Acknowledged but not engaged: people with intellectual disabilities continue to be left behind

When it comes to decision-making and politics, the international development sector is becoming more aware of the need to be inclusive of people with disabilities. But people with intellectual disabilities continue to be left far behind.

Without their participation, the specific issues and concerns that affect people with intellectual disabilities will be overlooked. Their voices are missing in many political spaces and often within the disability movement itself.

People with intellectual disabilities participating in Sightsavers’ inclusive citizenship project in Cameroon have said that organisations see them as beneficiaries and users of their services, but do not involve them in decision-making. Information about elections and other political processes is not usually presented in easy-to-understand versions, creating a barrier for them as well as for other people who may prefer simplified versions.

When it comes to voting in elections, national laws can exclude people who may be referred to as being of ‘unsound mind’ or ‘lacking mental capacity’. These laws are often used to prevent people with intellectual disabilities from voting or standing as candidates. People with intellectual disabilities can also face discrimination in getting identity cards: even their right to have an ID card at all can be questioned, meaning that families or other community members often have to apply on their behalf. Not having an ID card can limit people’s rights and access to a range of crucial services.

Connect with experts

By working with Inclusion International, we have learned how to better consult with people with intellectual disabilities to inform our work, how to navigate the legal barriers they face, and how to ensure that key information and activities are accessible according to their specific requirements.

Mobilise allies

We are fortunate to have strong partnerships with government institutions and organisations of people with disabilities in Cameroon, so we called on them for support. We conducted training with key allies who have been open to looking at their own inclusion gaps and taking action to be more inclusive. As 2025 is an election year, this was a good moment to bring the Electoral Commission on board to look at how to make voting more accessible for people with intellectual disabilities.

Carve out spaces for inclusion

People with disabilities need to have dedicated spaces where they can express themselves and exchange ideas with each other. It’s also crucial to include their families and the people who support them, who need to understand and promote their civil and political rights. We found opportunities to promote the rights of people with intellectual disabilities in our ongoing activities, including the training we delivered with local councils as well as key advocacy engagements.

Author

Colleen Roberts is Sightsavers’ global technical lead for social inclusion and mainstreaming.