ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL2.GPID/2025/Policy brief.2
Country: Arab region, Global, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Syrian Arab Republic
Publication Type: Policy briefs
Cluster: Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development
Focus Area: Inclusive development
Initiatives: Reducing inequalities, Arab Digital Inclusion Platform, Arab-European Research Network on Disability , Including persons with disabilities in the labour market, Realizing the rights of persons with disabilities
SDGs: Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Keywords: Arab countries, Community development, Government policy, Jordan, Persons with disabilities, Recommendations, Rehabilitation, Social adjustment, Social integration, Social planning, Social services, Syrian arab republic, Territories occupied by israel
Inclusive community development for persons with disabilities: national policy and community programmes
April 2025
The policy brief "Inclusive community development for persons with disabilities: from a medical approach to inclusion and participation" proposes a radical change in supporting persons with disabilities in the Arab region. Services provided to this community group are still medically oriented, thus depriving millions of its members of full participation in their communities. Most of the resources are also directed to traditional institutions that serve small numbers of persons with disabilities, and very few resources are allocated to the development of inclusive and sustainable programmes that ensure independent living and effective participation.
Given the resulting wide gap between ambitious legislation and reality, the proposed policy calls for the reallocation of resources towards building inclusive environments for persons with disabilities, by supporting independent livelihoods, removing institutional and behavioural barriers, and promoting sustainable education and employment opportunities.
Related content
Inclusive development
The policy brief "Inclusive community development for persons with disabilities: from a medical approach to inclusion and participation" proposes a radical change in supporting persons with disabilities in the Arab region. Services provided to this community group are still medically oriented, thus depriving millions of its members of full participation in their communities. Most of the resources are also directed to traditional institutions that serve small numbers of persons with disabilities, and very few resources are allocated to the development of inclusive and sustainable programmes that ensure independent living and effective participation.
Given the resulting wide gap between ambitious legislation and reality, the proposed policy calls for the reallocation of resources towards building inclusive environments for persons with disabilities, by supporting independent livelihoods, removing institutional and behavioural barriers, and promoting sustainable education and employment opportunities.
