Over 500 million people in the world are disabled, the majority of whom live in poverty in low-income communities. A major contributing factor to the poverty of disabled people is their lack of access to sanitation and safe water.

This article provides resources, links and notes on the need for access to water and sanitation for people with disabilities. As many as one in five among the poorest of the poor are likely to be disabled. The needs of most disabled people can be met by ordinary facilities and services. Minor changes can enable them to be included in regular water and sanitation service provision.

The WELL website is a focal point for providing access to information about water, sanitation and environmental health and related issues in developing and transitional countries. This briefing note raises awareness about the need to address disability issues within water and sanitation service provision.