In a statement released on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Samantha Power, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to inclusive global development.
The statement paid homage to the late Judith “Judy” Heumann, recognized as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement,” for her tireless advocacy and collaboration with USAID during her tenure as the Department of State’s first Special Advisor for International Disability Rights.
Heumann’s legacy, challenging the perception of disability as a tragedy and advocating for the celebration of persons with disabilities as integral parts of humanity, continues to inspire USAID’s commitment to accessibility and the integration of disability rights into international development efforts.
The Administrator highlighted three key initiatives undertaken by USAID in the past year:
1. Funding Research for Improved Services: USAID is investing in research to enhance understanding and service delivery for persons with disabilities. Through initiatives like Supporting Holistic and Actionable Research in Education (SHARE), USAID is supporting deaf experts leading research in Malawi, Rwanda, and the Philippines to improve language and literacy skills for deaf learners.
2. Collaboration for Diverse Solutions: The agency is actively bringing together diverse stakeholders to address critical issues for persons with disabilities. Notably, the Advancing Nutrition program collaborated with UNICEF to host a gathering in April, uniting over 100 participants from various fields to discuss strategies for improving nutrition among children facing feeding difficulties and disabilities.
3. Enhancing Access to Democratic Processes: USAID is working to improve access to democratic processes for persons with disabilities, promoting their political leadership, and countering ableism. The ENGAGE program, initiated in the Dominican Republic, trains young people with disabilities to be community leaders and has expanded to five additional countries and one autonomous region, receiving recognition with the Zero Project Innovative Practice Award.
USAID’s efforts align with the commitments outlined at the 2022 Global Disability Summit, aiming to challenge misperceptions, confront bias and neglect, and empower persons with disabilities to contribute fully to their communities.
In the coming months, the agency plans to release an updated disability policy, establishing a framework for prioritizing disability-inclusive development across all sectors.
The commitment extends to honoring the legacy of advocates like Judy Heumann by actively engaging with the next generation of disability leaders, fostering the creation of more inclusive, accessible, and equitable communities.
