverty in Guinea correlate, as disabled people have a poverty rate of 14.4%. Numerous organizations advocate for disabled rights, such as the Guinean Network of Disability Organizations for the Promotion of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (ROPACIDPH). This organization directly advocates for the rights of disabled children and adults with education, health support, training/advice/parental guidance, etc. While there are some good things in place to advocate for disabled people who may be suffering from poverty or other related issues, their lives will only be improved if the laws put in place are strictly enforced. For example, recently, there was an event held in support of the deaf community for the International Day of Sign Languages by ROPACIDPH that its Facebook page showed.

There are also many organizations, like the World Food Programme (WFP), actively working to provide food assistance to those in need. “In 2023, WFP provided vital nutritious food to more than 1 million vulnerable people, including schoolchildren and pregnant or breastfeeding women. This work improves food security and nutrition, reducing maternal malnutrition, mortality risk, low birth weight rates, and malnutrition among children under 5.”

Organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have also helped people with reduced mobility start 100 businesses to help them become self-sufficient and not need to rely on the government or other people to survive. These businesses were all met with great success. One business has ended up making more than $6,000 a month.

Looking Ahead

As these organizations continue to work to improve the lives of these individuals, their living conditions continue to get better and better with continued support and advocacy. As time has progressed, the poverty level and food insecurity continue to drop, and more help has been provided over the years. Disabled individuals have also become more recognized in Guinean communities, and many conventions were put in place to help support them.

– Bowie Aldrich

Bowie is based in Syracuse, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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A Brief Overview of Disability and Poverty in Angola

Disability and poverty in AngolaAngola, a Portuguese-speaking country located in southwestern Africa, records a history of prolonged civil conflict and high poverty rates. These two situations result in the phenomenon of war-based disability and poverty in Angola, which profoundly influences the development of Angolan society in the present day.

Background

In the 1970s, Angola fought a war of independence against Portuguese colonial rule, followed by a prolonged civil war between rival political factions until 2002. This extended period of conflict left behind a large population of disabled individuals and severely damaged the country’s infrastructure and potential for economic development.

As of 2018, approximately 53% of Angola’s population earns less than $3.65 daily. The majority of this vulnerable population resides in rural areas, which, incidentally, were also the most heavily impacted by military action during the Civil War period. The land still bears marks of physical destruction, including destroyed infrastructure and other dangers affecting the population.

The presence of unexploded ordnances such as landmines is of particular concern: between 60,000 and 88,000 Angolans have been injured by landmines. However, the number is likely higher due to underreporting. Reports suggest that there are as many as 1,000 minefields left in Angola. Given the lack of reliable data and access to survivors, it is even more challenging to ascertain the extent of war-related psychological disabilities, such as PTSD.

At the same time, compensation is practically nonexistent: military veterans are entitled to pensions equivalent to $67 per month. However, even this relatively minor payment is only issued to a small percentage of eligible recipients. The Angolan government has similarly failed to deliver housing and infrastructure development promises.

Addressing the Problems

International organizations and aid groups have worked to alleviate problems relating to disability and poverty in Angola. The HALO Trust, a British charity that works to clear away explosives in former conflict areas, has been active in Angola since 1994. It reported eliminating 123,000 landmines as of 2025.

These efforts have helped restore access to farmland, schools and roads, reducing injury risks and improving livelihoods, especially for communities where landmine-related disabilities remain common. HALO’s work also supports Angola’s broader goals of rural development, poverty reduction and rehabilitation for those injured during the conflict.

Mine clearing operations are directly connected to infrastructure work. For example, it would permit the development of the so-called Lobito Corridor, a railway project linking the resource-rich African interior to the Angolan port of Lobito, facilitating mineral exports and providing economic opportunities for Angolans.

Conclusion

Disability and poverty in Angola go hand in hand. Clearing landmines would not only reduce injuries and disabilities but also support rebuilding efforts. These advances may help to restore economic productivity across the country. At the same time, greater involvement from authorities, particularly toward investing in issues that originate from the war’s legacy, will help improve the life quality of Angolans.

