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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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Leading The Way: Cabo Verde’s HIV Fight

cabo verde's HIVCabo Verde, a West African country consisting of islands in the central Atlantic Ocean, has become a leader in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Africa through its health care investments and social initiatives. Currently, Cabo Verde is estimated to have an HIV prevalence of around 0.6%. At the same time, AIDS-related deaths decreased from around 200 in 2004 to less than 100 in 2022. This progress has involved declining poverty, which dropped to 28.1% in 2022 from 56.8% in 2001. Cabo Verde’s HIV fight is now focused on projects directed at vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, children and disabled people.

Investment in Communities

Combating HIV and AIDS requires involving both the general public and individuals living with HIV in decision-making processes. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has reported that the West Africa region is not on track to meet the goal of eradicating AIDS by 2030, a target set during the Africa Rising Forum in 2014.

The group’s Executive Director expressed the need for “policies and programs that focus on people not diseases.” This involves community-led HIV testing to reach more people. Furthermore, support groups for mothers living with HIV and individual visits by social assistants are also key. One assistant in Cabo Verde expressed how this work allows patients to “have a good quality of life and avoid stigma and social marginalization.”

Regional Asymmetry

A key challenge for Cabo Verde is the disparity in resources between islands, which affects HIV patients’ ability to access care. At independence in 1975, the country had only 13 doctors. However, the health system has since expanded in both size and sophistication, with 80% of the population now living within half an hour of a health facility. The decentralization of smaller health centers has improved access to care, enabling HIV patients to receive antiretroviral therapy to manage the disease. UNAIDS estimates that by 2023, 72% of individuals living with HIV in Cabo Verde were accessing antiretroviral therapy.

Free Health Care

Cabo Verde’s economy has grown significantly since the ’90s, driven by foreign investment and tourism. This growth has led to increased health care spending, rising from $65 per person in 2001 to $165 in 2013. Citizens are entitled to free basic health care, including preventive care and treatment for HIV and AIDS. The country’s social protection efforts are supported by widespread health education, facilitated by high literacy rates and good access to electricity, fostering greater public awareness and engagement.

Advocacy for the Disabled Community

Despite Cabo Verde’s broad progress, vulnerable communities, such as those with disabilities, continue to face challenges. Handicap International, active in Cabo Verde since 2006, has worked to include disabled individuals in the fight against HIV. The organization improved data on the biological vulnerability to HIV infection and promoted inclusive education on HIV and AIDS.

Research found that the HIV prevalence rate among people with disabilities in Cabo Verde is 2.3%. Additionally, about 79% of disabled participants unaware of available HIV care and support. However, the study itself led to 96% of participants gaining an improved understanding of HIV and AIDS.

Preventing Vertical Transmission

Preventing vertical transmission of HIV from mother to fetus is a key priority for Cabo Verde in reducing new infections. Minister of Health Arlindo Nascimento do Rosário emphasized, “Every child has a right to be born healthy and to live a healthy life.” As part of the free health care system, pregnant women are offered HIV testing. If they test positive, they receive antiretroviral drugs and antenatal support to minimize the risk of transmission.

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) shared the story of Leila Rodrigues, a mother who discovered she had HIV just weeks before giving birth. Thanks to the care her son received, transmission was prevented. Rodrigues later joined the National Network of People with HIV of Cabo Verde.

Final Note

Cabo Verde’s progress in HIV health care has not come without challenges. However, the country has become a model for investing in change and empowering communities. The WHO Africa Health Forum has highlighted Cabo Verde as an exemplar, with participants visiting to observe how innovations have built a strong health care system. Emulating Cabo Verde’s commitment to social inclusion, universal health coverage and decentralized HIV testing could enable the West African region to more effectively combat the disease.

– Daisy Outram

Daisy is based in Kent, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Ray of Hope for Visually Impaired Women in Afghanistan

Women in AfghanistanAfghanistan, a country in Central Asia, has been affected by conflict for at least five decades. Years of war have not only destroyed the country’s infrastructure but have also had a profound impact on the physical and mental health of its inhabitants, as well as deteriorated the human rights situation, especially for women in Afghanistan.

