Archive for category: Disability

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Disability and Poverty in Antigua and Barbuda

Disability and Poverty in Antigua and Barbuda
In Antigua and Barbuda, 18.4% of the population lives below the poverty line, with an even higher rate of 24.3% among children. The World Bank estimates a further 29% of Antiguans are socioeconomically disadvantaged and at risk of poverty. While there is no official data on poverty rates specifically for persons with disabilities, trends across Latin America and the Caribbean show that people with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty, and economic insecurity is amplified for individuals with disabilities as they face twice the unemployment rate of the general population. Approximately 16,000 people – about one in six residents – live with a disability, confronting unique challenges in daily life, including limited access to education and employment opportunities. While the overall unemployment rate in the country stands at 8.7%, persons with disabilities experience higher rates of joblessness, often due to limited access to education and vocational training. 

Many encounter physical barriers in public spaces, a lack of accessible transportation and limited job opportunities, contributing to higher poverty rates. With only 46% completing secondary education, many struggle to secure stable employment, leading to economic insecurity. Social stigma further isolates people with disabilities, impacting their mental health and inclusion. Access to essential services remains limited, deepening the cycle of poverty. Here is more information about disability and poverty in Antigua and Barbuda.

Empowering Through Aquaponics

The National Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre for Persons with Disabilities (NVRCD) provides vocational training programs in areas such as tailoring, handicrafts and digital services, aiming to enhance employability and promote economic independence. One of its most promising initiatives is the Aquaponics Centre, which trains individuals with disabilities in sustainable agriculture. By integrating fish farming with hydroponic vegetable cultivation, participants gain expertise in food production, allowing them to pursue careers in agriculture or start small farming businesses. The Centre, which has already exceeded its initial production goals, is now expanding due to its success, reinforcing its role as a key driver of economic empowerment for persons with disabilities.

Complementing these efforts, the Antigua and Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities (ABAPD) plays a crucial role in advocating for disability rights and economic inclusion. Since its establishment in 1995, ABAPD has provided personal care support, home repair assistance and social outreach programs for individuals with disabilities. Notably, from 2020 to 2022, the association delivered food packages to more than 500 members, thanks to support from the Jumby Bay Fund.

The Calvin Ayre Foundation & Barriers to Education

Disability and poverty in Antigua and Barbuda create significant barriers to education, with low-income students and those with disabilities in Antigua and Barbuda often less likely to complete secondary school than their peers. Addressing this challenge, the Calvin Ayre Foundation (CAF), in partnership with educational institutions, has awarded substantial scholarships to support local students. For instance, in March 2023, the Foundation donated US$200,000 to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus, facilitating over 200 scholarships and bursaries for underprivileged nationals pursuing studies at the campus.

While specific data on the number of scholarships awarded exclusively to students with disabilities is not readily available, CAF’s initiatives have significantly impacted the disabled community. For instance, in 2017, CAF donated $130,000 to fund the pilot year of The Outreach Program by the Friends of the Care Project (FOTCP), aiming to provide therapy and care for disabled children and young adults who otherwise lacked access to necessary services.

Additionally, in January 2024, the Foundation contributed US$200,000 in scholarships to Island Academy International, empowering Antiguan and Barbudan students to access quality education. These investments are not just numbers on a check; they are opening doors for students who might otherwise be forced to abandon their education due to financial hardship. By covering tuition costs and easing the financial strain on families, the Calvin Ayre Foundation is giving students the chance to focus on their studies, graduate and build a future where opportunity is not dictated by economic status.

Healthcare That Reaches the Hardest to Reach

Individuals with disabilities facing poverty in Antigua and Barbuda often must overcome significant barriers in accessing healthcare services. Challenges such as limited availability of specialized medical equipment, insufficient testing reagents and a shortage of trained healthcare professionals can impede the delivery of essential medical care. These systemic issues are further compounded by financial constraints, making it difficult for many to afford necessary treatments, especially when private healthcare services are prohibitively expensive.

Mobile health clinics are solving that problem by bringing services directly to underserved communities. From routine check-ups to physical therapy and assistive device fittings, these clinics are ensuring that healthcare reaches those who need it most.

The Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) provides free healthcare services to legal residents, covering treatment and medication for chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension, reducing financial barriers to essential care. Additionally, Medz on Wheelz, a private mobile healthcare service, delivers medical care directly to underserved communities through home visits, medication delivery and diagnostic testing, ensuring that individuals who struggle with transportation or mobility can still receive necessary treatment. These initiatives are working to close healthcare gaps and improve access for vulnerable populations.

