Honour Diversity, Embrace Inclusion

Honour Diversity, Embrace Inclusion

Empowering People with Disabilities Worldwide

Approximately 15% of the world’s population, an estimated 1 billion people, are living with one or more disabilities. Shockingly, 80% of individuals with disabilities reside in developing countries. These nations often lack the necessary resources to address the unique needs of citizens with physical and intellectual disabilities.

For children in these regions, this reality translates to limited access to education. In countries where educational opportunities are already scarce, children with disabilities are often unable to attend school, with a staggering 90% of them facing this exclusion.

Visualizing the Data

– 80% of people with disabilities live in developing countries.

– 90% of children with disabilities in these countries don’t attend school.

By the Numbers

– Over 250 million people experience blindness or visual impairment.

– Deafness and hearing loss affect approximately 460 million people worldwide.

– Approximately 200 million individuals have an intellectual disability.

– Nearly 75 million people rely on wheelchairs for mobility.

Society and Government

Given the significant prevalence of physical and intellectual disabilities, one might expect that societies and governments would make necessary accommodations. Sadly, this isn’t the case. Many businesses, municipalities, and communities worldwide lack the infrastructure to support people with disabilities as they do those without limitations.

Living with a disability often limits an individual’s participation in society, primarily because their needs weren’t considered during city planning or event organization. This social exclusion arises from widespread ableism and prejudice toward those with disabilities.

Disability and poverty often go hand in hand, creating additional barriers to essential services, including education, transportation, healthcare, employment, information access, and entertainment. While improvements have been made, there’s still much work to do to ensure equal access for people with disabilities.

Some countries have made strides in creating accessible, barrier-free environments, like Berlin, Germany, and Lyon, France. Raising awareness is a crucial step, but without governmental support, addressing this widespread need remains challenging.

Disability in Pakistan

As a developing nation, Pakistan faces significant hurdles in accepting, considering, and providing equality to people with disabilities. Areas with the most pressing needs include healthcare, transportation, employment, and education. An estimated 31 million people in Pakistan have disabilities, yet accurate counts are difficult to obtain due to a lack of tracking and protection measures. Stigmas and systemic oppression further marginalize this population.

In Pakistan, millions cannot leave their homes because they lack necessary tools and aids, such as wheelchairs. Even with a wheelchair, accessibility remains a major concern, with many buildings lacking proper accommodations for various disabilities. These barriers in the workforce, education, and society come with economic costs for individuals and the country.

Working for a Better World

At Nova Foundation, we’re committed to building a world where everyone is included. Equal access to transportation, healthcare, employment, education, and everyday services is essential for every community member to feel a sense of belonging. Nova Foundation’s mission is to provide underprivileged individuals with the tools and assistance they need to live independently, including items like wheelchairs, hearing aids, specialized toilet seats, walkers, and other assistive devices.

Equal access to healthcare remains a major hurdle, especially in developing countries. We support critical procedures such as cataract surgery, amputations for diabetics when needed, and repairs of vaginal prolapse after childbirth. These seemingly minor procedures can significantly impact individuals’ lives, allowing them to work towards greater self-sufficiency and comfort.

In April 2022, Nova Foundation launched the “Don’t Dis My Abilities” campaign, providing essential tools and assistance to 23 people. Our team collaborates with local councils, hospitals, and disability charities to assess needs and provide direct support. In some cases, we offer financial capital to those capable and interested in working to support themselves and their families.

The urgency of our work stems from the fact that people with disabilities worldwide are denied the opportunity to access their communities and the services available to others. Together, we can make a difference in this cause and fulfill our responsibility as compassionate global citizens.