This section highlights the most influential International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) working globally—and in some cases nationally—to advance the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities. These organizations shape policy, deliver community-based programs, and strengthen the leadership of persons with disabilities, including women and marginalized groups.
Why It Matters:
INGOs fill critical gaps by:
- Providing community-based rehabilitation (CBR) services
- Supporting inclusive education, health, and livelihoods
- Working during emergencies and natural disasters
- Advocating for disability rights at international and national levels
- Partnering with OPDs (Organizations of Persons with Disabilities)
This makes them essential allies for disability-inclusive development.
Handicap International (HI) – Inclusive Development & Rehabilitation
Handicap International, also known as Humanity & Inclusion, works in more than 60 countries focusing on:
- Rehabilitation services: physiotherapy, assistive devices, mobility aids
- Inclusive development: education, livelihoods, health inclusion
- Humanitarian response: ensuring emergency aid and disaster relief include persons with disabilities
- Advocacy: pushing for accessibility, rights, and protection from explosive weapons
HI is globally recognized for its practical, community-level interventions and its commitment to supporting people with disabilities in crisis and development settings.
CBM Global – Eye Care, Inclusive Education & Livelihoods
CBM Global works through partnerships across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Their core priorities include:
- Eye health: preventing blindness, offering surgeries, and strengthening local health systems
- Inclusive education: supporting schools and governments to integrate children with disabilities
- Economic empowerment: vocational training, job placement, and livelihood support
- Disaster risk reduction: supporting disability-inclusive preparedness and response
In Pakistan, CBM has partnered with local groups from Punjab, KP, and Sindh, strengthening community-based systems.
NOWPDP (Pakistan) – Economic Empowerment & Training
NOWPDP is one of Pakistan’s leading organizations dedicated to the empowerment of persons with disabilities. Their work includes:
- Skills training: digital skills, crafts, entrepreneurship
- Employment programs: linking individuals to job opportunities
- Assistive technology: providing wheelchairs, aids, and mobility support
- Advocacy campaigns: promoting inclusion in education and workplaces
Their slogan “A part, not apart.” captures their mission of full societal inclusion.
Sightsavers – Eye Health & Blindness Prevention
Sightsavers focuses on preventing avoidable blindness and improving disability rights, especially for persons who are blind or visually impaired. They work on:
- Cataract surgeries & eye care interventions
- Mass drug administration to eliminate diseases like river blindness
- Inclusive education programs for children with visual disabilities
- Advocacy for equal rights in political participation, employment, and social services
Their work is active in over 30 countries.
HelpAge International – Rights of Older Persons with Disabilities
HelpAge International works globally to support older individuals, many of whom acquire disabilities with age. Their focus areas include:
- Health and care systems: improving geriatric and disability-responsive services
- Livelihoods & social protection: ensuring older persons have income and safety nets
- Emergency response: protecting older persons in humanitarian settings
- Advocacy: increasing visibility and rights of older persons with disabilities
They play a critical role in the intersection of ageing and disability.