Looking Ahead

Addressing the intertwined challenges of disability and poverty in Antigua and Barbuda requires comprehensive and targeted efforts. Initiatives focusing on education, employment and healthcare are making significant strides in promoting accessibility and opportunity. By investing in people and implementing inclusive policies, the nation is paving the way for a more equitable future for its most vulnerable populations.

– Leah Ishak

Leah is based in Exeter, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Disability and Poverty in Spain 

Disability and Poverty in SpainThe UN defines a disability as a long-term impairment that can limit a person’s ability to participate in society. It also defines poverty as an individual living off less than $2.15 per person per day. It is no secret that those with disabilities are at higher risk of issues like lack of security, low income, dependence and overall insecurity; those suffering from disability and poverty in Spain are no different. With the two often linked, those who experience one are often susceptible to experiencing the other, meaning those suffering from disabilities may experience multidimensional poverty. Multidimensional poverty refers to the various ways in which poverty itself is measured including health, education, security, infrastructure and more.

The examples shown above are ways in which individuals may experience many limitations, not just health-related ones. This not only makes it difficult for them to find their way out of poverty but also places those with disabilities in more vulnerable situations when it comes to quality of life.

Living With Both Disability and Poverty in Spain

In order to tackle both these issues head-on in Spain, the Spanish National Institute of Statistics conducted a survey to better understand its people in both 2021 and 2022. During this period, findings showed that by 2022, 18.1% of individuals aged 16-64 stated they had some sort of disability and were only able to work part-time. One should note that individuals with disabilities are more likely to face social exclusion at a rate of 92.6% compared to those without. This is without the added factor of poverty and how their disability has affected their economic standing. With the unemployment rate in 2022 standing at 21.4% in the disabled category, women and young women aged 16-65 held the lowest percentage.

Efforts continuously occur in an attempt to lower these numbers, especially after they hit a slight rise following the onset of COVID-19, which led to a rise in poverty and food insecurity once more. With programs like Ingreso Mínimo Vital (IMV), created in 2020 by royal decree-law, the goal is to prevent poverty and other forms of social exclusion from spreading further while also supporting those already affected. By 2024, it was shown in Spain’s social security statistics that Ingreso Mínimo Vital had already benefited 2,050,000 people living in 674,000 households total. With a monthly benefit of 658.81 euros per individual, the efforts made have proven highly effective for the people of Spain, and today, those same plans continue to move forward.

Solutions

The Disability Strategy 2022-2030 originated in 2022. This strategy takes into account those with disabilities, incorporating perspectives on women and children. Spain then started the European Child Guarantee program aimed at ensuring there is no exclusion among children and to support the children of Spain. The National ECG Plan has dedicated itself to ensuring that every child and adolescent has access to essential, inclusive and high-quality services. 

By working closely with public administrations, society and other partners, the plan promotes opportunities for early childhood education and care (ECPI), extracurricular activities, quality health care, nutritious meals and safe comfortable housing in the hopes of helping every child thrive. Right now, communities like Aragon have started early care and disability preventative programs for rural areas, while others like La Rioja have begun to grant financial assistance to children aged 0-6 while they are on a waiting list to receive universal care. Madrid also has a similar program giving grants to those from 0-3 years of age. Spain is doing all of this with the goal of universal access and 100% coverage.

Financial assistance like this through the extension of coverage and scholarships is important because it helps to give children access to vital life-saving treatments for things like communication disorders, motor disorders or learning disorders, just to name a few. This is especially important for those in the early preventative programs as this allows for outpatient or home-level care in rural areas through the assistance of nonprofits. Not only does this help with the children who originally did not have access to treatments, but this also helps to promote positive parenting, allowing parents to build positive family dynamics within their communities.

Looking Ahead

When further addressing the Spanish Disability Strategy 2022-2030, Isabel Rodríguez stated, “The minister also indicated that the initiative is a response to other cross-cutting challenges included in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, such as the climate emergency and the demographic challenge. The strategy also has an impact on rural areas, small towns, and the countryside, where people with disabilities also live and need to be listened to, accompanied, and cared for.” Providing things like jobs, housing and better educational opportunities for people with disabilities could significantly reduce their vulnerability.

In areas with high poverty rates, the risks go beyond just financial hardships. While these communities may experience higher crime and violence rates, it is important to recognize that despite the challenges Spain overall has faced, it remains one of the safest countries in Europe regarding violent crime. This resilience provides a solid foundation for continued progress in accessibility and inclusion, slowly but surely making headway when it comes to disability and poverty in Spain, paving the way for an exceptionally bright future for all!

