Tag Archive for: Disability and Poverty

Posts

, ,

Disability and Poverty in Bulgaria

Disability and Poverty in BulgariaAs of 2023, 13.6% of Bulgaria’s population was living with a recognized disability. While this is below the EU average, the intersection of disability and poverty in Bulgaria remains a pressing issue. Ongoing challenges have marked the country’s journey toward building a more inclusive society since ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2012, as many individuals with disabilities continue to endure persistent systemic barriers and economic hardships.

The Realities of Disability and Poverty in Bulgaria

In 2019, Bulgaria introduced the Persons with Disabilities Act (PDA), reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the rights of individuals with disabilities. This legislation notably established an individual needs assessment to foster greater self-determination and active participation in society.

However, many individuals with disabilities in Bulgaria continue to face significant barriers to education, employment and health care. These challenges are particularly severe in rural and less-developed areas, where limited infrastructure, such as inaccessible transportation systems, exacerbates the difficulty of accessing essential services.

Despite the simultaneous adoption of the Personal Assistance Act, institutional care and dependence on family members remain prevalent among individuals with disabilities in Bulgaria, further isolating this group from community life. This ongoing lack of accessibility hinders personal growth and perpetuates a cycle of financial hardship and social marginalization. According to Eurostat, a staggering 42.4% of Bulgaria’s disabled population were at risk of poverty and social exclusion in 2023 – a significantly higher rate compared to the general population and other EU countries.

Disability and Economic Exclusion

Structural barriers in the labor market intensify disability and poverty in Bulgaria by preventing many people with disabilities from securing stable employment. Eurostat data from 2023 reveals that Bulgaria’s disability employment gap stands at 39.5%, nearly double the EU average of 21.5%. The inclusivity deficit in the education system contributes significantly to this disparity, leading to higher early school leaving rates among young people with disabilities. As a result, there is a shortage of skilled professionals with disabilities entering the workforce.

To address these challenges, the Persons with Disabilities Act (PDA) prioritizes equal access to employment, mandating that companies with 50 or more employees meet quotas for hiring permanent disabled personnel. However, organizations are failing to consistently implement these obligations,  resulting in a low number of individuals being hired. Discrimination, inadequate workplace accommodations and an inflexible labor market continue to hinder job prospects for persons with disabilities.

Progress Toward Inclusion for People With Disabilities

The National Strategy for Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 seeks to break the cycle of disability and poverty in Bulgaria. This comprehensive initiative aims to ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities by prioritizing inclusive education, accessible public spaces and labor market activation—key drivers in reducing poverty and income inequality for people with disabilities. The strategy places a key emphasis on digital skills training to open up new employment opportunities for people with disabilities across the country, providing specialized programs to develop key competencies and increase both productivity and employability.

The Social Future Foundation, founded in 2017, is an NGO that actively connects job seekers with disabilities to employment opportunities in Bulgaria through its JAMBA Career for All initiative. Since its inception, JAMBA has built a talent pool of more than 2,500 candidates, established multidisciplinary training programs for more than 600 individuals, and provided diversity and inclusion training to 60 partnering organizations to help them effectively integrate employees with disabilities into their workplaces. JAMBA also runs awareness campaigns, reaching more than two million people, to combat social stereotypes and shift public attitudes toward disability inclusion.

Looking Ahead

Both governmental and non-governmental efforts are actively working to dismantle the deep interconnection between disability and poverty in Bulgaria, highlighting a strong commitment to advancing inclusivity and accessibility. Nevertheless, to effectively combat poverty for this vulnerable community, these initiatives must go beyond addressing the shortage of sustainable employment opportunities. 

– Charlotte Codd

Charlotte is based in Waterford, Ireland and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

, , , ,

Disability and Poverty: Barriers to Education and Health Care

Disability and Poverty: Barriers to Education and Health CareChildren with disabilities face significant barriers to education, health care and economic opportunities, particularly in developing countries. Studies indicate that children with disabilities experience poverty at nearly three times the rate of their peers without disabilities. They are also 50% less likely to attend school and 25% less likely to receive medical care, making disability both a cause and consequence of poverty. These disparities highlight the urgent need for systemic solutions to ensure children with disabilities receive equal access to essential services.

How Disability and Poverty Intersect

Families caring for children with disabilities often face higher costs for medical treatment, assistive devices and specialized education. In low-income countries, where disability resources are limited, these families struggle to meet their children’s basic needs. The lack of accessible schools forces many disabled children into isolation, depriving them of an education and future employment opportunities. Estimates suggest that 10% of children with disabilities do not receive basic rights such as education, health care or legal protection. In many cases, government policies fail to address these needs, leaving families without adequate support. Without systemic intervention, these children remain trapped in cycles of poverty, unable to access opportunities that could improve their quality of life.

