Empowerment and inclusion: strategic framework 2015

People with disabilities, who make up an estimated 15% of the world’s population, are among the most marginalised people in the world.

Over 80% of people with disabilities live in low and middle income countries, where they are over represented among the poor. Yet people with disabilities are often disregarded in development planning, which means their needs and interests are not addressed. This oversight has a negative impact on their ability to transcend poverty. It limits their contribution to and participation in society and contributes to further exclusion. Women and girls with disabilities face additional challenges due to gender inequality.

This strategic framework clarifies what disability inclusion means for Sightsavers and sets out how we can embed it throughout our organisation. It outlines an ambitious programme of what we aspire to achieve, in collaboration with people with disabilities, to achieve our vision: a world where no one is blind from avoidable causes and where visually impaired people participate equally in society.

Want to read more about our work?

Sightsavers and disability rights
A girl wearing glasses smiles.
Sightsavers stories
Stories / Eye health /

“I feel very good and I like wearing my glasses”

Twelve-year-old Faryal used to feel dizzy when reading and struggled with her schoolwork. After receiving spectacles through a Sightsavers programme in Pakistan, she can now reach her full potential.

Chisomo and his mother Margaret stand in front of the wooden door of their house.
Sightsavers stories
Stories / Eye health /

Margaret and Chisomo’s story: “It was hard to find food when we couldn’t see”

Since having cataract surgery, Margaret and her son Chisomo can now live independently.

Aasiya wearing a pair of glasses. She has a colourful scarf over her hair.
Sightsavers stories
Stories / Eye health /

Aasiya’s story: “Now I can see and read clearly”

Many people with disabilities like Aasiya can’t access treatment for common eye conditions. Our refractive error programme is making eye care more inclusive and accessible in Pakistan.