– Imani Ambers

Imani is based in Cleveland, Ohio, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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People with Disabilities in Taiwan

Disabilities in TaiwanTaiwan’s official poverty rate is 2.6%, however, the Taiwan Social Welfare League reports that 9% of Taiwanese people believe they are living in poverty and 7.8% in near poverty, as they are unable to overcome hardships such as unemployment and illness. Government regulations are largely what prevent people from registering as low-income, as stateless people, those with property and those without family, are all unable to register. People with disabilities in Taiwan are frequently among those within this gap.

Health Care Expenses

Taiwan has universal health care, but despite this, health care costs are significantly more expensive for people with disabilities. Expenses commonly include medications, supplements, transportation, mobility aids and prosthetics, but these are just some of the expenses that come with disabilities. While the universal health care and public assistance (for those that qualify) in Taiwan, reduce or cover the cost of medical expenses, the truth is that health care expenses add up over time.

Additionally, there is the ever-present issue that having a disability does not guarantee that Taiwan will officially recognize the disability, nor does having an officially recognized disability guarantee a person financial assistance for their medical expenses.

Limited Employment Opportunities

Most jobs are inaccessible to people with disabilities because the average Taiwanese business lacks the resources to accommodate disabilities. Moreover, there are more than 1 million people (or 5%) registered as having a disability in Taiwan. However, disabled people make up 8% of the unemployed people in Taiwan. The people with disabilities who are able to find work on average make a salary of NT $30,000 or about $917.

Families in Poverty

For families with family members who have a disability the loss of a job often means an indefinite loss of income because of how difficult it is to get a job with a disability in Taiwan. The same loss of income occurs when a family member develops a physical or mental disability and becomes unable to work and the family loses a portion or all of their income. Moreover, a newly developed disability requires additional medical care, increasing the amount of money needed for health care, and creating an additional financial strain. For many families, this can lead to poverty, and for families who are already low-income or living in poverty, this only worsens their circumstances.

Together, these issues correlate and or compound on one another, increasing the number of people with disabilities in Taiwan experiencing poverty.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

The government established the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in 2020. NHRC works to monitor and protect the human rights of Taiwanese people. The NHRC pays close attention to upholding the rights of vulnerable groups such as indigenous peoples, homeless people, senior citizens and people with disabilities.

In 2022, the NHRC launched its first action plan, which states its methods to address the inequity that vulnerable groups experience. It specifically states that it will address the inequity people with disabilities in Taiwan face, such as inaccessible work environments, housing injustices, and poor health care accessibility.

The NHRC states that it intends to “provide necessary and appropriate reasonable accommodations” to persons with disabilities based on their individual needs. Simultaneously, Taiwan’s Workforce Development Agency Ministry of Labor updated its “Supportive Employment Services for Persons with Disabilities” plan. This allows a person with a disability who desires to work but cannot compete within the employment market with the ability to have access to resources, such as individualized job training or assistance, along with individualized job placement.

Within its action plan, the NHRC acknowledges that “there is a lot of room for improvement when it comes to housing rights issues in Taiwan” for vulnerable groups in particular. As part of this initial action plan, it will identify the issues at hand so they can be addressed in the Medium-Term Strategic Plan which will be a continuation and more defined action plan to address the concerns originally brought up in the first action plan.

Housing and Health Care

Concurrently, in 2023, the Ministry of the Interior Real Estate Information Platform began addressing the creation of “Barrier-Free Housing” to comply with updated housing laws. This “Barrier-Free Housing” would remove all tangible and intangible barriers within homes so that people with disabilities can have a home and amenities designed to be accessible.

Taiwan also lacks an adequate amount of accessible transportation and medical facilities. However, the NHRC plans to promote the increased implementation of accessible resources within these sectors.

Furthermore, in 2023 the Executive Yuan (the executive branch of the government of Taiwan) announced that the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) would be investing more than NT$48 billion ($1.5 billion) into more comprehensive health care services for people with disabilities in Taiwan. The funding is intended to increase the accessibility of medical facilities along with creating more effective health care services. The MOHW believes these improvements will not only benefit people with disabilities but also the guardians of people with disabilities.

Disabilities in Taiwan

Currently, people with disabilities in Taiwan disproportionately experience poverty. However, with these new efforts made by the NHRC, Taiwan’s Workforce Development Agency Ministry of Labor, Ministry of the Interior Real Estate Information Platform and MOHW low income rates within people with disabilities in Taiwan are being addressed and over time these measures put in place along with future plans should alleviate disproportionate poverty.

– Nivea Walker

Nivea is based in Elon, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Disability and Poverty in Zambia

Disability and Poverty in Zambia
Zambia, a nation that is home to about 20 million people, achieved middle-income status in 2011 after enjoying one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa during the 2000s. However, as the nation developed, people with disabilities, who make up 10.9% of the adult (18+) population and 4.4% of the young persons (2-17) population, have been left behind. Here is information about disability and poverty in Zambia and what is being done to address it.

