Persons With Disabilities and the Humanitarian Response in Haiti

Persons With Disabilities and the Humanitarian Response in Haiti: Key Messages and Guidance for Action, outlines general action for all humanitarian actors to take as well as for those active in the sectors of protection, shelter, water and sanitation, food and nutrition, non-food items, health services, education and livelihoods, when assisting and working with persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities are often overlooked, neglected and forgotten in disaster relief and humanitarian response. Those living with disabilities were underserved in Haiti prior to the earthquake and often shunned and stigmatized. The emergency response and reconstruction efforts provide an opportunity to amend past neglect and discrimination and assist persons with disabilities to live richer, more dignified lives. Designing interventions, in all sectors, that take into account the specific needs and abilities of people with disabilities can have an enormous effect on improving their well-being and their protection.