Compilation of national plans of action and strategies on disability available

The recently launched World Report on Disability includes among its final recommendations the elaboration and adoption of a national disability strategy and plan of action, to enhance the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all areas of Social and economic development.

While the mainstreaming of disability should be part of all policies and programs, the adoption of a national disability strategy that sets out a consolidated and comprehensive long-term vision for improving the well-being of persons with disabilities, could improve coordination among stakeholders and help make the most of limited resources. Effective strategies are a key element to foster inclusion in areas such as education, health care, community participation and participation in the labor force, and therefore they represent a powerful tool to improve the life of people with disabilities.

Many countries have already developed such kind of strategies and action plans. To get a better picture of the diffusion of this kind of tools, the World Bank Disability and Development Team and the Global Partnership for Disability and Development have compiled a list of existing national plans of action and strategies on disability. The information collected is the outcome of a research activity conducted mainly through internet sites. The main aim of the compilation is to provide an overview of what has already been done in this field, hoping the resources indicated will be both a source for discussion and a reference for other countries. All plans and strategies identified have been included and the compilation is not intended to provide advice on the quality of the plan.

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