In humanitarian contexts, lack of data makes persons with disabilities and older persons invisible. They face specific barriers that heighten their risk by exacerbating existing threats and vulnerabilities. Barriers block access to humanitarian assistance, while enablers provide mechanisms that facilitate access, improving individual resilience.

To be effective and inclusive, humanitarian programming requires understanding the needs and priorities of individuals with disabilities and older persons during crises. This understanding is achieved by:

  1. identifying these vulnerable populations,
  2. assessing the risks they face and underlying factors,
  3. recognizing obstacles to their access to humanitarian assistance, and
  4. appreciating the roles and capabilities of these groups in response efforts (IASC, 2019).

The Rapid Assessment Tool was co-created with persons with disabilities and humanitarian actors to identify these individuals and assess the barriers and enablers they face in accessing aid. This mixed methods tool includes quantitative parts based on the Washington Group questions to capture disability prevalence and its link to barriers and enablers. The qualitative parts aim to capture nuanced lived experiences, providing insights into the challenges and support for these groups. The rapid assessment tool was tested at scale in rural IDP camps and the state capital of Cabo Delgado.

The data generated can support better programming by humanitarian actors, advocacy efforts by local actors such as organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and immediate referral of respondents to existing services and actors.

The data problem around disability and older-age inclusion is multi-faceted, with three key axes around:

  1. the data collection process: Quality data must disaggregate for disability, age, and gender and represent the experiences of persons with disabilities.
  2. the quality of data: The data collection process must be inclusive, involving accessible tools, questions, and the participation of persons with disabilities.
  3. the sharing, usage, and ownership of data: Effective dissemination and uptake of the resulting tools and data are crucial.

Trainers

Nadir Abu-Samra-Spencer is a French-Sudanese Agronomic Engineer and Biologist. Nadir contributed his data science and statistical knowledge to research on climate change adaptation, before moving into the field of development cooperation and disability inclusion. As Data Research Manager at Light for the World International he coordinates the implementation of the applied research project “Data That Matters” funded by the ELRHA, a global organisation dedicated to finding solutions to complex humanitarian problems through research and innovation.

Jacqueline Bungart is the Director for Inclusive Humanitarian Action at Light for the World and has a Master’s degree in International Relations with a focus on terrorism and insurgencies. She advises the “Data that Matters” team on Disability Inclusive practices in Humanitarian Action and the integration of the tool into the humanitarian system.

Registration

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Limited number of participants: 20

Participants from Global Responsibility’s member organisations are prioritised.