Global Efforts to Address Disability and Poverty

International organizations play a crucial role in advocating for children with disabilities. The World Health Organization (WHO) leads initiatives to educate the public on disability rights and push for policy changes that promote inclusion. WHO also supports the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS), implemented in 2019, which provides a global framework for integrating disability rights into development efforts. In addition to global advocacy, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) address disability and poverty at a local level.

Accomplish Children’s Trust, a United Kingdom (U.K.)-based nonprofit, focuses on medical intervention, education access and income generation for children with disabilities in Uganda and Malawi. Many of these children previously lacked access to health care and schooling, but the organization works to integrate them into support systems that improve their long-term well-being.

The Role of NGOs in Reducing Disability Inequality

  • Community-based Approaches. Unlike large global institutions, NGOs often focus on local solutions tailored to community needs. By involving local leaders and residents, they create sustainable programs that continue without relying on long-term external aid. This grassroots approach helps address immediate challenges while fostering long-term systemic change.
  • Small-Scale, High-Impact Interventions. Smaller organizations, such as Accomplish Children’s Trust, have made measurable differences despite limited resources. The trust has facilitated physiotherapy and occupational therapy for 3,500 disabled children at Kyaninga Child Development Centre, provided epilepsy medication to 700 children and helped 356 children enroll in school—90% of whom had never attended school before. Additionally, 200 families receive financial support to care for their disabled children.
  • Targeting Key Risk Factors. Children with disabilities are at higher risk of malnutrition, disease and unemployment. Many NGOs address these risks by providing health care services, advocating for inclusive education policies and supporting vocational training programs. These efforts not only improve the quality of life for disabled children but also increase their future economic independence.

The Importance of Awareness and Policy Change

Governments and international organizations have begun increasing efforts to address the challenges faced by children with disabilities. While progress has been made, raising awareness remains critical to ensuring disability rights receive sustained attention. Increased public engagement could drive policy changes, secure funding and expand successful programs to reach more children in need. Addressing disability-related poverty requires coordinated efforts from governments, NGOs and the global community. Investments in accessible education, health care and employment programs could not only improve the lives of children with disabilities but also contribute to broader economic and social development.

– Kaleb Monteith

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

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

, ,

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

,

Disability and Poverty in Barbados

Disability and Poverty in Barbados
The eastern Caribbean island of Barbados is a popular tourist destination, but despite its foreign allure the country struggles severely with poverty, specifically amongst the disabled community. Here is some information about disability and poverty in Barbados.

Disabilities in Barbados

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities defines a person with a disability as “someone with a long-term or short-term impairment that affects their physical, mental, intellectual, developmental or sensory abilities.” Barbados follows this definition.

People with a disability are more likely to live in poverty due to social, cultural and economic hindrances. About 85 million persons with disabilities in Latin America and the Caribbean face vulnerability in education, the labor market and health care. 

According to the Barbados Survey of Living Conditions, the rate of poverty increased from 15.1 % in 2010 to 17.2 % in 2016 and as of 2010. Additionally, 7% of the total population live with a disability.

The Barbados Council for the Disabled includes a section on common disabilities in the country which include autism, deafness, down syndrome, intellectual challenges, visual impairment and muscular dystrophy. The council works to spread awareness about these disabilities.

The Good News

On June 14th, 2024, The Minister of Home Affairs in Barbados, Edmund Gregory Hinkson, wrote to the United Nations a statement on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Convention. Hinkson states that “Our Government is ensuring that persons with disabilities are provided with the essential opportunities, including accessibility to decent housing and to benefits such as access to State trust loans for entrepreneurial ventures, leading to their increased meaningful participation and inclusion in all aspects of Barbadian life.”

A recent accomplishment of the Barbados Council for the Disabled is the Fully Accessible Barbados (FAB) Programme. The program focuses on services like accessible transportation and inclusive education, as well as making structural changes to tourist attractions and all public spaces in order to provide accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Living With Disability 

The Barbados Council for the Disabled also recognizes achievements of those with disabilities. In December 2024, the council celebrated Swanye Brown and Kimberly Puckering. Swanye Brown, a Barbadian with cerebral palsy, received the Harambee Award for Leadership Development. Brown is known for speaking out about challenges that the disabled community faces, such as employment and accessibility. Kimberly Puckering, a Barbadian with a hearing impairment, received the Harambee Award for Entrepreneurship for her business. In 2024, Puckering launched Kim’s Delight which has had significant success in the community. 