Ableism and Employment in Zambia

For individuals living in poverty with disabilities in Zambia, life is fraught with obstacles, often marked by ableism which prevents many from accessing employment. About 10% of people with disabilities in the country have reported experiencing abuse, including physical violence (8%, primarily affecting men) and sexual violence (2%, predominantly targeting women), just because of their disabilities. 

The national disability survey is that 8% have faced discrimination from using public services. Those with disabilities in Zambia not only face barriers in life, but also stigma due to their disabilities. Disability is often misunderstood. Many people think that being disabled in Zambia is a consequence of sin, maternal promiscuity, an ancestral curse or demonic possession.

One can see a reflection of these stereotypes in Zambia’s employment statistics. The unemployment rate for people with disabilities was at 16.8% compared to just 12.5% of those without disability according to UNICEF in Zambia. This highlights the likelihood of a correlation between disability and poverty in Zambia.

Challenges to Education and Skills Attainment

One of the most severe challenges to disability and poverty in Zambia is access to education. This remains a significant challenge for disabled Zambians. Only 80.8% of people with disabilities reported attending primary school, compared to 89.9% of those without disabilities. Many schools lack the infrastructure to meet disabled students’ needs, and most teachers are not trained in disability-inclusive teaching methods. Additionally, only 20% of disabled individuals use assistive devices, with an even smaller percentage among school-age children, leaving some unable to participate in education.

Without more than a primary education, many disabled children cannot acquire the skills needed for employment, while further education institutions and workplaces often lack the infrastructure to support them. This limited access to education and job training traps many in poverty. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), “the majority of Zambians with disabilities live in poverty.”

After the release of the national disability survey in 2015, the Zambian government launched the National Policy on Disability in February 2016 aiming to provide equal opportunities for all citizens, with or without disabilities, by 2030.

The Solution

Zambia’s National Policy on Disability addresses a range of areas, but these are the five key aspects of the policy the government has introduced to support people with disabilities to escape poverty:

  1. Preventing Disabilities: The government aims to reduce preventable disabilities by promoting programs that combat diseases like polio and TB, which are major contributors to disability.
  2. Improving Daily Living Skills: The policy promotes community-based initiatives to enhance daily skills for greater independence. It includes increasing the availability of assistive devices and raising awareness about their use, improving disabled individuals’ quality of life and boosting confidence for employment.
  3. Tackling Stigma: To combat discrimination, the government will introduce legislation protecting disabled people from ableism, particularly in the workplace. This aims to promote economic independence and challenge cultural beliefs that disabilities result from curses or supernatural causes. 
  4. Promoting Equality: The policy highlights equal opportunities by recognizing sign language as Zambia’s eighth official language and expanding the use of Braille. It also ensures access to welfare programs and bursaries, empowering disabled people to rely less on external care. 
  5. Expanding Education and Skills Training: The government plans to train educators in disability-inclusive methods and improve accessibility in schools and training centers. This includes teaching Braille and sign language, and providing access to new technologies and the internet, ensuring disabled individuals can fully participate in education and skills development. 

These measures aim to reduce poverty among disabled Zambians and create a more inclusive society by increasing access to education to reduce the attainment gap for disabled children. They also aim to increase opportunities for adults to gain skills so they can enter the workforce and educate the whole nation on the causes of disability so that outdated stereotypes and ableism are things of the past. 

Looking Ahead

The results of Zambia’s National Policy on Disability will remain unclear until the government conducts another national disability survey. However, the policy’s intentions demonstrate a clear commitment to investing in and protecting the nation’s disabled population while striving to ensure they are treated with the same respect and opportunities as everyone else in Zambian society. The economic success of the 2000s cannot benefit only those without disabilities. The International Labour Organization’s observation that “the majority of Zambians with disabilities live in poverty” underscores a persistent inequality the government aims to address.

While it may take time to analyze and scrutinize Zambia’s National Policy on Disability, it represents an ambitious effort to address disability and poverty in Zambia and create a more equitable society.

– Oliver Hedges

Oliver is based in Lancaster, Lancashire, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Intersection of Disability and Poverty in Portugal

Disability and Poverty in PortugalIn Portugal, the intersection of disability and poverty is a pressing issue. Despite progress in disability rights and social support, many individuals with disabilities continue to face economic hardships. This challenge is not only about physical impairments but also the systemic barriers that contribute to persistent poverty.

The Reality of Disability in Portugal

Portugal has implemented laws like the “Basic Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” (Law 38/2004). This legislation underscores the country’s commitment to protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and fostering their active participation in society.However, the reality for many individuals with disabilities remains one of exclusion, especially in rural areas where services and infrastructure are limited.

