Inclusion is never solely by and for persons with disabilities. It includes every person, regardless of abilities, in the process as well as its sustainable impact.

At one point in our lives, we most likely experienced a disability that temporarily impairs our daily functioning. As we age, day-to-day tasks become increasingly difficult until we eventually become disabled.
Disability is a result of any medical condition that impairs body parts and affects its functions, limiting personal life activities and then restricting participation in community life. It is also a consequence of barriers in society.
Society’s physical environment is not accessible to persons with disabilities. Communication is not adapted to their needs, so vital information does not reach them. Policies and programs remain exclusive to non-disabled community members. Stereotypes and prejudice relegate them to perennial objects of charity and obstruct their inclusion as autonomous and contributing members of society. Living with disabilities means being sickly and unhealthy; uneducated; unable to secure a job; connect with family, friends, workmates, and the rest of the community; and unable to have a political voice.
15% of the world’s population experience these. But did you know that more than 80% of persons with disabilities live in developing countries like the Philippines? Only 2% of people with disabilities in developing countries have access to basic services.
Poverty causes disabilities. Households with food insecurity, unsafe housing, unsafe water and sanitation, inaccessible health care, and lack of financial security result in poor health and the presence of disabilities. Family members with disabilities are prone to exacerbate medical conditions because of unmet rehabilitation needs and assistive devices. They are less likely to start, stay, be promoted in schools, have lower educational attainment, and are highly unemployed. If employed, they earn lesser which limits living conditions and excludes them from the rest of society. The entire household then suffers from economic shock. Disability becomes a consequence of poverty. Living in the world’s 9th most dangerous country because of disasters poses another threat. They sink deeper into poverty after a catastrophe, worsening the vicious poverty-disability cycle.
Other groups understand the struggles of differently-abled persons living. Children, older persons, women, the LGBTQ+, the displaced, indigenous peoples, the religious minority, and those living in extreme poverty have poorer health, education, economic, cultural, and political status. Physical attributes make them susceptible to harm. Still, they are less seen and heard of their plight.
What happens if we collectively act on disability inclusion in the journey of developing our communities?
The answer is inclusive development. Let’s recognize the power persons with disabilities have from within and nurture it.
We admit that they are in the best position to advocate for their weaknesses to address their unique needs. We also harness their strengths for us to integrate into every place where there are non-disabled people. Empowerment is a process and outcome of participation so let’s create space for them to participate in the social inclusion movement. We co-create every inch of our physical environment to be accessible, every information and communication to be adapted and modified, and every policy and program inclusive of their diverse abilities. Full participation is achieved if we remove the most significant barrier in society – negative attitudes. Let’s abolish stereotypes and prejudice against disabilities. We check our privileges, identify our biases, reject discriminating practices, and eradicate oppressive systems that continue to advance ableism at the disadvantage of disabilities. Ultimately, we have a society where people with disabilities equally have the best opportunities to enjoy life and contribute to developing and advancing a society that works for all.
Disability inclusion is both a journey and destination that needs everyone to work for everyone – including you and other vulnerable and marginalized groups because of age, gender, ethnicity and religion, displacement, and personal economy.
About Joyce
Asst. Prof. Joyce Anne Ponciano-Villafania, MAEd, CSP-PASP is a Speech-Language Pathologist, Reading Specialist, and Educator with specializations in Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) and Community-Based Inclusive Development (also known as Community-Based Rehabilitation). She is also the founder of kasAMBAG, a social enterprise that exists for the inclusion of children with disabilities through the community’s collective action