International Day of Persons with Disabilities

2 December 2011

This week the APPGs on Education for All and Disability convened to discuss and prioritise 'An equal start for all: disability and education in low-income countries.'

In recognition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3rd December) the event outlined the unique and individual factors that impact the lives of people living with a disability globally, while also highlighting the UK Government's role in ensuring that education really is a reality for all, irrespective of ability.

Talking of her personal experience growing up with a disability in Mihuu, Kenya, British Paralympic wheelchair racer and Right To Play Athlete Ambassador Anne Wafula-Strike emphasised the important role her family played in helping her complete compulsory and further education. Speaking of the stigma and discrimination her family faced, forcing them to relocate to Nairobi, Anne's story further highlights the need for community based interventions to tackle these issues and ensure long-term sustainable change.

Working with marginalised children and youth around the world, Right To Play's programmes are inclusive, promoting full participation and emphasising without discrimination, the value and dignity of all individuals, irrespective of age, gender, culture or physical ability.

A recent external evaluation of a Right To Play programme for children and youth affected by conflict in Liberia found that one of the most profound and unintended outcomes was the greater inclusion of disabled children. In particular the evaluation found that before the project children with disabilities were excluded from play by their peers but also by their parents, a situation that radically changed by the end of the project. In addition to increased participation it was found that parents were far more understanding and knowledgeable towards disability and recognised the value of play and every child's right to participate fully in their communities.

'Sport isn't just about participating in the Olympics and representing your country. In fact sport is an invaluable tool, necessary to achieve international development targets particularly with regard to disability and poverty. Sport based activities build in children and youth the confidence, communication and leadership skills they need to make active decisions about their own lives. Further still, sport has the ability to bridge divides, challenge stigmas and promote community cohesion' Anne Wafula-Strike – Right To Play Athlete Ambassador.

Speakers, MPs and guests commended the collaboration between the Education for All and Disability APPGs, but indicated the need for more to be done for low-income countries. In particular Ivan Lewis MP and Malcolm Bruce MP both emphasised the need for an explicit prioritisation of disability within DFID and as part of a post 2015 agenda.

'We know how important sport and play activities are for children with disabilities, especially in countries where myths and stigmas prevail. Reaching the most marginalised children and youth is, and will continue to be our priority. In many situations children with disabilities are the most marginalised and so we welcome the discussions that have come out of this event and hope to see greater emphasis on disability within the UK Government' Stacey Cram – Advocacy and Campaigns Manager, Right To Play.

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