Development for all. Understanding disability inclusion in development organisations

Author's summary

Persons with disabilities represent 15% of the Global population. 80% of this group lives in developing countries were they are trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty, reinforced by their disabilities. As a result, persons with disabilities are among the most marginalized of the poor. Paradoxically persons with disabilities are often not included in (international) development programmes that aim to combat poverty. Recent debates on the sustainability of international development programmes emphasize that reaching and including marginalized groups in society (such as persons with disabilities) is an important aspect of poverty alleviation. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) pays specific attention to the situation of persons with disabilities in international development progammes (UN 2006, art. 32). Since the CRPD has come into force, scholars, organizations and governments have started discussing the importance of disability inclusive development (Albert, 2006). However despite the international attention directed towards disability issues in development, the practice of disability inclusive development does not receive adequate attention in development programmes. In order to address this implementation gap, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can play an important role by mainstreaming disability in development programmes through innovative practices. Therefore, this thesis intends to provide an understanding of the change processes towards disability inclusive development of NGOs and their international development progammes.

Resource Center comment

Ce document n’est pas une recherche appliquée au sens strict du terme. Il s’agit d’une thèse dont le sujet porte sur l’inclusion des conditions des personnes en situation de handicap dans les différents programmes de développement menés par des organisations non gouvernementales. La Convention Internationale relative aux Droits des Personnes Handicapées (CDPH) et ses principes ont une place importante dans l’élaboration de cette recherche.

La méthodologie utilisée lors de cette recherche est sérieuse. L’analyse qualitative a permis de se rapprocher d’acteurs de terrain tel que les organisations non gouvernementales, les associations représentatives, les personnes handicapées.

En guise de recommandations, l’auteur met en avant plusieurs stratégies qui permettent l’inclusion des questions relatives au handicap dans les programmes de développement.

Ces résultats pourront venir en appui à l’élaboration de politiques de développement et de politiques locales afin d’améliorer l’inclusion des personnes handicapées.