World report on disability - WHO

The World Report on Disability from WHO/World Bank, reviews evidence about the situation of people with disabilities around the world.  About 15% of the world's population lives with some form of disability, of whom 2-4% experience significant difficulties in functioning.  This is higher than previous WHO estimates of around 10%  due to a combination of factors such as population ageing and the rapid spread of chronic diseases, as well as improvements in the methodologies used to measure disability.

The report begins with chapters on understanding and measuring disability and then goes on to the specific areas of rehabilitation, assistance, enabling environments, education and employment. Within each chapter, there is a discussion of the barriers confronted, and case studies showing how countries have succeeded in addressing these by promoting good practice. The report concludes with nine recommendations for policy and practice which if put in place could lead to real improvements in the lives of people with disability.