Disabilities in Afghanistan

The prevalence of disabilities in Afghanistan has seen a significant increase, primarily attributed to the ongoing conflict, widespread destruction and the lack of accessible medical facilities. The 2019 Model Disability Survey revealed that around 80% of the population aged 18 and above experiences some form of disability, with women disproportionately affected, experiencing a 14.9% higher impact compared to men. Afghanistan has one of the highest numbers of people with any form of disability per capita in the world. This situation is exacerbated by widespread poverty, limited access to education and health care, minimal job opportunities and cultural stigmatization.

Visual Impairment

A report published by The Fred Hollows Foundation has estimated that 1.5 million individuals in Afghanistan are living with some form of visual impairment, with 600,000 of them experiencing complete blindness. A report published in The Kabul Times has indicated that many of these individuals are women. This data underscores the significant impact of visual impairment, particularly among women, in Afghanistan.

In Afghanistan, women face substantial discrimination. They are particularly vulnerable due to limited access to education, minimal job opportunities and economic freedom. These challenges are exacerbated when women also have a disability, as they face even greater levels of marginalization and discrimination in the form of physical and emotional abuse and social isolation.

Ray of Hope

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in partnership with the Welfare Association for the Development of Afghanistan (WADAN), has launched a project in two provinces in eastern Afghanistan. The project focuses on teaching braille, basic math and essential life skills such as cooking and using a cane. Additionally, the project provides psychosocial counseling to empower women to address daily societal challenges and confront violence. In 2022, the project benefited 90 women, with another 200 women currently enrolled, offering them hope for the future. UNHCR and WADAN plan to expand the program further.

The Rayhab School for Children with Disabilities is another initiative supporting disabled Afghans. The school offers primary education, food and transportation for blind, deaf and speech-impaired boys and girls from impoverished families in Kabul. The school welcomes more than 400 children daily, with 40% of them being girls.

The current efforts to address the situation in Afghanistan are commendable, yet they are insufficient compared to the enormity of the issue. Despite this, they serve as a beacon of hope for millions impacted. 

– Maria Waleed

Maria is based in Yokohama, Japan and focuses on Good News, Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Tackling Poverty Among People With Disabilities in Niger

People With Disabilities in NigerIn Niger, disability affects a significant portion of the population, with approximately 4.2% of individuals living with disabilities, according to the African Disability Rights Yearbook. Sadly, these individuals often face social exclusion, hindering their ability to thrive and participate fully in economic activities. However, various initiatives are underway to promote inclusivity and empower people with disabilities in Niger. From targeted programs focusing on children and girls to collaborative efforts with international organizations, the country is striving to ensure equal opportunities for all its citizens, regardless of ability.

Societal Inclusion as a Strategy in Niger

Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is actively expanding its efforts in Niger to support individuals affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters. The organization is working to facilitate the socioeconomic advancement of people with disabilities through greater societal inclusion. It involves conducting research studies to identify the specific needs of individuals with disabilities and understand the barriers they encounter in achieving success when these needs are unmet.

The objective of these studies is to foster broader societal awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities. HI collaborates closely with local organizations, institutions and humanitarian actors to advocate for the integration of people with disabilities into society. Additionally, the organization is dedicated to ensuring that children with disabilities have access to primary education and the opportunity to pursue secondary education upon completion of their studies.

Programs for People With Disabilities in Niger

The government of Niger, along with international institutions, has implemented initiatives to support education and employment programs for individuals with disabilities. The Niger Learning Improvement for Results in Education Project, backed by $230 million, aims to improve educational access by constructing learning facilities, training educators and refining teaching methods nationwide.

Specifically, the project allocates funds for the construction of boarding schools and classrooms to facilitate girls’ access to education. Additionally, the Disability Inclusion Strategy, integrated into the International Organization for Migrant’s existing efforts, outlines the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities. This strategy emphasizes enhancing educational opportunities, particularly for girls who historically faced barriers to schooling.

Niger is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the necessary resources and opportunities to thrive and contribute to the economy. Furthermore, initiatives such as the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, one of many policies in Niger, strive for equal opportunities and societal integration by aligning with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

International Organization for Migration

In Niger, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has organized various initiatives to connect individuals with disabilities to employment opportunities. One notable event was the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2019. Collaborating with local organizations in Agadez and Tahoua, the aim was to promote the societal inclusion of people with disabilities as outlined in the 2030 Agenda. The event featured conferences, presentations by local organizations, film screenings, bicycle races and poetry readings, all aimed at fostering integration and awareness.

