Disability Inclusion
SDDirect provides research, guidance, and technical support on disability inclusion in all aspects of policy and programming.
We also mainstream disability inclusion throughout our work to promote the ‘leave no one behind’ agenda and the ‘nothing about us, without us’ call from the disability rights movement.

What is Disability Inclusion?
An estimated 1.3 billion people, or 16% of the global population, have a disability. Despite this, people with disabilities have historically been overlooked in development and humanitarian policy and programming. Too often people with disabilities are denied their basic human rights, including access to education, employment and health services. The disability rights movement is advocating for change.
"…disability results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinders their full and effective participation in society, on an equal basis with others" - United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Barriers to disability inclusion

Our work in this area
SDDirect has extensive experience providing guidance on disability inclusion across sectors. Through the Disability Inclusive Development Helpdesk, we support the generation of a rigorous evidence base on ‘what works’ to deliver results for people with disabilities. The Helpdesk also provides technical and training support to ensure that data and evidence is used to drive further action and investment in disability inclusion.
We promote disability inclusion through our broader work, including our work on gender-based violence, infrastructure, safeguarding, and women’s economic empowerment.
We take a rights-based approach to disability inclusion and apply a gender and intersectionality lens in everything we do. Working with organisations of persons with disability (OPDs) is central to our approach and essential to promote the approach advocated by the disability rights movement: “nothing about us without us”.
We work to promote disability inclusion in our workplace and operations. SDDirect is a Disability Confident Employer, and we have an active Disability Inclusion Working Group that reports to our executive management team.
If you would like to hear more about our work on Disability Inclusion, please reach out to Rebekah Martin, Head of Disability Inclusion portfolio, rebekah.martin@sddirect.org.uk.
Evidence digest focus issue: Health and Disability Inclusion - Antimicrobial Resistance and Artificial intelligence
This evidence digest focuses on Health and Disability Inclusion - Antimicrobial Resistance and Artificial intelligence
Opportunities for disability rights and inclusion advocacy in Latin America and the Caribbean
This report identifies international and regional events in Latin America and the Caribbean over the next two years where the UK FCDO can advocate for increased focus on disability rights in the region. Key details such as the event names, dates, locations, and thematic focuses, are presented. These opportunities are mapped against the key outcomes, intervention areas, and enablers for inclusion that are outlined in the FCDO's Disability Inclusion and Rights Strategy.
Evidence digest focus issue: Disability Inclusive Urban Development & Infrastructure
This evidence digest focuses on Disability Inclusive Urban Development & Infrastructure
Regional gender equality, disability and social inclusion analysis – Latin America
This report highlights the positive benefits of prioritising gender equality, disability, and social inclusion on poverty reduction, trade and economic development, peace and stability, and addressing climate change and disasters. It provides an intersectional analysis of GEDSI trends in the following areas: legislation and civic space; health, education, employment and social protection; climate change, trade, and security.
Evidence digest focus issue: Movement building and Disability Inclusion
This evidence digest focuses on Movement building and Disability Inclusion
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Our work in this area
- The Nigeria LINKS Programme is a £67.5m, seven-year programme funded by the UK FCDO. It seeks to support the development of a vibrant and diversified economy in the three key northern Nigerian states of Kano, Kaduna and Jigawa, collectively acting as a powerful engine of northern economic growth.…
- The Disability Inclusion Helpdesk aims to deliver tangible outcomes to improve the lives of people with disability; provide evidence-based understandings of 'what works' to deliver results for people with disabilities; ensure data and evidence produced leads to increased action and…