In recognition of the International Day of People with Disabilities, NDI is highlighting the essential work of partners who are at the forefront of fighting for greater levels of equality and organizing to shift social norms and perceptions and reduce barriers to political participation for persons with disabilities.

From the 15 percent of people around the world who live with a disability, 8 in 10 reside in developing countries. Although Article 21 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities (CRPD) grants them the right to accessible information, people with disabilities often face communication barriers due to a lack of information accessibility.

In 2019, popular protests in Iraq called for the end of corruption, better public services, and constitutional and electoral reforms. In the wake of these protests–known as the Tishreen (“October”) movement–the chasm of distrust between decision-makers and citizens grew in size and visibility. This divide drove young reform-minded activists to mobilize and reconnect with local political communities.