– Ryan Patrick
Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in Russia

Disability and Poverty in RussiaRussia’s poverty rate across all demographics sits at 12.1% as of 2020, per the World Bank. Further, 13 million Russians have disabilities, which is roughly 9% of the total population. In lower and middle-income countries, which includes Russia, disabled people are twice as likely to live in poverty than non-disabled people. As with many countries, disability and poverty in Russia are linked to each other; Russia’s history of discrimination against disabled people relegates many of them to live in poverty and this marginalized demographic faces discrimination in modern-day Russia.

History

Historically, the Russian government has treated its disabled citizens with disregard for their well-being. The current Russian Federation’s former governing state, the Soviet Union, outright denied their existence in the country, infamously declining to participate in the first iteration of the Paralympic Games in 1980, claiming that no disabled people existed in the country.

Before this, the Soviet government assigned disabled World War II veterans to low-paying jobs upon their return from war, thus relegated to poverty. These new jobs assigned to the now-disabled Russian veterans often disregarded their previous careers and skill sets. They reduced them to being defined by their disability.

This practice of job reassignment created an association between poverty and disability in Russia and disabled citizens were given little opportunity to better their conditions beyond their low-wage occupations.

Modern Problems

In addition to the higher rates of poverty among disabled Russians, discrimination against people with disabilities is still pervasive in the country. In 1995, the Russian Federation passed a law outlining a federal definition of disability, a step forward from the Soviet Union’s denial of disabled Russians.

Despite the federal acknowledgment of disabled citizens, the country still lacks adequate resources for them. Disabled people in Russia, particularly children with disabilities, are mistreated. For example, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW), Russian orphanages have been caught transferring their disabled residents to state-run institutions without their consent once they have turned 18 when they instead should be transitioned into living independently.

This comes in tandem with allegations of abuse inside Russian orphanages, where an estimated 30% of disabled Russian children live. These orphanages hold children for extended periods despite being intended only for temporary stays. Former residents have accused these children’s homes of tying patients to beds, sedating them and temporarily transferring them to mental institutions against their will as punishment.

Solutions

The violence and adversity faced by disabled people are still pervasive. However, some organizations are working to alleviate the issues that come from disability and poverty in Russia. To combat the adversity faced by disabled Russians, some citizens have started their own charities and nonprofits to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and give support to their families.

For example, Perspektiva is a Russian nonprofit that works to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, including helping them find employment to diminish the number of people living with both disability and poverty in Russia. Perspektiva has helped Russians with disabilities complete internships with international companies, such as Ernst and Young, L’Oreal and SAP and it lists hundreds of jobs on its employment portal for disabled job applicants.

Final Remark

The social acknowledgment of disabled Russians and the work of charities like Perspektiva have helped improve the status of disabled Russians living in poverty. However, this vulnerable demographic still needs assistance and advocacy to improve further.

– Elizabeth Nelms
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Social Entrepreneurship Empowers Disability Justice

Social Entrepreneurship Empowers Disability JusticeThe MIT Enterprise Forum (MITEF) is carrying out its 16th edition Pan-Arab Startup Competition. Since 2016, the yearly program awards competitors in three categories: ideas, startups and social entrepreneurship. The competition highlights how social entrepreneurship empowers disability justice, among other issues. Winners receive equity-free funding based on scalability, social impact, financial sustainability and innovation. Participants receive top-notch mentoring from some of the leading minds in entrepreneurship and technology, and they also gain networking opportunities with a global entrepreneurial community and investors.

Social Entrepreneurship Track

Social entrepreneurship is quickly gaining popularity in the world of innovation. It is an initiative that pursues an innovative idea to address the root causes of communal issues such as poverty, water scarcity, disability justice and much more.

MIT recognizes the potential of social entrepreneurship. Hala Fadel, the Founder and Chair of MITEF Pan-Arab, commented that “the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem has reached an inflection point as 450-plus alumni are leading their way through the domains of renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and environmental infrastructure.”

