Disability can affect each and every one of us. In recent years we have seen gains made working in line with the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and working to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals – the Agenda 2030. Yet despite all the global initiatives and partnerships, we have a long way to go to achieve the realisation of equal access to services, legal structures and opportunities for all. All of us, including persons with disabilities have the right to realise our dreams, hopes and aspirations, and to feel a sense of belonging. As a society we need to accept the challenge to grow the potential of us all to be valued, productive and contributing members of society. Unless we make an effort to include all, we will inherently exclude. 

Most studies or readings tell us that 15% of the global population are persons with disabilities and that this equates to one billion people worldwide. Such statistics often mask the truth and realities of discrimination and structural oppression faced by many poor people, including those with disability. The world can benefit from the potential socio-economic, cultural and political contributions of everyone, including persons with disabilities. The advantages of including all makes for a richer social, cultural and political economy. The language of ‘leave no one behind’ is easy to say, but more understanding of the systemic and institutional structures that embed the invisibility of marginalised people is needed. Questioning our own assumptions becomes more poignant when we realise that these easily become the stereotypes that inform prejudice.

Changing our attitudes to be more inclusive is the key. We hope this guide will offer ways in which this can be done. Not only focusing on disability inclusion as a theme, it also invests in building the capacities of us all to become trainers to promote inclusion. Sometimes these skills are assumed but not always supported.  We hope this guide offers practical tips to develop facilitation skills as well as knowledge on inclusion.