Households described widespread barriers
The survey covered 9,200 households and found that one in five included a person with a disability. UNICEF highlighted lower school attendance, greater employment barriers and exclusion from essential services. The meeting brought organisations representing affected people into discussion of the evidence and possible responses.
Education figures reveal a substantial gap
The accompanying fact sheets reported that 50% of persons with disabilities could read and write, compared with 79% of those without disabilities. Children with disabilities were less likely to be enrolled in school. The detailed findings identified distance, inaccessible buildings and shortages of appropriate learning materials among barriers to attendance. [3][2]
Recommendations address support within communities
The report called for accessible school infrastructure, teacher training and better access to sign-language interpreters and other school support. Health recommendations included community rehabilitation, affordable assistive devices and local repair services. UNICEF said it would work with government and other partners to translate the findings into more inclusive services. [1]