– Rafael Saavedra

Rafael is based in San Antonio, TX, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Disability and Poverty in Kazakhstan

Disability and Poverty in KazakhstanKazakhstan, which gained its independence from the USSR in 1991, has been making efforts to operate on the world stage for many years. A country the size of Western Europe, it now has the biggest economy in Central Asia, thanks to huge reserves of oil, natural gas and minerals. Its first Constitution was created in 1993, but it was not until the 2010s under the “Kazakhstan 2050” program that it aimed to transform the country into one of the 30 most developed countries during the 21st century. How it compares to other developed countries in the implementation of things like government social security programs, particularly for those struggling with disability and poverty in Kazakhstan, however, has reportedly been lagging behind, though there are those who are trying to help.

The official report shows that 5.3% of Kazakhstan’s population is below the poverty line, though it is estimated that almost 50% of the nation survives just above the poverty line. Additionally, it shows that about 750,000 people are living with a disability in Kazakhstan, which includes 101,000 who are children under 18 years old. As of 2022, there were about 36,000 new cases of cancer, whereas 0.4% experienced blindness as of 2025 and about 150,000 people had hearing or hearing-related impairments.

Human Rights Watch: Holding Kazakhstan Accountable

A recent that the Human Rights Watch did looked into the condition of poverty and disability in Kazakhstan, particularly the role of Targeted Social Assistance (TSA). TSA is a state-led program that Kazakhstan implemented in 2001, which aims to give financial assistance to individuals and families with a monthly average per capita income below the poverty line. However, findings determined there were significant hitches to the TSA program.

TSA, which serves almost 1 million citizens of Kazakhstan, is designed to provide financial aid to the nation’s poor and disabled people through monthly payments and they have opened social centers which provide legal and financial services as well as free training programs. However, the 2022 study reported that there have been problems with widespread stigma for people with disabilities who seek aid from TSA, a lack of education (especially in rural areas) regarding the opportunities for TSA benefits and an application system that makes it hard to sign up.  

“A relatively prosperous country such as Kazakhstan should be able to step up and meet its human rights obligations to ensure that everyone has access to social security that offers an adequate standard of living,” Hugh Williamson, the Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch said. “At present, meager payments, bureaucratic hurdles, and stigma mean this is not happening.”

Stigma and Discrimination

Another recent study, a research study called “Disability, Livelihood and Poverty in Asia and the Pacific,” by the ESCAP Social Development Division, under the overall direction of Nanda Krairiksh, which included Kazakhstan among eight other countries, showed Kazakhstan doing favorably in comparison to countries like Fiji and the Republic of Korea. However, the study also highlighted that there are low numbers of people struggling with disability and poverty in Kazakhstan attending public or even private schools. According to a 72-page report entitled “On the Margins:” Education for Children with Disabilities in Kazakhstan” published in 2019, the education system segregates and isolates children with disabilities, teach children in separate classrooms, when they can make it to school and their closed psychiatric institutions receive very little or no education.

The ESCAP study generally showed that poverty in different countries often leads to disability and disability often leads to poverty, a compounding problem, and that access to social security benefits and gainful employment, when possible, is the key to stability—39% of people with disabilities are employed in Kazakhstan, with most of the people working in the research sector. Beyond that, “Policy should not only build and expand on the resources and opportunities that persons with disabilities have, but also remove the barriers that they face, including stigma and discrimination,” a rife issue that the Human Rights Watch found with Kazakhstan’s TSA program and society in general.

Solutions

There are those in Kazakhstan who are trying to use their experience with poverty and disability to better the conditions in the country for others in the same circumstances. Two such champions are Zhannat Yessmaganbetova, who lives in the western city Atyrau, and Roza Akzharkenova, who lives in the southeast. Zhannat, who considers that her own disability created the patience and fortitude to make her the perfect advocate, has been addressing issues like urban infrastructure and social space, dealing with details like access to state facilities by means of ramps, lifts and appropriate places for consultation. Roza is addressing the same issues in her region of Kazakhstan and also advocating for more research into a situation that she believes is more widespread and urgent than most people believe. 

