Rationale for a Disability Framework

A structured disability indicator framework can be an effective tool for conveying the urgent priorities for persons with disabilities as well as mobilizing the attention and participation of the main stakeholders. It can also highlight the need to take action on different policy issues, with the ultimate goal to work towards societies that are more inclusive and attain the objective of Agenda 2030 to leave no one behind.

An indicator framework provides a benchmark against which performance would be evaluated and accountability demanded. Using a human rights-based approach and linking the framework to global mandates, it transcends the technicalities of data disaggregation requirements and becomes a powerful advocacy tool for persons with disabilities.

As a guide for efforts to produce reliable and comparable disability data, a framework structures the demand for official statistics and improves the processes of collecting and disseminating information. More importantly, it highlights information gaps and take into consideration the needs of persons with disabilities into perspective during the design of indicators.

Lastly, a framework is a fundamental step to bridge the gap between policy and statistics in support of the design of a more inclusive, responsive, effective and evidence-based policies. This ESCWA Disability SDG-CRPD Framework lends itself localization and adaptation at the national and regional levels.