Our Work

Disability Inclusion

Disability inclusion is not just about access – it is about dignity, opportunity, and justice. When people with disabilities are included, entire communities are stronger, more equitable, and more resilient.

Building a world where everyone belongs

In many of the world’s poorest places, people with disabilities are among the most marginalised. Children are often excluded from school. Adults face limited opportunities to earn an income. Families can experience isolation, stigma, and deeper poverty.

Around the world, people with disabilities are too often excluded – from education, healthcare, livelihoods, and community life. Barriers such as stigma, inaccessible environments, and lack of resources can prevent people from participating fully and reaching their potential.

cbm works alongside local partners to break down these barriers and build inclusive communities where everyone is valued, respected, and able to thrive.

Guided by our Christian values, we believe every person is created with dignity and purpose. That’s why we work to ensure people with disabilities are not only included, but empowered to contribute their gifts, skills, and leadership within their communities.

Why this mission matters

In many of the world’s poorest places, people with disabilities are among the most marginalised. Children are often excluded from school. Adults face limited opportunities to earn an income. Families can experience isolation, stigma, and deeper poverty.

For example, in some contexts, up to 90% of children with moderate to severe disabilities are not attending school. Without access to education, children are denied the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a future – and are more likely to remain trapped in poverty.

Even where policies supporting inclusion exist, a lack of resources, training, and accessible infrastructure means that people with disabilities are still left behind.

Where We Work

How cbm responds

We work in partnership with local organisations, governments, and communities to create lasting, inclusive change across three key areas: education, livelihoods, and community participation.

Inclusive education for every child

Education is a powerful pathway out of poverty – yet many children with disabilities are still missing out.

cbm supports inclusive education by:

Helping children with visual, hearing, physical, or intellectual disabilities access school or community-based learning
Training teachers to meet diverse learning needs
Improving accessibility of school environments, including classrooms, toilets, and facilities
Providing specialised learning resources such as braille, sign language, and mobility training
Strengthening schools to become models of inclusive education
Raising awareness with families and communities to promote inclusion

Through this work, children are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and fulfil their God-given potential – and to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Expanding access to quality, inclusive education systems

Beyond individual support, cbm works to strengthen entire education systems so they can include all learners.

This includes:

Transforming mainstream schools into inclusive learning environments
Training education specialists and teachers in inclusive practices
Developing and providing accessible learning materials and equipment
Supporting early identification of children with disabilities
Advocating for increased enrolment and participation of students with disabilities

By building capacity within education systems, we help ensure that inclusion is sustainable and reaches future generations.

Inclusive livelihoods and stronger communities

For adults with disabilities, exclusion from livelihoods can lead to long-term poverty and isolation.

cbm supports inclusive livelihoods by:

Strengthening self-help groups that enable people with disabilities to build income and support one another
Supporting advocacy and self-representation so people can claim their rights
Improving access to healthcare and essential services
Working with communities to reduce stigma and discrimination

This approach helps create communities that are more inclusive, equitable, and resilient – where people with disabilities can participate fully in social and economic life.

How we work with partners

Partnership is central to cbm’s approach.

We work alongside local organisations, including organisations of persons with disabilities, faith-based partners, and government agencies. These partners bring deep knowledge of their communities and play a leading role in designing and delivering programmes.

Together, we:

Strengthen local capacity and leadership
Support inclusive policies and systems
Ensure programmes are locally owned and sustainable
Promote the voices and leadership of people with disabilities

By working in partnership, we help create lasting change that continues well beyond individual projects.

A brighter future for Thongphet

Living with a physical disability, Thongphet faced ongoing challenges supporting his family in Laos. Through a cbm-supported project, he received goats, training, and rehabilitation support, giving him the opportunity to build a sustainable livelihood.

Today, Thongphet is earning an income, his children are thriving at school, and he is participating more fully in community life. His story shows how inclusive support can create lasting change for individuals, families, and communities.

Read Full Story

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Support our mission for disability inclusion

Your support can help break down barriers and create opportunities for people with disabilities to learn, earn a living, and participate fully in their communities.

Together, we can help build a more inclusive world – where everyone belongs, and no one is left behind.

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Where Funds Go

Making inclusion real

Every person's journey is different, but these stories demonstrate how disability-inclusive support can create opportunities, strengthen confidence, and open doors to the future.