Why is data and research on disability so important?

Disability affects 1 billion people worldwide, 80% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries. Data is scarce, but has improved greatly in recent years. Yet people with disabilities lack access to health care, are more likely to be poor and more likely to be discriminated against. They often have a higher need for health care, but also more difficulties in accessing the relevant services. Systematic data collection and analysis is crucial to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to all services. “Nothing About Us Without Us!" is as crucial in research as in other project development phases for people with disability.

In this episode, Carine Weiss talks to Hannah Kuper about the current gaps in data and research on disability, and the evidence of the link between health and disability. We talk about COVID-19 mortality and disability and about the link between poverty, disability and adverse health outcomes. We also talk about why Hannah got involved in this area of work and how the International Centre for Evidence in Disability came about.

Transcript of the Podcast Season on Disability Inclusive Development - Episode 1