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New report confirms disability inclusion is one of the smartest investments in global development

November 2025

A new Inclusive Futures report presents eight years of evidence proving that disability inclusive development delivers powerful, cost-effective and lasting results.

It warns that the world cannot afford for this progress to reverse.

With shrinking aid budgets and escalating global crises, millions of people with disabilities remain excluded from education, employment, healthcare and decision-making. Myths persist that inclusion is too costly or complex, but the new ‘This is what disability inclusion looks like’ report shows the opposite.

Since 2018, Inclusive Futures, funded by UK aid and led by Sightsavers and the International Disability Alliance, has worked with a network of consortium partners and more than 200 organisations of people with disabilities, reaching 3.4 million people with disabilities and 15.6 million others.

Two young women in blue and yellow headscarves are smiling at the camera.

Read our new report

‘This is what disability inclusion looks like’ showcases eight years of impact and learning from Inclusive Futures.

Read the report findings
A young girl with complex disabilities is sitting next to her teacher at school and singing a nursery rhyme.
Manita, a young girl with complex disabilities supported by Inclusive Futures, at school in Nepal. © Humanity & Inclusion Nepal

Impact highlights from Inclusive Futures:

  • Nepal: Every child enrolling in primary school will now be assessed, giving tens of thousands of children and families earlier support.
  • Kenya: a 207 per cent increase in children with disabilities in project schools enrolling in early years classes. Household finances of people who participated in the programme increased by 30 per cent for at least a year after they took part in the programme, suggesting lasting impact.
  • Tanzania: The government has committed to deploying permanent staff across the country to ensure children with disabilities are identified early and get the support they need in school.
  • Bangladesh: Employment of programme participants rose by 33 per cent, and earnings by 50 per cent.
  • Uganda: Household incomes of people supported by Inclusive Futures grew by $185 annually, with women-led households benefitting most.
  • Nigeria: 800,000+ women and girls with disabilities can now access sexual health and reproductive services.
  • Media impact: Our radio programmes made listeners 75 per cent more confident in challenging disability stigma.

With the programme ending in 2026, this new report urges governments, donors and partners to scale proven approaches so people with disabilities, especially women and girls, are not left behind. Inclusive Futures shows that partnering with OPDs, centring lived experience and embedding inclusion in policy delivers strong long-term returns. Sustained commitment is essential.

How you can help:

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Inclusive Futures are specialists and global leaders in disability and development from more than 20 global organisations.

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