USAID policy paper on disability

The policy applies to the use of Agency program funds only and complements USAID"s personnel and staffing disability policies. The paper describes the importance of considering concerns of the disabled within ongoing and future programs and outlines the fundamental principles on which the USAID disability policy is based, including: (1) the need for a comprehensive and consistent approach to including people with disabilities, especially women and children, within USAID and in USAID assisted activities; (2) outreach to and early consultation with persons with disabilities and the community of organizations concerned about them as part of ongoing participatory processes; (3) an intent to work as development partners with U.S. and foreign PVOs and NGOs committed to persons with disabilities and to facilitate relationships between these entities; and (4) encouragement of U.S. interagency collaboration and networking among donors and other diverse entities concerned about persons with disabilities with a view to increasing impact and sustaining these efforts. (Author abstract, modified)