Challenges are exacerbated by geographical isolation and a lack of targeted support, leaving many unable to benefit from these legal advancements fully. According to a report, more than 10% of Portugal’s population lives with a disability. Yet, many still struggle to access education, employment and health care. This persistent inaccessibility not only hinders personal development but also perpetuates a cycle of economic disadvantage, marginalization and social exclusion.

Disability and Economic Struggles

A key factor in the poverty faced by persons with disabilities is the lack of accessible employment opportunities. According to data from EU-SILC, the employment rate for people with disabilities in Portugal is about 58.4% compared to 77.4% for people without disabilities. Discrimination and inadequate workplace accommodations often hinder job prospects. Furthermore, the lack of accessible transport and facilities adds to the difficulty. Moreover, public services, including health care and transportation, can be inaccessible in many parts of the country.

Portugal lacks a national personal assistance scheme, leaving many individuals with disabilities reliant on family members or institutional care. This makes many of them report difficulty in accessing public transportation, especially in rural and less-developed regions. This lack of access further isolates individuals living with disabilities from society, making it even harder to engage in education, employment or social life.

Moving Toward Inclusion

Breaking the cycle of disability and poverty in Portugal requires a comprehensive approach that includes greater investment in inclusive education, better access to public spaces and increased employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) emphasizes that people with disabilities should have the right to choose where and with whom they live, free from mandatory institutionalization.

Integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce holds immense potential for economic growth. This is a benefit acknowledged by the Portuguese government as part of its commitment to inclusivity under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The success of these top-down-oriented strategies is crucial, not only for Portugal but for Europe as a whole, in addressing and reducing poverty effectively via political and administrative change.

– Lambros Andrikopoulos

Lambros is based in Birmingham, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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3 Political Actions Impacting Disability and Poverty in Jordan

Disability and Poverty in Jordan
Jordan is the home to 11.34 million people of which an estimated 2.72 million live in poverty. Additionally, somewhere around 11% of all Jordanians are diagnosed with a disability. The unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities in Jordan is almost double the amount of individuals without disabilities. Unequal access to services caused by poverty leads to an increase in disability rates. The main inequalities surrounding disability and poverty in Jordan are in employment, education and health care.

How Does Poverty Affect People With Disabilities?


Poverty leads to an increase in isolation and vulnerability, because of that people with disabilities can be unable to receive necessary care. Having a disability makes it harder to access employment, education and health care. Often the available services do not have the resources to care for disabled people. Individuals with disabilities require care that is not available to them in areas of poverty, which leads to an increase in mortality rates. Here are three political actions impacting disability and poverty in Jordan.

Ratification of United Nations Convention

Jordan has ratified and incorporated some important tools to help people with disabilities. One of these tools is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which has a set of protocols that Jordan has been using since 2007. This agreement essentially states that people with disabilities deserve equal education and employment opportunities. This agreement holds the government responsible for providing necessary medical care for people with disabilities. Jordan has created councils dedicated to creating legislation that upholds the conventions agreements. 

HCAPD

In 2007, Higher Council for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities (HCAPD) was formed to uphold laws passed to protect individuals with disabilities. The council’s main functions are to create plans for the future, execute current plans and create legislation for people with disabilities. The goal of this council is to implement specific and broad legislation that helps individuals with disabilities. An example of their impact is when HCAPD worked with the Ministry of Higher Education to transition 10 schools into being inclusive spaces for all abilities. This is a small-scale example of the positive impact HCAPD can have.

National Social Protection Strategy

Jordan created the National Social Protection Strategy in 2019 to address social inequalities. Among these inequalities are disability, exclusion and poverty, which Jordan has agreed to prevent. The plan has three parts: opportunity, empowerment, and dignity. Jordan plans to use the combination of those parts to create legislation moving forward that addresses inequalities among disabled people. Creating a protective environment allows for economic growth that benefits people of all abilities. Part of the protection program is aiding poverty that affects people with disabilities. One outcome is Jordanian businesses that employ more than 50 people must have 4% of that be people with disabilities.

Jordan’s Current Situation

The implementation of those political actions has been a great start in aiding people with disabilities in Jordan. The combined effort from multiple organizations within Jordan to create funding and legislation has had positive effects nationally. With that in mind, it’s also important to understand that this problem requires funding to solve. Poverty is one of the main contributors to disability inequalities. Addressing poverty is the first step in addressing the inequalities in education, employment and health care. Poverty requires funding from the national government and foreign aid to decrease. Actions taken by the Jordanian government can serve as a model for other countries looking to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities who are impoverished.

