Why OPDs are key drivers of inclusive development

On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD), we spotlight a powerful truth: meaningful inclusion changes lives. Around 1.3 billion people worldwide have a disability, and 80% of them live in low or middle-income countries. Yet, too often, they are left out of decisions that impact their future. This year, the theme is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”.

At CBM, we know that projects are most effective when persons with disabilities are at the heart of planning and implementation. We are calling for the inclusion of persons with disabilities and organisations (OPDs) in the development and decision-making processes.

In 2023, CBM worked with 255 Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) across 379 projects supported by international partners, including the European Union, USAID, and the German Federal Foreign Office.

This collaboration reached 62.2 million people, providing medical care, rehabilitation, education, and livelihood support.

By involving OPDs throughout the project cycle, we enhanced ownership, effectiveness, and legitimacy, impacting millions of lives.

As we look towards the upcoming Global Disability Summit 2025, we are calling on governments and development organisations to take a bold step: ensure the meaningful participation of OPDs in every stage of programming. It’s time to back this commitment with adequate financing, data-driven planning, and thorough collaboration.

This is because we believe inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do. When persons with disabilities lead, everyone benefits, and no one is left behind.

This year, we share stories that highlight the voices of those who know best: persons with disabilities themselves.

Gokul, 45, has lived with a disability since birth. As part of the CBM project, he benefits from comprehensive support, including a disability pension, medical certification, and training in animal health management and capacity building.

Despite his challenges as a dairy farmer, he has received essential resources such as crutches and cattle shed materials to support and enhance his agricultural activities. 

“We realised that there were organisations for farmers, workers, labourers, and students, but there was no organisation specifically for persons with disabilities. There was no one fighting for our rights or advancing our cause. By working together, we can make our voices heard, whether by ministers or collectors.”

"He who wears the shoe knows where it hurts." 

In Cameroon, Armelle, the Chair of the Coordinating Unit of Associations of Persons with Disabilities, explains it: “Persons with disabilities know better than anyone what challenges they face. When we are involved, we can find the right solutions.”

Through CBM’s partnership with Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Armelle and her peers have trained political and religious leaders to involve persons with disabilities in disaster preparedness. This allows persons with disabilities to contribute from the start, ensuring their needs are met ensuring that national and international aid is accessible to all.

The Alliance’s efforts are yielding results. A representative attends all local UN meetings in northwestern Cameroon, enhancing the voice of persons with disabilities in humanitarian work. Armelle is now focused on creating a nationwide network for inclusive disaster risk reduction and community based inclusive development.

In Malawi’s Nsanje District, the District Disability Forum, led by persons with disabilities, partners with CBM’s local collaborator, Churches Action in Relief and Development, to implement a Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) project.

Assan, the Chairperson, notes: “Organisations of persons with disabilities are vital because they advocate for their own freedoms. We see firsthand how our lives are changing for the better.”

Through this project, community members with disabilities have taken on leadership roles, driving initiatives that ensure disaster preparedness plans consider their unique needs.