Disabled individuals comprise a large and varied part of the world’s population but continue to experience social, economic, and political barriers to participation due to various difficulties. Disabilities are caused by a combination of environmental factors that inhibit access to the world for disabled individuals, along with existing social attitudes that discriminate against disabled individuals and a lack of adequate support systems (i.e., policies) to provide the necessary tools to help them gain access. The need to promote the rights of disabled individuals and to create opportunities for inclusion of disabled individuals is critical to the achievement of sustainable development.
People with disabilities worldwide are disproportionately affected by poverty, high rates of unemployment, lower levels of education, and poorer health outcomes. Many of the root causes of these inequities are due to structural barriers, such as inaccessible infrastructure, lack of availability of assistive technology, and lack of access to the labour market. Consequently, poverty and disability are inextricably linked and contribute to the cycle of marginalization.
Policies that provide for the equal opportunity to receive an education; obtain access to health care, obtain employment, and utilize public services, are necessary to include disabled individuals in the development process. Social protective measures that provide income support in addition to opportunities for education and reasonable workplace accommodation provide disabled individuals with more opportunities for participation and independence. Finally, the involvement of disabled individuals in the decision-making process for policy development will increase the effectiveness of policies and promote the development of more inclusive societies.
Therefore, inclusion of disabled individuals is a basic human rights issue and a key element of sustainable development. Creating barriers-free environments and promoting inclusion within the institution has several benefits, not only to disabled individuals but to society as a whole.