Money goes into social businesses to create social impact, not to maximize dividends on investment. Without pressure from opportunistic stockholders to optimize profit, these peace-driven projects can expand impact and be self-sustaining and ethical.

A fundamental principle of social entrepreneurship is a pledge to higher than standard working conditions and wages. These initiatives provide proper employment for locals who are working to confront their communities’ problems. The emergence of this new wave of entrepreneurship is productive for social health, innovation and middle-class development. Social entrepreneurs may become major drivers of poverty reduction action in the future.

Social Business Highlight: Entaleq

Entaleq, one of the program’s successful alumni, is a mobile phone application aiming to improve accessibility for people with disabilities in Egypt. The Helm Foundation developed the app, and the nonprofit works to fight poverty and domestic violence.

The Helm Foundation’s mobile app positively influences people’s lives in North Africa. Entaleq allows users to comment and review locations that have disability access. The Helm Foundation also helps build and advocate for accessibility infrastructure in Egypt. As the 2020 winner of MITEF’s social entrepreneurship track, Entaleq hopes to reach the global market shortly.

Disability Justice and Poverty Reduction

Disability justice is essential for global poverty alleviation. According to a report from the International Labor Organization (ILO), people with disabilities are typically among the world’s poorest demographics, especially in low-income countries. According to a U.N. report, people with disabilities are likely 7% to 10% of any nation’s population.

Furthermore, there is an undeniable connection between disability, conflict and poverty. War continues to wound the bodies and minds of people around the world. People from conflict-heavy areas are more likely to have limited support and decreased job opportunities. A focus on disability justice is vital for recently post-conflict countries as they navigate reconstruction and poverty reduction.

Disability justice is often limited to caregiving. However, conceptions of disability justice may expand to more inclusive design and improvements to daily living which the Entaleq app does in Egypt.

How MIT’s Annual Pan-Arab Competition Helps Entrepreneurs

MIT’s annual Pan-Arab Competition is sure to bring together some of the brightest young entrepreneurs in the Middle East and North Africa. Participants will gain valuable training and exposure to a global network of innovators. Successful startups receive equity-free funding to advance projects. MITEF’s ideas, startup and social entrepreneurship tracks offer several routes for budding innovators.

Entaleq won funding in the 2020 social entrepreneurship track. The platform allows people to review disability accessibility at locations around Egypt. There are deep intersections between disability and poverty, and this technology enhances app users’ mobility and agency. Innovative social initiatives such as Entaleq prioritizing community care are making transformative impacts, showing how social entrepreneurship empowers disability justice.

MITEF’s Pan-Arab competition may be used as a model for sprouting innovation. Government funding in social entrepreneurial education will reap benefits, from local communities to the macro global economy. The MITEF Pan-Arab Competition’s proven success is designing a new identity for the world of technology and innovation.

– Samson Heyer
Photo: Flickr

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How Living With Hope is Helping People with Disabilities in Africa

Living With HopeFounded in 2018, Living With Hope is an organization that is devoted to providing resources and training for people with disabilities in Africa. South Sudan native Michael Panther was left in a wheelchair due to illness and war in his country. After receiving care himself, Panther built Living With Hope to offer support for this often marginalized demographic.

People living with disabilities anywhere in the world face challenges, but these challenges are especially tough for those living in Africa. Approximately 80 million people in Africa are living with mental or physical disabilities and the barriers that they face every day have fundamental impacts. Some families in Africa feel ashamed of members who have disabilities and will sometimes hide them from the community to avoid social stigmas, discrimination and even death. There is a substantial lack of medical care or services to help people with disabilities in Africa and the widespread poverty in the country means that the needs of able-bodied people are put before those of disabled people. 

The Treatment of People with Disabilities in Africa

The treatment of people with disabilities is not only lacking in comparison to the rest of the population, but also in comparison to each other. A study published in the 2016 African Disability Rights yearbook found that parents of girls in Africa with disabilities are more likely to abandon or kill their daughters at birth and the girls who survive are more likely to be victims of abuse as they grow up. Women with disabilities are three times more likely to have unmet needs for health care and two times less likely to find jobs.

Mental and physical disabilities disproportionately affect African people living in poverty as this population has little to no access to medical care. Around 20% of people with disabilities are living in the poorer regions of Africa. Additionally, 35 million people who require a wheelchair do not have access to one and are not granted the mobility to attend school or work, surrendering them to a life in poverty.

