World Report on Disability 2011

More than one billion people in the world live with some form of disability, of whom nearly 200 million experience considerable difficulties in functioning. In the years ahead, disability will be an even greater concern because its prevalence is on the rise. This is due to ageing populations and the higher risk of disability in older people as well as the global increase in chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and mental health disorders. The World Report on Disability suggests steps for all stakeholders - including governments, civil society organizations and disabled people’s organizations - to create enabling environments, develop rehabilitation and support services, ensure adequate social protection, create inclusive policies and programmes, and enforce new and existing standards and legislation, to the benefit of people with disabilities and the wider community. People with disabilities should be central to these endeavors. Our driving vision is of an inclusive world in which we are all able to live a life of health, comfort, and dignity. We invite you to use the evidence in this report to help this vision become a reality.