disability-information-system-web

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Description:

Disability is a part of life. Not all disabilities are visible; in some cases, they may not even be related to sensory perception. Furthermore, disabilities can sometimes be temporary. It is estimated that a significant number of people with disabilities live in Bangladesh. Various studies indicate that the majority of these individuals belong to low-income groups and live in poverty. Taking effective initiatives to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life for the population with disabilities is an urgent necessity. Achieving these goals requires targeted, well-planned interventions that provide appropriate medical care, education, and training tailored to their specific needs. To address this, a nationwide 'Disability Identification Survey' was initiated to accurately document this population, including identifying the types, severity, and underlying causes of their disabilities. Before a nationwide rollout, a pilot survey was launched in May 2012 to evaluate the effectiveness of the methodology. During the 2011–2012 fiscal year, the pilot survey was conducted in Gopalganj district, as well as in 12 upazilas—Jamalpur Sadar, Barura (Comilla), Paba (Rajshahi), Morelganj (Bagerhat), Barishal Sadar, Chunarughat (Habiganj), and Phulbari (Dinajpur)—along with two Urban Community Development (UCD) centers. In the 2012–2013 fiscal year, an initiative was launched to conduct a door-to-door survey across the remaining areas of the country, excluding the upazilas covered during the pilot phase. Field-level data collection began on June 1, 2013, and was completed by November 14, 2013. Subsequently, in the 2013–2014 fiscal year, doctors nominated by the Ministry of Health and consultants from the 'Disability Service and Assistance Centers'—under the National Foundation for the Development of Disabled Persons—began assessing the types and severity of disabilities among the individuals identified through the survey.