– Kaleb Monteith

Kaleb is based in Greeley, CO, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Facts About Disability and Poverty in Uzbekistan

Disability and Poverty in UzbekistanUzbekistan is a country in Central Asia neighbored by Kazakhstan to the north, Kyrgyzstan to the northeast, Afghanistan to the south, Tajikistan to the southeast and Turkmenistan to the southwest. It is one of only two countries in the world that is doubly landlocked, or surrounded by other countries that are also landlocked. Disability and poverty in Uzbekistan often go together, with people having a tougher time participating in society. In recent years, the nation has made a concerted effort to improve the conditions of disabled people within its borders. Here are five facts you need to know about disability and poverty in Uzbekistan.

5 Facts About Disability and Poverty in Uzbekistan

  1. Disabled people make up about 2.5% of the population. In 2022, it was reported by KUN that 845,000 people were officially recognized by Uzbekistan as being disabled. More than half of people over the age of 60 have some kind of disability. Most disabled people live in rural communities across Uzbekistan, though a few live in cities like Tashkent. The largest region, Navoiy, also has the highest rate of disability in the nation, at 3.6%.
  2. Employment is difficult to come by for those with disabilities in Uzbekistan. In Uzbekistan, people with disabilities are 4.3 times less likely to have a full-time job than people without disabilities. Additionally, people with disabilities make just 74% the monthly wage of people without disabilities. Disability:IN reported that people with disabilities made 612,000 UZS per month ($47.55). In comparison, in 2019, people without disabilities made 827,000 UZS per month ($64.26).
  3. Some welfare is provided to those with disabilities in Uzbekistan. The World Bank reported that almost 700,000 people with disabilities in Uzbekistan were given pensions and other social benefits in 2019. However, many of those people survive only on those pensions because they find it difficult to gain full-time employment.
  4. There are organizations that are helping disabled people. Some organizations, like the Gulbahor Nurli Kelajak LLC, provide much-needed employment in the tailoring industry for disabled people. Gulbahor Nurli Kelajak has employed more than 50 disabled people, mostly women, since its founding in Termez, Uzbekistan in 2021. Additionally, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in Uzbekistan, with one of its goals being to alleviate disability and poverty concerns in the country.
  5. Laws are in place to protect people with disabilities in Uzbekistan. In 2020, Uzbekistan passed its first comprehensive law, “On the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”. The law aims to provide more opportunities and better conditions for people with disabilities. In 2021, the country ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, further enshrining protections.

Other Considerations

Alongside these five facts about disability and poverty in Uzbekistan, the country has recently been doing more to protect and give more opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in life. Universities give admission preference to students with disabilities. This is starting to show signs of improving disability and poverty in the country, with students having more opportunities than before.

However, activists across the country are disgruntled with the slow adoption of the law. Many wish more could be done to change the culture of pity toward people with disabilities. The infrastructure for equal facilities for people with disabilities is not yet in place and people still feel stigmatized from participating in events like elections or festivals. Although the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated like a holiday, activists in the country believe the day should be more about educating people about disabilities. 

Looking Ahead

Together, these five facts about disability and poverty in Uzbekistan paint a picture of a country that is trying to bring reforms that bridge the gap between people with disabilities and people without disabilities. Although the reforms have happened within the last five years, Uzbekistan has shown willingness to improve conditions for its people.

– Julius Millan

Julius is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in Mauritania

Disability and Poverty in MauritaniaThe Islamic Republic of Mauritania lies in the Sahel region in North West Africa. It is a dry, hot region that has struggled with high poverty rates for decades. However, according to The Last Two Permanent Surveys on Household Living Conditions (EPCV) cited in the June 2024 International Monetary Fund (IMF) report, Mauritania reduced its poverty rate from 30.9% to 28.2%.

However, poverty remains a significant issue, especially in rural areas, where 41.2% of the population experience poverty compared to 14.4% of those in urban areas. Recent data also shows that the majority of those in poverty have disabilities. These numbers have enabled the Mauritanian government to look at disability and poverty in Mauritania with help from social protection projects and international organizations. 

Poverty in Mauritania

The World Bank in 2019 estimated that only 15% of the rural population had access to sanitation services, which leaves 85% of the population vulnerable to diseases. Access to water remains a significant challenge in Mauritania’s desert climate. As of 2020, 78% of the population had access to water, a notable increase from 40% in 2010. However, 22% of the population still lacks access to water. The World Bank also estimates that only 47% of the population has access to electricity. 

Not having the necessary amenities has made day-to-day life difficult in Mauritania for many people, especially for those with disabilities. A strong link exists between disability and poverty in Mauritania. Data collected by the Disability and Data Initiative from 2019 to 2021 shows that 85% of individuals with multiple functional difficulties live in poverty, often in rural areas in the country. In comparison to those with fewer or no functional challenges, 71.2% and 71.3% were found. The lack of public service institutions in rural areas leaves many disabled individuals without the proper care, treatment or education necessary for survival.

