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Disability in Australia's aid programWorking with people with disability Development for All: Towards a disability-inclusive Australian aid program 2009–2014 Development for All—Achievement Highlights International Day of People with Disability Disability-Inclusive Reference Group (DRG) Avoidable Blindness Initiative (ABI) Facts about disability and poverty Working with people with disabilityIt is widely recognised that people with disability are among the poorest and most vulnerable in developing countries. The World Report on Disability jointly launched by the World Health Organization and the World Bank in New York on 9 June 2011, estimates that approximately 15 per cent of the world’s population, or approximately 1 billion people, have a disability. People with disability face many barriers to full participation in society and are likely to face an increased risk of social exclusion. This may include being unable to access education, health services, earn a living or participate in decision making. Social exclusion is a major contributor to the level of poverty which people with disability experience, particularly those who live in developing countries. The Australian Government recognises that poverty is both a cause and consequence of disability and is committed to ensuring that the benefits of development reach those who are most excluded. Further, to achieve the targets set for the Millennium Development Goals and to alleviate poverty, the Government believes that people with disability must be actively included in development activities and processes. Therefore, people with disability have been identified as a priority for Australia’s aid program. In June 2011, ‘enhancing the lives of people with disabilities’ was highlighted as one of ten development objectives in Australia’s aid policy An Effective Aid Program. This demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to disability-inclusive development. Development for All: Towards a disability-inclusive Australian aid program 2009–2014AusAID, in consultation with key regional and Australian stakeholders, particularly people with disability and their representative organisations, developed the Australian Government's first strategy to make people with disability a priority for Australia’s aid program. On 25 November 2008, Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Mr Bob McMullan, launched 'Development for All: Towards a disability-inclusive Australian aid program 2009-2014', publicly committing the Australian Government to ensuring that people with disability are comprehensively included and supported in improving their quality of life through all aspects of the aid program. A video of the launch, featuring speeches by Bob McMullan, Professor Ron McCallum AO (Chair of the Committee of the Convention for Rights of Persons with Disabilities and 2011 Senior Australian of the Year), Savina Nongebatu (President, People with Disabilities Solomon Islands), and Paul O'Callaghan (Executive Director ACFID), is available. Disability Strategy Launch—Direct Download [WMV 116mb Note: This is a very large file] Development for All seeks change over time in the way Australia's aid program is delivered, and central to this change will be the focus on people with disability as an inherent part of all aspects of program planning and development. The strategy seeks to improve the quality of life of people with disability through a range of programs and funding mechanisms—including targeted initiatives to meet the specific needs of people with disability, building the leadership skills of people with disability and their organisations, and ensuring major programs in sectors such as education and infrastructure meet the needs and priorities of people with disability. The strategy also focuses on reducing preventable impairments through support for avoidable blindness and road safety. It seeks to improve our understanding of disability and its links to poverty through strengthened research and data and to build AusAID’s leadership and advocacy role in promoting disability as a development priority. In recognition of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Development for All will also ensure that the rights of people with disability are respected and promoted. The Development for All strategy was highlighted as a good-practice model of inclusive international cooperation in the recent World Bank/World Health Organization World Report on Disability. The strategy'Development for All: Towards a disability-inclusive Australian aid program 2009-2014' is available as a PDF and Word document and in large print. Audio format and Braille copies are also available. Development for All—Large print version Braille copies can be ordered online at www.ausaid.gov.au/publications or on +61 2 6269 1050. Companion volumeThe Development for All strategy was informed by significant background research and analysis and extensive consultations and feedback. AusAID has published a companion volume as a resource in implementing the strategy. Development for All—Companion volume FundingFunding for work under the Development for All strategy is expected to be over $140 million between 2008-2015. This includes around $80 million for improving the quality of life of people with disabilities and $66.3 million for preventing avoidable blindness. Development for All—Achievement Highlights
