Translating disability-inclusive WASH policies into practice: lessons learned from Bangladesh

People have disabilities may face widespread exclusion across different life domains because of the attitudinal, financial, accessibility and informational barriers that they face. On a national or global scale, these exclusions will make it more difficult to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other targets given that there are at least one billion people with disabilities. An estimated 110-119 million adults have significant difficulties in functioning and rely on professional or informal carers. Poverty can be linked to inadequate access to healthcare, and WASH services, poor living conditions and malnutrition, which can all lead to disability. Disability can also result in exclusion from healthcare, education, and work and so deepen poverty. Stigma and discrimination are interwoven within the disability and poverty cycle.

A study was conducted in Bangladesh aiming to help to improve disability-inclusive, gender-sensitive WASH policy making through policy and practice guidance for governments wishing to mainstream disability-inclusive WASH at scale. 

This work was supported by funding from the Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Water for Women Fund, under the project, Translating disability-inclusive WASH policies into practice: lessons learned from Cambodia and Bangladesh.