The Stigma Associated With Disability

Despite many Mauritanians living with some disability, the stigma and discrimination that affect them are very real. Mauritanian law prohibits discrimination against individuals with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities. Yet, a 2023 country report on human rights practices in Mauritania conducted by the U.S. Department of State found that this law is not enforced. It found that people with disabilities do not have access to education, health services or any other types of public services. 

Solutions

Mauritania has been trying to help its needy citizens by adopting adaptive social protection. As of September 2024, 200,000 impoverished households are registered in the social registry database, where they can benefit from the Tekavoul National Social Transfer Program. This program provides families with cash transfers from the Mauritanian government every few months. 

The Mauritanian government implemented this program with support from the International Development Association. The program allows families to spend the money on whatever they choose. However, people typically use it to buy hygiene products, school supplies and food. This program is meant to cover struggling families’ basic needs while encouraging them to invest in things like their children’s future. 

To end the stigma surrounding people with disabilities, the World Vision Organization, a nonprofit organization, organized an inclusion project in partnership with the National Federation of People Living with Disabilities earlier this year. More than 120 explored disability issues through activities to break down stereotypes and promote a better understanding of the realities of living with a disability. 

Overall, Mauritania is currently working to end poverty and reduce stigmatization for those who are disabled. It’s just going to take some time.

– Aya Diab

Aya is based in Queens, New York, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Bina Foundation: Promoting Inclusivity for PWDs in Nigeria

PWDs in NigeriaDespite various legal frameworks, many persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria face limited opportunities and widespread neglect, hindering their ability to participate fully in society. This issue is significant, as PWDs represent a large and often invisible population that continues to encounter barriers to inclusion. The problem extends to all sectors of society, affecting not only PWDs but also their families and communities.

Bina Foundation works to bridge these gaps by advocating for inclusive policies, providing skills development and economic empowerment programs, offering healthcare and psychosocial support and fostering greater awareness of the rights of PWDs. Its goal is to create a more inclusive society where every individual, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to lead a life of dignity and purpose. By doing so, it aims to increase the inclusivity of PWDs while making them economically self-reliant.

Addressing the Marginalization of PWDs in Nigeria

Bina Foundation is committed to addressing the marginalization of PWDs in Nigeria through inclusivity, empowerment and community-driven solutions. The organization believes meaningful change begins with understanding the unique challenges PWDs face, which is why it prioritizes direct engagement with individuals and communities.

The Foundation’s approach combines advocacy, capacity building and service delivery, ensuring that PWDs not only access essential resources but also gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive independently. It offers comprehensive training in skills acquisition, from computer literacy to vocational trades, empowering PWDs to become self-reliant. Additionally, the initiative provides grants, equipment and psychosocial support to sustain their progress long after the programs conclude.

Furthermore, the nonprofit incorporates sports and recreational activities into its interventions. Sports can be a powerful tool for promoting physical, emotional and social well-being, especially for PWDs. The organization’s specialized sports programs, including blind football, goalball, judo and blind powerlifting, not only promote fitness but also help PWDs build confidence, reduce anxiety and combat social isolation. Through this inclusive and multifaceted approach, it is gradually breaking down the barriers that prevent PWDs in Nigeria from leading fulfilling lives.

Empowering Vulnerable Populations

Bina Foundation has empowered many to overcome significant challenges, one of the most notable being the case of the first-ever pharmaceutical graduate in a wheelchair at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Despite meeting the required cut-off mark to study pharmacy at the institution, he was initially denied admission due to his disability, as authorities questioned his ability to complete the course. Bina Foundation intervened, advocating for his right to pursue his dream. Today, he stands as an inspiring example of how determination and support can break down barriers, showing that physical disability should never limit one’s potential.

Beyond advocating for educational rights, Bina Foundation has significantly impacted the economic empowerment of vulnerable populations. It has helped thousands of widows and PWDs become economically self-reliant through various funding and skills development programs. For many widows, losing a spouse meant losing financial security, but through its initiatives, more than 1,000 widows and people with special needs have been given the opportunity to start and sustain their own businesses. In addition to financial support, the organization provided equipment and resources needed to ensure the long-term success of their ventures.

Impact on Blind Sports in Africa

Bina Foundation’s work extends to sports, where it has actively promoted inclusivity for people with special needs, particularly in blind sports. Its blind football and goalball teams have gained international recognition, participating in numerous championships. Bina Foundation teams have competed in events such as the Goalball Championship in Ghana, the 2019 IBSA competition, which was kicked off at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, Nigeria and the 2022 IBSA Blind Football African Championship in Morocco.