A young girl who uses a wheelchair with her classmates at a school in Anantpur, Andhra Pradesh, India. Photo: Chapal Khasnabis, Rural Development Trust In Samoa, girls and boys with hearing impairments are now able to go to secondary school and prepare for a career. In Solomon Islands, people with disability are now able to use the new Auki Courthouse and registry because of a ramp and accessible bathroom and kitchen facilities. Increasing numbers of young people with disability are now taking advantage of scholarship opportunities to study in Australia. These stories are described in a report released on International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2010, which highlights achievements in the first two years of the disability strategy for Australia's aid program. The report, Development for All—Achievement Highlights—the first two years, shows that the disability strategy is working. We are improving the reach of the aid program and people with disability are now benefitting from AusAID's activities. One telling photo in the report shows new strong leadership for disability rights by Pacific Leaders. With Australia's support the Pacific Islands Forum Disability Ministers' Meeting in Cook Islands in October 2009 was the first time civil society, including disabled people's organisations, were included as formal members of delegations. Their contributions demonstrated the value of inclusive development partnerships. International leaders with disability have guided Australia's efforts and been instrumental in the early success of the strategy—including members of AusAID's Disability Reference Group. The Australian aid program continues to benefit from association with Australian leaders with disability, including Professor Ron McCallum AO, Chair of the Committee on the Convention for Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Graeme Innes AM, Australia's Disability Discrimination Commissioner; Maryanne Diamond, President of the World Blind Union; and Kurt Fearnley, Paralympian and board member of Australian Volunteers International. ReportDevelopment for All: Achievement Highlights The report is available for order in a range of accessible formats. Media releaseAustralian aid improving the lives of people with disability [external website] International Day of People with DisabilityInternational Day of People with Disability (external website) on 3 December is a United Nations day that aims to promote an understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being. The day also seeks to increase awareness of the benefits of the inclusion of people with disability in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. It's also a day to reflect on the way our aid program supports people with disabilities to improve their quality of life and to participate in and contribute to society. International Day of People with Disability—2010On International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December 2010), Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd announced $11.6 million in funding to accelerate Australia's progress in inclusive development by forming strategic partnerships with other development organisations, including:
International Day of People with Disability—2011On 5 and 6 December 2011, the University of Sydney and the World Health Organisation held a symposium on The World Report on Disability: Implications for Asia and the Pacific (external website). The Symposium provided a forum to:
As well as members from the Disability Inclusive Development section, AusAID supported 14 people from developing countries to attend the Symposium through the International Seminar Support Scheme. At the Symposium, Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said 'Australia’s commitment to improving the lives of people with disability is unwavering'. He reinforced this commitment by announcing $2 million support for a new United Nations Partnership to Promote the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to assist countries to implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
On 7 December 2011, AusAID Disability Champion, Blair Exell, launched the agency's Disability Action Plan to mark the International Day of People with Disability. The Disability Action Plan clearly states AusAID’s intention to provide a working environment that is accessible and adds to the diversity of backgrounds, experience and skills within the agency. It also reinforces that everyone, regardless of where in the agency they work, has a role in ensuring that people with disability can participate fully in the community and the workplace. We are committed to disability inclusion not only in our work, but also in our workplace. 
AusAID marked International Day of People with Disability with seminar and launch of the Disability Action Plan: Layton Pike (AusAID), Noor Jehan (an Australian Development Scholarship recipient from Pakistan), Blair Exell, (AusAID), Rosemary McKay (AusAID), Graeme Innes AM (Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission), Setareki Macanawai (CEO, Pacific Disability Forum) and Nicola Colbran (Director, Australia Indonesia Justice Program, AusAID). Read AusAID's Disability Action Plan Graeme Innes AM, Australian Disability Discrimination Commissioner, gave a challenging and entertaining presentation at the launch. The Commissioner strongly encouraged AusAID to take proactive measures to recruit people with disability at all levels of the agency, combating negative attitudes and stereotypes. Deputy Director General, James Batley, also chaired a lunchtime seminar with guest speakers from the disability sector including Mr Setareki Macanawai, CEO, Pacific Disability Forum; Ms Noor Jehan, an Australian Development Scholarship recipient with a disability from Pakistan; and Ms Nicola Colbran, Director, Australia Indonesia Justice Program. The seminar addressed reducing barriers to people with disabilities in development, with a particular focus on access to services, justice and education. Disability-Inclusive Development Reference group (DRG)AusAID’s Disability-Inclusive Development Reference Group (DRG) was established in early 2009. It is an honorary advisory group of international and Australian leaders and active participants in disability-inclusive development. The DRG helps to shape AusAID’s implementation of the Development for All strategy. It also helps guide Australia’s aid program to ensure that the activities implemented are in line with the commitments made under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Members are selected on the basis of their standing in the disability community, their knowledge and practical experience in disability-inclusive development, particularly in the Pacific and Asia regions and in areas that are of highest priority and most relevant for AusAID in implementing the Development for All strategy.
