International Day of People with Disability 2025

Today, 3 December, is International Day of People with Disability.

An estimated 1.3 billion people worldwide experience a significant disability today. Today we are reminded that access – to education, work, opportunities, and healthcare – is the key to creating accessible societies.

Disability inclusion is a key component of ADRA’s development projects as we work towards removing barriers.

In Nepal, ADRA is working with women like Saraswati to help remove barriers. Saraswati’s disability limited her financial opportunities and left her feeling isolated. She experiences impaired vision and speech difficulties, as well as a weakness in both her legs and hands.

“When people spoke to me, I struggled to understand what they were saying,” Saraswati says. “In trying to understand, I would unintentionally stare at them, making them uncomfortable.”

Saraswati had a modest goat farm, but her physical disability limited her ability to expand her goat business. With no savings, she was living hand to mouth. But thanks to ADRA’s project, which is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP), Saraswati received a different, sturdier breed of goat as well as advanced training in goat rearing. While the project offers various livelihood opportunities for participants, such as farmer training and tailoring workshops, it was decided that improving Saraswati’s existing business was the best option given her disability.

Through the project, Saraswati learned the importance of goat dipping (a way of vaccinating goats), as well as how to create mineral blocks to support her goats’ nutrition. Additionally, she participated in business training. Through her participation in the project, Saraswati’s confidence to socialise has increased. She is now able to introduce herself to others.

What was previously a modest goat business that was barely meeting her needs is now a flourishing goat business that sufficiently meets her needs.

“I am so grateful for the assistance I have received through this project,” says Saraswati. “It has not only significantly increased my income but has positively impacted my overall quality of life.”

You can learn more about ADRA’s work in Nepal and donate here.