In addition, it proudly hosted the International Blind Football Association African Championship in 2021 in Enugu, Nigeria, marking a significant milestone for blind sports in the country. Its team also competed in the blind football competition in France. “We didn’t just train and send these athletes to compete; we ensured they had all the support they needed, from providing housing to covering their food and essential needs throughout the training period,” a foundation representative said. “Our efforts continue to empower people with disabilities, not just through immediate interventions but by providing long-term solutions that enable them to become economically independent and socially included.”

Final Remark

Bina Foundation is not just addressing immediate needs but is dedicated to building a future where PWDs, widows and vulnerable populations can thrive independently. It is passionate about creating an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to realize their full potential.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr

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Inclusive Education: Agatha Obiageli Aghedo Memorial Foundation

Agatha Obiageli AghedoIn Satellite Town, a bustling and diverse community in Lagos State, Nigeria, the absence of a conducive and enabling school environment for children with disabilities and those from impoverished backgrounds has long been a glaring issue. For too many families, access to quality education feels like a distant dream, particularly for children who require special attention and care. The stark reality is that children with disabilities often face multiple layers of exclusion—first from the broader society and then from an educational system ill-equipped to meet their needs.

The Challenge: A Community in Need

Satellite Town is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing many urban areas across Nigeria. The town is home to a significant population of children who come from low-income families, where the struggle to make ends meet often means that education becomes a luxury rather than a necessity. For children with disabilities, the situation is even more dire. The lack of specialized schools or programs that can accommodate their needs often leaves them excluded from the education system entirely.

These children are not just missing out on learning; they are being denied their fundamental right to grow, develop and participate fully in society. Despite the high rate of migration into Satellite Town, driven by its commercial activities, many families continue to struggle for survival. The community is marked by stark economic disparities, where the influx of new residents seeking opportunity overshadows the persistent needs of the most vulnerable.

The Agatha Obiageli Aghedo Memorial Foundation

The Agatha Obiageli Aghedo Memorial Foundation, founded and registered in 2012, was established out of a strong commitment to address these inequities. Led by Dr. Akhere Marian Aghedo-Akran, a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Strategist with a Ph.D. in Educational Management specializing in inclusion strategies, the Foundation passionately advocates for inclusive education and the dignity of all individuals.

Born and raised in Satellite Town, Aghedo-Akran has a deep personal connection to her community and strongly believes in giving back to uplift those in need, especially in the place where her mother lived until her passing. The foundation honors her mother’s legacy, who was a dedicated humanitarian. She treated everyone with love and fairness, never perceiving anyone as less or impaired and the foundation continues this commitment to inclusive support for all.

St. Agatha’s Inclusive Learning Center

The organization launched St. Agatha’s Inclusive Learning Center eight year ago. The center is a free school dedicated to providing equitable and inclusive education for all children, regardless of their physical abilities or socioeconomic status. This initiative has since become a lifeline for more than 200 children and their families in the community. The Foundation’s approach extends beyond traditional education, aiming to create an environment where every child feels valued and included.

One of its most impactful initiatives has been the introduction of sign language in its school, which has inspired some private schools in the community to adopt similar inclusive practices. This initiative has significantly reduced the stigma and isolation that many children with disabilities face, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Additionally, through its #NoChildShouldBeLeftBehind campaign, the Foundation has worked tirelessly to reintegrate out-of-school children into the educational system. These children receive free education, meals, uniforms, shoes and writing materials, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.

Transforming Lives and Communities

In 2024, the Foundation expanded its impact through the launch of the Disability Arts, Robotics, Technology and Safety (DARTS) Project. This innovative program provides persons with disabilities in the community with free training in essential life skills. Participants have learned fire safety, basic life support, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and information technology, empowering them to live more independently and safely. The DARTS Project is a critical step in its ongoing mission to equip individuals with disabilities with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The Agatha Obiageli Aghedo Memorial Foundation’s efforts extend beyond education into the broader community. Since its inception, the Foundation has organized more than 20 quarterly community outreaches, distributing relief items to vulnerable families. These initiatives have impacted more than 500,000 people, providing essential support to those facing daily struggles to make ends meet. Additionally, during the COVID-19 lockdown, the Foundation distributed relief packs to more than 3,000 families consistently for 11 weeks, ensuring they had essential supplies to survive the difficult period.

Conclusion

The Agatha Obiageli Aghedo Memorial Foundation has made a lasting impact through its commitment to inclusive education and community support. The initiative is committed to continuing its work until every child in Satellite Town and beyond has the opportunity to access quality education, regardless of their circumstances.

– Staff Reports
Photo: AOAMF