For international development to be truly transformational, equity and inclusion need to be fundamental drivers of policies and programs, not just outcomes. Engaging and partnering with people with disabilities must be a fundamental part in that process to ensure their perspectives and knowledge inform the policy or program. 

Join a panel of experts to hear how disability equity can be both a driver and an outcome of good international development practice, with a focus on the role of deep and inclusive consultation and design. The panel will share examples of how disability equity can improve the consultation, design and review phases of program and policy development.  

The panellists 

Conceptualising disability equity as a process as well as outcome of international development and humanitarian efforts is a case study in localising development, strengthening solidarity and supporting resilience. While it is positive that disability equity is an increasing focus of development and humanitarian programming, there are real risks – and real examples - of approaches being tokenistic, extractive, and short-lived. The deep foundational approaches discussed in this session can help development practitioners to build solidarity with, and strengthen the resilience of, the disability equity and rights movement in all contexts. 

Join this session for a deeper understanding of and practical tools how to undertake meaningful engagement with people with disabilities to improve policy and program outcomes. The panel will offer three different perspectives on building disability equity into the planning and design phase of policies and programs: a representative from the Pacific disability movement, government, and an Australian INGO. Along with current examples, the panel will share practical approaches and tools delegates can use in their own work, with a particularly focus on strengthening partnerships with Organisations of People with Disabilities.