Development Account Projects
Improvement of Disability Measurement and Statistics in Support of the Biwako Millennium Framework and Regional Census Programme
Background:
Despite recent efforts and progress, disability statistics in most countries in Asia and the Pacific remain severely underdeveloped. The Biwako Millennium Framework for Action (BMF) calls for significant improvements in the availability, quality, comparability and policy relevance of disability statistics in the region. It is imperative to develop a unifying international approach for data collection through censuses and surveys, and to increase national political commitment and technical capacity to collect and disseminate better disability statistics.
Built upon the outcome of the previous ESCAP/WHO disability project conducted in 2004-06, this project aims to contribute directly to the improvement of disability statistics for formulating and evaluating national disability policies and programmes in support of the BMF in the region. It will combine development of standard measurements for disability data collection through pilot studies and analyses, with in-country advocacy workshops to raise awareness and commitment among a wide range of stakeholders, targeted training of statistical experts and health professionals to improve their technical capacity, country advisory services to support national data collection efforts, and the promotion of country-to-country cooperation and knowledge sharing.
Objective:
National disability policies and programmes, following the BMF and other international development goals, are developed, implemented and monitored on the basis of improved disability statistics in the Asian and Pacific Region.
Expected Accomplishments:
- NSOs, health professionals, and policy makers in the region have an improved understanding of the ICF (the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) approach to disability measurement and how to manage its implementation.
- Increased national technical capacity for collecting disability statistics in accordance with ICF standards and regional guidelines for national censuses and surveys, which also reflect gender concerns.
- Stronger cooperation among ESCAP members in the field of disability statistics.
Implementation Status:
Project implementation commenced in 2006.
