Youth and disability *

WHO Photo contest 2002

International Day of Disabled Persons - 3 December

Theme for 2008: "Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Dignity and justice for all of us"

Despite being the world's largest minority, persons with disabilities are largely ignored. Youth with disabilities are amongst the most marginalized and poorest of the world's youth. Although, they face the same issues as their non-disabled peers, societal prejudices, barriers, and ignorance further exacerbate their concerns.

In many places, there is considerable stigma and sometimes shame imposed on youth with disabilities (YWDs) and their families by their communities. Feeling embarrassed and ashamed, families often do not acknowledge having a YWD and may limit the interaction of the YWD with the rest of society. The greatest impediments continue to be discrimination, prejudice, and social isolation. Ignorance of disability concerns results in the needs of YWDs being unrealised, leading to a loss of self-esteem, self-worth and the creation of social isolation.

Globally, there are over 650 million persons with disabilities, and around a third of these are youth. Nearly 80% of youth with disabilities live in developing countries, and although the actual figures are uncertain, it is clear that YWDs form a significant proportion of the youth population in every society. Youth with disabilities is a severely under-researched area, with limited data on its prevalence and the effects on youth themselves. (For more information, see the Briefing Note on Youth with Disabilities).

Education is as critical for realizing the full potential of YWDs, as it is for their peers. Yet, more than 98% of children with disabilities in developing countries do not attend school. Educational institutions are often inaccessible and lack appropriate facilities, and teachers frequently have preconceived ideas about what is appropriate for their students with disabilities, often resulting in the exclusion of YWDs from certain activities.

Not receiving the skills and qualifications to function in the wider society, limits the employment opportunities for YWDs. Unemployment rates for persons with disabilities are higher than the non-disabled population in every society and discrimination and negative perceptions of YWDs pose a formidable barrier to YWDs looking for employment.

However, these societal misapprehensions can be addressed. Greater awareness and understanding of disabilities is fundamental to improving this situation. Technological innovations such as the Internet and software adaptations have created opportunities for YWDs, helping to break down barriers and increase their sense of belonging and interaction with their peers.

The World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY), adopted by the United Nations, in 1995, urges countries to take measures to develop the possibilities of youth with disabilities, paying particular attention to the education of YWDs.

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

In 2006, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted by the General Assembly. It offers youth with disabilities in numerous countries effective human rights for the very first time, facilitating the process that empowers them to address the multiple societal challenges they face. It prohibits disability-related discriminatory practices against persons with disabilities and asks Governments to implement legislation and measures to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. It stipulates the rights to education, employment, health and well-being to ensure that young persons with disabilities develop their full human potential. For more information on the Convention, please see:

UN Resources

Other Youth Resources

Photocredits: WHO © 2002 - Photo Contest "Images of Health and Disability"

* Not a World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) priority issue