Members of the DRG with Australian parliamentarians and AusAID staff at a lunch at Parliament House. Back row from left: Senator The Hon Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers; Senator Louise Pratt; the Hon Teresa Gambaro, MP; Ms Rosemary McKay; Mr Setareki Macanawai; the Hon Richard Marles, Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs; Senator Montian Buntan; Ms Megan McCoy; the Hon Michelle Rowland MP; Ms Christina Parasyn; Ms Deborah Rhodes; Ms Ingar Duering; the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP; Mr Layton Pike. Front row from left: Ms Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo; Ms Rosemary Kayess; and Mr Frederick Miller. Current members of the group are:
More information on the DRGTerms of reference Disability-Inclusive Development Reference Group Terms of Reference [PDF 24kb] Biographies Reference Group Biographies [PDF 13kb] Communiqués Communiqué from July 2011 meeting World Report on Disability The World Report on Disability (external website), launched by the World Health Organization and the World Bank in New York on 9 June 2011, makes important recommendations for government action to support people living with disabilities. The report also highlights Australia’s Development for All strategy as a best practice model of disability inclusive development. The World Report on Disability was launched in Australia by the Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Kevin Rudd on 21 June 2011 at a luncheon in Parliament House, Canberra, hosted by the Australian Disability and Development Consortium, in partnership with the Australian Council for International Development. The World Report on Disability is the first ever report to review the best available scientific evidence on the situation of people with disabilities worldwide, exploring issues such as health, education, employment, discrimination and data collection. Globally, people with disabilities experience poorer health outcomes, lower levels of education, less economic participation and higher rates of poverty than people without disabilities. This is partly because people with disability face barriers in accessing services including health, education, employment, transport, and information. These difficulties are exacerbated in less advantaged communities. The report showcases successful approaches that have improved the lives of people with disabilities, while highlighting the need for continued and improved research and data on disability. The report provides a number of key recommendations for governments, development organisations and the United Nations to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Some of these recommendations include:
Australia is one of the main donors to the report and a strong contributor to the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) work on disability through a three year $4 million partnership (2011–2014). One of the aims of the partnership is to communicate the outcomes of the report and use it as a tool to encourage further action and collaboration on disability inclusive development. Avoidable Blindness Initiative (ABI)The World Health Organization estimates globally there are 285 million people whose vision is impaired, of whom 39 million are blind and 246 million have low vision. Up to 80 per cent of blindness is treatable or preventable and 90 per cent of people with blindness or low vision impairment live in developing countries. Blindness is both a cause and consequence of poverty. With simple interventions, many people can have their sight, productivity and livelihoods restored. As part of the strategy, 'Development for All: Towards a disability-inclusive Australian aid program 2009–2014' the Avoidable Blindness Initiative (ABI) aims to reduce the incidence of preventable blindness and improve the quality of life for people with low vision and blindness. The Australian Government is investing $21.3 million over four years (2011–15) to help reduce avoidable blindness in East Asia through the Avoidable Blindness Initiative. This will build on the Government’s 2008 Avoidable Blindness Initiative of $45 million over three years (2008–11). In implementing the 2008 ABI, the Government partnered with a range of Australian non-government organisations and with regional and international agencies to achieve the aims of the ABI. The support focussed on four components:
Australia has supported the implementation of the ABI through: The Australian Government, through the Avoidable Blindness Initiative and the Vision 2020 Australia Global Consortium, is working to eliminate avoidable blindness and vision loss in developing countries by the year 2020.
Through the support of the ABI, thirteen eye care centres have been established or refurbished, over 4,000 health professionals across Asia and the Pacific have been trained and there have been over 30,000 eye health consultations in Cambodia, Vietnam, Samoa and East Timor. In line with the recommendation of the 2010 Independent Progress Review of the Avoidable Blindness Initiative, avoidable blindness is now part of AusAID’s health program. This will improve whole-of-health approaches and result in better alignment of avoidable blindness within national health systems and processes. More information on health and the Australian aid program Facts about disability and poverty
Related websites (external)
Footnotes1World Report on Disability: World health Organisation and World Bank (2011) World Report on Disability. Geneva: WHO Press, p.28. 2Department for International Development (DFID) 2000, Disability, Poverty and Development, DFID, UK 3World Report on Disability: World health Organisation and World Bank (2011) World Report on Disability. Geneva: WHO Press, p.62. 4World Report on Disability: World health Organisation and World Bank (2011) World Report on Disability. Geneva: WHO Press, p. 206. 5World Report on Disability: World health Organisation and World Bank (2011) World Report on Disability. Geneva: WHO Press, p. 207. 6World Report on Disability: World health Organisation and World Bank (2011) World Report on Disability. Geneva: WHO Press, p. 237. 7Mental Health and Development Report: World Health Organisation and mental Health and Poverty Project (2010) Mental Health and Development: Targeting people with mental health conditions as a vulnerable group. Geneva: WHO Press, p 16. 8Metts, R. 2004, Disability and Development: Background Paper prepared for the Disability and Development Research Agenda Meeting, November 16,2004, World Bank Headquarters, Washington, D.C
Last reviewed: 23 January, 2012 |
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