People with disabilities have historically been viewed as objects of pity and charity, or as sick people that need to be treated. Much progress has been made in the move from the charity and medical models of disability to the social model of disability. Increasingly, we also understand better the link between poverty and disability, and the unique barriers faced by people with disabilities in varied developing country contexts.

The links below cover key concepts and principles around disability, address the link between disability and the Millennium Development Goals, and the human rights approach to working with people with a disability. Statistics and information on the situation of people with disabilities in the Asia Pacific region are also included.