The way advocates like Roza and Zhannat come at the issue from several directions in an effort to make social security programs like TSA more accommodating and accessible for people who struggle with disability and poverty in Kazakhstan, seem to be Kazakhstan’s road to keeping up with developed countries. Kazakhstan is catching up with modern expectations for how to deal with poverty and disability, after years of having almost no systematic research or international accountability. Studies by the likes of the Human Rights Watch and ESCAP, as well as figures like Zhannat Yessmaganbetova and Roza Akzkarkenova, have attempted to better the conditions for those dealing with disability and poverty in Kazakhstan.

– Gregory Walker

Gregory is based in York, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in Trinidad and Tobago

Disability and Poverty in Trinidad and Tobago Despite Trinidad and Tobago’s status as one of the Caribbean’s wealthiest nations, subpopulations of the islands continue to face impoverishment. While Trinidad and Tobago have financial assistance programs in place, these programs are not always enough to counteract disability as a determiner of socioeconomic status. The government of Trinidad and Tobago does however recognize this intersection of disability and poverty. Here is information about disability and poverty in Trinidad and Tobago.

Disability on the Rise

Consistent with international trends, an aging population in Trinidad and Tobago has led to an increase in individuals living with disabilities or chronic diseases. Recent figures show that roughly 5% of the nation’s population has a disability. For a small country of 1,300,000 citizens, that means that 52,000 individuals are living with a disability. About 6% of this figure is believed to be children, accounting for around 3,000 members of the population, although a lack of early detection likely skews these numbers.

Disenfranchisement of the Disabled

The medical or charity model is the persistent model for disability treatment in Trinidad and Tobago. The medical and charity model of disability largely ostracizes the disabled community. This is due to the conceptualization of disabled individuals as other and dependent. As a strategic analysis of disability in Trinidad and Tobago has suggested, disabled individuals experience consistent disenfranchisement and exist on the peripheries of society due to prevailing social, legal and economic barriers to social integration. This social positioning acts as a financial determiner, as there is a lack of systemic support for disabled individuals to be independent income earners. As the United Nations specifies in their strategic analysis, “poor access to essential services like health care, education, employment, and transportation[…]have led to poor economic outcomes and the inability of [people with disabilities] to live self-determined lives.”

Impact of COVID-19 on Disability and Poverty in Trinidad & Tobago

The COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020 exacerbated these institutional and social barriers. While the entirety of the population was facing disruption to their employment and ability to receive an education, individuals with disabilities were particularly impacted. Many people with disabilities faced increased health risks from COVID-19 and during this time many support systems that are usually in place for the disabled community were unable to effectively function.

Government Assistance Programming

Trinidad and Tobago has several governmental ministries that provide assistance to individuals with disabilities, the most prominent of which is the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services. This ministry includes the dedicated Disability Affairs Unit and provides the Disability Assistance Grant to disabled adults who are unable to earn a living due to their disability. In 2019, the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services also introduced a grant for minors with disabilities to assist families in receiving costly services related to their child’s disability.

Institutional and Governmental Improvements

In addition to these existing social services for disabled individuals, the government of Trinidad and Tobago made a commitment in 2018 to update their policies surrounding the disabled population. The National Policy on Persons with Disabilities stands as a prominent component of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s Vision 2030 National Development Strategy. This policy recognizes how disability and poverty are related and has a newfound focus on improving the quality of life and social experience of disabled individuals. The policy recommends education, awareness raising, improved health care and health care access, transportation, housing and employment opportunity among other systematic improvements. The goal of these reforms is to improve not only the quality of life for disabled individuals, but also provide social integration and a form of justice to a community that has historically faced disenfranchisement and ostracization.

