Disability Programs: The Disability Fund

	A young blind woman casts her vote using a newly developed tactile ballot. Courtesy of the Ghana Association of the Blind.

In 2005, Congress appropriated $2.5 million to the U.S. Agency for International Development to initiate the Disability Fund, with the purpose of supporting programs that address the needs and rights of people with disabilities in developing countries. In subsequent years, Congress has increased funding to approximately $4 million per year. Through its Disability Fund, the Agency implements programs that promote the integration of people with disabilities and disability-related issues into USAID's programming and operations.

The Disability Fund currently supports programs in more than thirty countries. Most programs are managed by USAID missions with technical support offered by USAID’s Disability Team in Washington, D.C. A small number of worldwide programs are implemented by international organizations and managed directly from Washington, D.C.

Regardless of the mechanism, all programs are designed not only to benefit people with disabilities, but also engage Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs) in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating programs. Programmatic areas include: health, education, economic growth, and democracy and governance.

Programs work to reduce the barriers that may limit participation in society, community, and family. They emphasize educating communities, families, and individuals on disability issues and concerns; advocating for the rights of people with disabilities; and building the capacities of Disabled Persons Organizations.

The Fund also supports the development and implementation of training for USAID staff and its partners to enable them to effectively promote the full inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in development programs around the world.

Learn more about USAID's disability programs: