Summary
About 15% of the world's population lives with some form of disability, of whom 2-4% experience significant difficulties in functioning. The global disability prevalence is higher than previous WHO estimates, which date from the 1970s and suggested a figure of around 10%. This global estimate for disability is on the rise due to population ageing and the rapid spread of chronic diseases, as well as improvements in the methodologies used to measure disability.
The first ever WHO/World Bank World report on disability reviews evidence about the situation of people with disabilities around the world. Following chapters on understanding disability and measuring disability, this chapter 8 focusses on inclusive employment.
The summary report is available in easy-to-read, audio, and screen reader compatible formats. Braille versions (English, Spanish and French) can be ordered by contacting disability [at] who.int.