SECTORS

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

The United Nations General Assembly explicitly recognised access to safe drinking water and sanitation as a human right, and acknowledged the essential nature of water and sanitation to the realisation of all human rights in 2010. Whilst development gains made are progressing WASH access around the world, many people with disabilities remain excluded from accessing WASH services. This is for reasons including: inadequate placement of WASH infrastructure, inaccessible toilets and water supplies, exclusion from community hygiene awareness activities, and stigma and discrimination that prevents people with disabilities from participating or accessing WASH services.

The inclusion of people with disabilities in WASH programs typically requires only minor modifications, and when built into program design from the onset, represents minimal additional costs. Improved accessibility of WASH infrastructure also benefits other members of the community, such as children, frail older people, pregnant women, and people who are ill or temporarily injured.

Resources in this section include evidence, case studies, and recommendations to achieve inclusive WASH programs and services.