Introduction and Background | PDF: Survey Report
Disability is to an increasing extent being addressed as an issue to be included into mainstream development rather than as a matter of separate programs and charity. This follows the recognition that people with disabilities are citizens with equal rights, who – given the opportunity – are able to contribute economically and socially to their households and communities. However, people with disabilities are often discriminated against, socially marginalized and do not have access to basic social services. As else where, the number of population, both male and female, with disability is growing in the country. The number of people with disabilities in Bangladesh is high enough to merit special attention. Based on an assessment of the available figures and estimates by WHO and World Bank for developing countries, an overall disability prevalence of about 10% of the population remains a valid working estimate. The prevalence of disabilities in children below 18 years can be estimated to 6% and for the age group above 18 years the prevalence to about 14% or corresponding to 3.4 million children with disabilities and 10.2 million adults with disabilities (Danida, 2004. Disability in Bangladesh: A Situational Analysis).
Although women with disability constitute a large proportion of our population, very little information are available about their characteristics, the constraints they face in their daily lives and the quality of life they enjoy. The government has limited program interventions in addressing issues related with disability and for the disables. In recent years, a number of organizations in the non- government sector have come up with programs and projects for the benefits of the disabled. However, organization run by the disabled dealing exclusively with disability issues is yet to emerge.
In view of the above, a study ought to be conducted to know the real situation especially of women with disability so that appropriate program, project intervention and organizational set up could be designed and launched in the future.