Looking Ahead

Historically, disability and poverty have been deeply interconnected in the Caribbean. However, recent legal and social developments aim to change the experience of disabled individuals in Trinidad and Tobago. In the wake of COVID-19 and with a changing understanding of the disabled community, the nation seeks to reform their treatment of the disabled population. As the policy states, the primary goal of these changes is to “protect and promote the human rights of all persons with disabilities.”

– Gwyneth Connor

Gwynethis based in Kensington, MD, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Disability and Poverty in Montenegro 

Disability and Poverty in MontenegroMontenegro, located in the Balkan Peninsula, is a country that includes several people experiencing disability and poverty. However, in recent years, Montenegro has had a steady decline in poverty. The main factor is the economic growth the country has had from 2021-2023 and the unemployment rate has gone down to 14.1%. These are positive signs for Montenegro regarding its poverty issues, but there is still a lot of work ahead. Here is information about disability and poverty in Montenegro.

Disability and Poverty Among Children in Montenegro

A Multidimensional Child Poverty Study that UNICEF did in Montenegro concluded that 80% of the children in the country are “deprived in at least one of the seven dimensions essential for a child’s development.” The dimensions that the report regarded as essential for the development of a child include health, nutrition, early childhood development and education, neglect, discipline and child labor. This is a huge issue for the country and more action is essential to combat this ongoing issue.

Meanwhile, children with disabilities experience more challenges as they do not get the same rights and opportunities as children who do not have these issues. According to an article by UNICEF Montenegro, Montenegro has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This is to ensure that all children “with developmental disabilities can realize their rights and potential” without experiencing discrimination and being in an inclusive environment.

Why is This a Problem

To get more of an insight into why poverty is such a big issue for children growing up in poverty, UNICEF lays out many ways in which children growing up in poverty “rewires” their brains. Some examples that UNICEF provides include problems like mental health issues, developmental delays in a child’s growth process and below-par cognitive development. These are just some of the many struggles a child has growing up in poverty. The “chronic stress” that children experience because of these struggles can cause additional problems for them in the future, such as unemployment or lower paid work.

Regarding People with Disabilities

With more than 50,000 people in the country having to deal with some sort of disability, a huge portion of the population is experiencing mistreatment and it is a huge issue where action needs to take place. A study analyzed for the development of the Strategy for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion in Montenegro, conducted in 2007, showed that around 60% of people with disability issues lived in poverty. Additionally, a Census by Monstat in 2023 stated that 8.54% of the population has at least one complication that affects them in doing some of their daily tasks, 5.83% had trouble walking and 3.86% had trouble with their eyesight.

How this issue correlates with poverty is that these people who are faced with these struggles are one of the most vulnerable groups in the country; therefore, their income is often not enough for them to sustain themselves. A publication by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) stated that people with disabilities “have been assumed to be incapable of living independently in the communities they choose.” A lot of the time, help is either not given or they do not receive support, as there is no main infrastructure to help them. Given the lack of services for people with disabilities, this leads to them enduring abandonment, segregation and dependence on themselves.

Progression

The United Nations has worked on implementing a two-year program in order to advocate and promote rights for people with disabilities in Montenegro. This will benefit the group of people dealing with any sort of disability, as this allows for studies and data to be given to see what situations the people have to deal with to gain help.

In June 2021, the Reform of the Disability Assessment System originated. The goal of this system is to replace the current and obsolete system that has been in Montenegro and to ensure that people with disabilities are able to participate in society. The number of people who benefited from this program from 2017 to 2022 totaled 19,220. In the case of poverty in Montenegro, as of April 2025, inflation has been lowering steadily since 2023, as a result of this, there has been a “real-term increase of wages.” 

What to Expect

While the future for Montenegro is still quite uncertain, there are clear signs that the country is changing for the better, with maybe even reform coming to Montenegro in regard “reforming social assistance” according to a UNICEF report. It shows positive signs for the country that there is a willingness for change to happen in order to combat poverty, which is such an important domestic issue for the country.

– Pablo Roque 

Pablo is based in McAllen, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash