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Extreme poverty has increased for the first time in 20 years, impacting more than 150 million people globally.

Fuelled by concurrent crises – climate change, global conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic – food and housing insecurity is more widespread than ever. These extreme events disproportionately impact people with disabilities.  

Currently, one in five of the poorest people living in developing countries has a disability. People with disabilities experience lack of access to employment, education, vital health services and social exclusion.  

But, with adequate support and financial investment from governments, these alarming statistics can be avoided.

It is imperative for development and humanitarian organisations like CBM Australia, and our supporters, to sustain efforts in advocating to governments. We continue to call for increased investment in the Australian Aid program, so the needs of the most marginalised are represented and adequately invested in.  

Add your voice to the calls for an equal world for all and be part of the growing chorus of allies committed to fighting for equity for the most marginalised.

Join us in shifting the dial on disability equity in the Pacific

One in six people globally has a disability, including 700 million people in the Asia-Pacific region alone.

People with disabilities are unequivocally among the most marginalised in any context and are routinely excluded. 

Australia used to be a global leader in disability inclusive development, though over the last decade, our leadership has waned, even in the face of growing needs.

Add your voice to the call for the Foreign Minister and Minister for International Development and the Pacific to ensure that the new Disability Equity and Rights strategy is ambitious, accountable and resourced. 

CBM Australia's Policy Notes

The CBMA policy notes provide a high level overview of our understanding and policy position on relevant topics, and outlines our engagement with these areas in conjunction with our partners and other areas of the organisation. 

 

Assistive Technology and Support Services

Assistive technology (AT) is an umbrella term that refers to ‘assistive products’ (also called assistive devices) and ‘assistive services’ that maintain or improve an individual’s functioning and independence. 

Read more about Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Climate-induced Forced Displacement

‘Forced displacement’ occurs when individuals and groups are driven to flee by factors such as force, compulsion, or coercion. The defining characteristic of forced displacement is “the absence of will or consent”.

Read more about Climate-induced Forced Displacement

Inclusive Education

‘Inclusive education’ is a process of systemic reform that involves making changes and modifications to education structures to overcome barriers that prevent students with disabilities from receiving an equitable and participatory learning experience.

Read more about Inclusive Education

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations mean supporting an individual with a disability to be able to participate equally, by making changes to how an environment, setting or activity is delivered, or by providing additional support. 

Read more about Reasonable Accommodations

Social Protection

‘Social protection’ refers to a set of policies and programs financed by the State designed to support individuals and families in reducing and preventing poverty and addressing sources of vulnerability and social exclusion throughout their lifecycle.

Read more about Social Protection

Investment in disability inclusion in Australia's aid program

In 2021, the Federal Government slashed the critical disability central allocation in the aid budget by 25%, down from its previous level of $12.9 million.

  Read More about Investment in disability inclusion in Australia's aid program

Disability inclusion strategy to guide Australia's aid program

In 2009, Australia led the way as the first donor country to establish a stand-alone disability inclusive development strategy. The internationally acclaimed Development for All strategy created the foundation for the more ambitious Development for All 2015–2020, furthering Australia’s commitment to the inclusion of people with disabilities.

  Read More about Disability inclusion strategy to guide Australia's aid program

Giving evidence on the inquiry into democracy in the region

In late 2022, CBM Australia and the Australian Disability & Development Consortium (ADDC) provided a joint submission to the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade inquiry into democracy in our region.

  Read More about Giving evidence on the inquiry into democracy in the region

My Start Counts

Children with disabilities in developing countries are among the most marginalised and excluded. Almost half of all children with disabilities live in the Asia-Pacific region. They face a difficult start to life and experience barriers to health, education and support systems that often wed them to a life of poverty.

  Read More about My Start Counts