USAID announced the publication of “Nothing Without Us: USAID Disability Policy.” The updated policy reflects the current global context and USAID’s continued commitment to nondiscrimination, as well as inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities. The policy also positions USAID to engage and partner with persons with disabilities.

Seven principles are described that serve as a foundation for the policy and its operations: Accessibility, Accountability, Anti-Ableism, Do No (More) Harm, Gender Equality, Nondiscrimination, Nothing Without Us. Key approaches to the policy include:

  • Engagement and communications, consistent with locally-led and inclusive development principles
  • Operational success through, for example, leveraging Universal Design and reasonable accommodation principles, explicit reference to persons with disability in all solicitations, “proactive budgeting” (as opposed to finding funds to cover after-thought activities), and Section 508 accessibility
  • Values-based representative staffing, development diplomacy, and continued improvements.

Read the announcement and review the policy details here.