Why It Is Time to Make Inclusive Development Inclusive | Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo | TEDxFoggyBottom

Summary

In this thought-provoking talk, the speaker emphasizes the importance of disability inclusion in development agendas. With over a billion people with disabilities worldwide, the speaker highlights the systemic exclusion they face, especially in developing countries. Drawing attention to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the speaker proposes five essential building blocks for an inclusive society: strong legislative frameworks, accessible spaces and services, data and research, changing social norms, and the active participation of people with disabilities. Ultimately, the speaker calls for a collective movement to foster inclusive societies that benefit everyone.

Takeaways

• 😀 Inclusion is often not as inclusive as it seems, especially for people with disabilities, who face systemic exclusion.
• 😀 One billion people, or 15% of the world's population, have disabilities, making it a significant global issue.
• 😀 People with disabilities are diverse, with varying types of disabilities, backgrounds, and life experiences.
• 😀 Disabilities can be congenital or acquired through various causes such as natural disasters, war, or disease.
• 😀 Disabilities are part of human diversity, and people with disabilities are here to stay—society must embrace this reality.
• 😀 A large percentage of people with disabilities live in developing countries and are among the poorest populations.
• 😀 Education and employment are key factors for empowerment, dignity, and breaking the cycle of poverty for people with disabilities.
• 😀 The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has been ratified by 162 countries, marking a global commitment to disability rights.
• 😀 The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the first global goals to explicitly mention disability inclusion.
• 😀 Five key building blocks for creating inclusive societies are: strong legislative frameworks, accessible spaces and services, data and research, changing social norms, and empowering people with disabilities.
• 😀 People with disabilities must have a voice in decision-making, as their needs are often misunderstood or overlooked in the creation of laws, policies, and services.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the speaker's message?

The central theme is the need for true inclusion of people with disabilities in development agendas. The speaker emphasizes that while inclusion is a popular term, it often falls short in reality, especially for people with disabilities.

What is the estimated global population of people with disabilities, and why is it significant?

There are approximately one billion people with disabilities worldwide, making up about 15% of the global population. This is significant because it highlights that this group is not small and should not be overlooked in development efforts.

What does the speaker mean when they say 'people with disabilities are part of our human diversity'?

The speaker means that people with disabilities should be seen as a natural and integral part of society’s diverse makeup. Their inclusion in all aspects of society is essential for true equality.

Why does the speaker emphasize that people with disabilities are not a homogeneous group?

The speaker points out that people with disabilities are a diverse group with different needs and characteristics. They may have visible or invisible disabilities, live in various regions, and belong to different social, economic, or sexual identities. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient.

What does the speaker suggest about the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in relation to disability?

The speaker suggests that the SDGs are crucial because they are the first global goals to explicitly mention disability inclusion. These goals are ambitious and provide a framework to ensure people with disabilities are included in development efforts.

What are the five building blocks the speaker suggests for creating inclusive societies?

The five building blocks are: 1) A strong legislative and policy framework, 2) Building inclusive and accessible spaces and services, 3) Data and research to understand barriers, 4) Changing negative social norms, and 5) Ensuring the participation and empowerment of people with disabilities.

What is universal design, and why is it important in the context of accessibility?

Universal design is the concept of creating spaces and services that are accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities. It is important because it ensures that people with disabilities can access the same spaces and services as everyone else.

How does the speaker highlight the importance of data and research in disability inclusion?

The speaker stresses the need for continued research and data collection to better understand the experiences, needs, and barriers faced by people with disabilities. This evidence is essential for developing effective solutions to remove those barriers.

What does the speaker mean by the phrase 'nothing about us without us'?

The phrase 'nothing about us without us' refers to the principle that people with disabilities should be actively involved in decision-making processes regarding laws, policies, and services that affect them. Their voices must be heard to ensure their needs are properly addressed.

What is the speaker's stance on the narrative surrounding disability?

The speaker challenges the common narrative that associates disability with pity. Instead, they advocate for a narrative that empowers people with disabilities and recognizes them as equal partners in the development agenda.