Moving Forward

Barbados is implementing a seven year plan to improve conditions for the disabled community referred to as The 2023-2030 National Policy for Persons with Disabilities. The goal for disability and poverty in Barbados is to “promote, advance, and protect the full human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons with disabilities in Barbados.” The policy received approval on September 21, 2023 and includes the following categories: 

  1. “Accessibility
  2. Adequate standard of living and social protection
  3. Awareness building
  4. Education, training and lifelong learning
  5. Employment, work and economic participation
  6. Health, habitation and rehabilitation
  7. Legal recognition and access to justice
  8. Participation in society
  9. Protection in disasters and emergencies
  10. Protection of right to life, integrity, freedoms and liberties
  11. Regional and International Cooperation
  12. Respect for privacy, home and family life
  13. Statistics and data collection on disabilities
  14. Women and children with disabilities”

Since the establishment of the policy, 10% of new state housing has been designated to those with disabilities including the blind, deaf or hard of hearing, and those with mobility challenges. Barbados has also seen a 40% increase in funding to non-government organizations supporting conditions for persons with disabilities. 

Disability and poverty in Barbados are still daunting to address. The Awareness Raising and Accessibility programs like the Fully Accessible Barbados program and The Barbados Council for the Disabled strive to initiate support and representation for the community.

– Cora Andreoli

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

Photo: Pixabay

, ,

Disability and Poverty in Morocco

Disability and Poverty in MoroccoMorocco is working to create an equitable society that is inclusive of people living with disability and poverty. The king and ministers of government in recent years have expressed concerns regarding the connection between disability and poverty in Morocco and have set out to address those concerns. The Moroccan government in conjunction with international nonprofit and aid organizations has made significant progress toward reaching reform goals.

The King’s Decree

King Mohammed VI decreed in 2022 that social protections for citizens experiencing disability and poverty in Morocco would be a top priority moving forward. That year, the king set a 2025 goal for finalizing initial reforms to Morocco’s social protection programs. 

The Arab Reform Initiative has called King Mohammed VI’s decree to focus on health care and social reforms, “one of the most significant decisions since the nation’s independence.”

The Relationship: Poverty and Disability

According to 2023 statistics from the United Nations Development Program, 5.5% of Morocco’s population (727,833 people) have a disability. UNICEF statistics from 2022 show that one in seven children in The Middle East and North Africa live with a disability. Children with disabilities in the region are often marginalized from society due to social stigmas and lack of access to health care and social protection services.

People with disabilities, both visible and invisible, are more likely to experience multidimensional poverty than their peers without disability. One can attribute this to several interrelated factors which cause people with disabilities to experience more barriers when attempting to access education, employment, transportation and health care.

Assistive devices give people with disabilities the opportunity to hear and be heard, to communicate, be mobile and access services. However, these devices, hearing aids and wheelchairs for example, are often costly.

Social stigma and lack of access to services create prohibitive barriers to social and economic inclusion for people experiencing poverty and disability in Morocco. The Moroccan government hopes to reduce those barriers and stigma with its new social reforms.

Urgent Reforms

By the end of 2023, Morocco had already made significant progress towards its goals by working with international organizations and nonprofits. In 2023, the World Bank contributed $350 million USD to social protection initiatives in Morocco.

Dalal Moosa, Senior Economist and Program Co-Leader at the World Bank commended Morocco’s reforms, saying, “The implementation of [social protection programs] will be critical to protecting vulnerable populations such as women, children, people with disabilities and isolated populations in rural or remote areas against health risks.” 

Reforms supportive of those living with disability and poverty in Morocco continued to progress when the government introduced its 2024 budget plan. The 2024 budget specifically allocates funding to programs for children with disabilities. 

About $36.6 million USD of the 2024 Moroccan governmental budget is going to programs and initiatives supporting children with disabilities in Morocco. Minister Naima Ben Yahya estimated that programs funded by the 2024 budget would reach and support 27,500 children living with disabilities.

First Steps

Morocco took its first step toward its goal of providing its citizens with universal health care by merging the private and public health care sectors in 2022. Since then, access to private health care options has reduced the stress on the public health care sector.

In an added push towards its goal of universal health care, Morocco is funding initiatives to support telehealth options for its citizens. The positive impact of the telehealth initiatives is especially noticeable in rural areas of Morocco where health care facilities can be few and far between.

Human Rights and Autonomy

Social stigma is a significant barrier to inclusion and fulfilment for people living at the crossroad of disability and poverty in Morocco. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is focused on breaking down those barriers by upholding and strengthening the human rights and autonomy of people with disability. 

UNDP projects in Morocco include the standardization of sign language within the nation, improvements to the disability certification process and increasing the accessibility of buildings and restrooms. Additional projects that the UNDP is managing in Morocco aim to reduce social stigma by actively dismantling prejudice, spreading awareness and information and promoting social inclusion of people with disability. 

The United Nations Development Programme has expressed optimism about Morocco’s reforms, saying,  “Imagine a world where every person, regardless of their disability, can thrive, actively participate, and fully contribute to society. In Morocco, this paradigm is becoming a reality.”

– Caitlyn Erwin

Caitlyn is based in Asheville, NC, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

, ,

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

, ,

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

, ,

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

, ,

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