Introduction: Why collect data on persons with disabilities?
Quality humanitarian programming is built on an understanding of the requirements and priorities of persons with disabilitiesduring a crisis. This understanding is generated by: (1) identifying the population of persons with disabilities; (2) analysingthe risks that persons with disabilities face and the factors that contribute to those risks; (3) identifying barriers thatimpede persons with disabilities from accessing humanitarian assistance; and (4) understanding the roles and capacities ofpersons with disabilities in the humanitarian response.
To build this foundation of understanding, it is important to obtain data on persons with disabilities. Specifically, dataare required for the following purposes:
- To identify individuals with disabilities, and households that include persons with disabilities, in order to monitor their situation, target assistance and set response priorities.
- To identify the total number of persons with disabilities in the affected population. This makes it possible to calculate accurately the general and specific requirements of persons with disabilities in the affected population and mobilize appropriate resources to meet those requirements.
- To understand how the crisis affects persons with disabilities, including its effects on mortality, nutrition and food security, livelihoods, health, protection, and other essential needs. This information makes it possible to identify factors that reduce the risks that persons with disabilities face and enhance their resilience.
- To understand the views and priorities of persons with disabilities. Without this information, humanitarian organizations cannot be accountable to affected populations (AAP).
- To map the capacity and resources of organizations contributing to the response, including organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs). This information underpins the development of local partnerships and efforts to identify gaps in capacity.
- To monitor the degree to which persons with disabilities have access to assistance, services and facilities, and identify attitudinal, physical, institutional and communication barriers that impede accessibility. Without this information, humanitarian organizations cannot improve their programmes and mechanisms, remove barriers, or increase the participation of persons with disabilities. This information also informs decisions on training, awareness-raising and capacity gaps.
- To strengthen the evidence base that informs advocacy initiatives and resource mobilization.
Collecting data on persons with disabilities is also an obligation for States that have ratified the Convention on the Rightsof Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Article 31 of the CRPD, on statistics and data collection, requires States Parties to“undertake to collect appropriate information, including statistical and research data” and states that data “shall be disaggregated,as appropriate, and used to help assess the implementation of States Parties' obligations under the present Convention andto identify and address the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in exercising their rights.”