Persons with disabilities have the same rights to participate in rural life as anyone, but they aren’t always able to exercise these rights. This isn’t just a missed opportunity for them – it’s a loss for entire rural communities, societies and economies.

What we call a “disability” emerges from the enduring social and physical barriers to full participation in societal life. IFAD’s Disability Inclusion Strategy recognizes that it is these barriers – not individual impairments – that keep persons with disabilities from flourishing, and that eliminating them is essential to driving inclusive rural development.

IFAD’s work shows this is possible if we promote equitable access to services and opportunities, empowerment and decision-making.