Structural vulnerability, disability, and access to nongovernmental organization services in rural Cambodia.

Abstract

Despite the recognition that people with disability are among the poorest and most marginalized, breaking the disability-poverty cycle has proven challenging. Although UN agencies, most donors, and nongovernmental organizations have disability and development policies, many programs perpetuate disability-based discrimination. Little research examines why such programs fail to achieve sustained livelihood improvement for people with disability. Findings from this study that explored the experience of disability in Cambodia suggest that programs must explicitly address social and cultural norms and power relations. Recommendations for inclusive practice are presented. Listening to the voices of people with disability is the crucial first step.