Mobility Device Distribution from Living with Hope

Living With Hope is helping people with disabilities in Africa by teaching them skills that will help them achieve their potential and live independently. It collaborates with other international disability ministries to change the conversation surrounding people with disabilities by reaching out to families, schools, churches and local organizations to strengthen awareness and action. Living With Hope mainly focuses on mobility device distribution, such as manual wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and canes, as well as wheelchair cushions and trays. It allows donors in various locations to drop off any mobility device they are willing to donate or make a payment to the organization so that they can purchase one. Living With Hope is also helping people with disabilities in Africa by working to raise funds to send affected children to school, so that they may grow up to participate in society as adults. 

A Look Ahead

Africans facing the challenges that come with having a mental or physical disability are severely under-acknowledged and underserved. Very little research has been done on this population, which is necessary to design effective intervention plans. Organizations similar to Living With Hope are trying to help people with disabilities in Africa by raising awareness for and expanding the discussion surrounding this community.

– Ava Lombardi
Photo: Unsplash

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The World Forgotten Children Foundation

World Forgotten ChildrenWith poverty rates rising in developing countries, raising a family can be financially taxing. As 10% of the worldwide population lives on less than $1.90 per day, there are millions of individuals who cannot provide basic necessities for their children. When a child has a physical or cognitive disability, parents face an additional barrier when addressing the children’s needs. In dire circumstances, some parents are left with no choice but to place their children in orphanages. The World Forgotten Children Foundation (WFCF) focuses efforts on helping impoverished orphans, especially those with disabilities.

Orphans Living in Poverty

Globally, there are 153 million children who are orphans and a large portion of these children are found in developing countries. Additionally, it is estimated that eight to 10 million children with disabilities are living in orphanages. Orphanages in impoverished areas often lack access to adequate resources, especially for children who need extra care for specific disabilities. The facilities fall short on appropriate education, economic stability and infrastructure.

The World Forgotten Children Foundation is a nonprofit organization that focuses on addressing the link between poverty and orphaned children, with an emphasis on helping disabled orphaned children in developing countries. The organization understands the value of also addressing the needs of the community rather than simply targeting the orphaned children.

Helping Children Affected by Cerebral Palsy

In 2017, the WFCF supported the International China Concern (ICC), an organization that takes care of more than 350 children and young adults with disabilities across China, many of who have been abandoned since birth. In China, approximately two million children have cerebral palsy. This group of disorders is the most common motor disability for children and prevents an individual from properly moving and maintaining balance and posture. Children with cerebral palsy struggle to straighten their bodies enough to fall asleep due to spinal postural deformities and those with severe cases are at risk of more serious health issues if they are unable to sleep in an adequate position. Between 23% to 46% of children living with cerebral palsy suffer from sleep issues due to pain, discomfort, seizures and skin ulcers. Also, sleep deprivation can cause development problems.

The ICC’s mission is to use postural management to protect the body shape and to minimize life-limiting deformity. The WFCF funded $10,277 to provide custom-fitted sleep aid systems for 14 children. The sleep aid systems improved the children’s physical and emotional health and well-being.

Handicapes en Avant Project

Handicapes en Avant is a French charity group based in West Africa focused on improving and facilitating the everyday lives of those with disabilities. The WFCF partnered with the Dokimoi Ergatai program of Messiah College to fund $7,800 worth of equipment. Through the partnership, the project provided physically disadvantaged children with hand-powered tricycles, enabling the children to have increased mobility. Additionally, visual assist items for computers were purchased in order to support children with visual disabilities in West Africa. Also, in Burkina Faso, funding was provided for the development of the first electric tricycle for the handicapped children of the Handicapes Avant facility. Additionally, blind orphans at the Handicapes en Avant school were provided with drawing boards to make relief drawings, Braille writing tablets and several other educational materials.

Improving the Lives of Orphans

The World Forgotten Children Foundation recognizes the many challenges of orphaned children, especially those with disabilities. The organization works to amplify the health and welfare of these disabled children. Plans for more support projects are in the pipeline. One project at a time, the Foundation is improving the lives of orphans in developing countries.

– Sarah Frances
Photo: Flickr