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Engaging with the Global Disability Summit for people with intellectual disabilities and their families
- Inclusive participation & citizenship
Inclusion International hosted an event on the Global Disability Summit (GDS) that focused on promoting the rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and their families within global development strategies.
It explored how digital technologies, assistive tools, and inclusive practices can enhance accessibility and participation in various sectors, such as governance, education, and employment.
The event aimed to encourage discussion among Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), people with intellectual disabilities, and their families, to make sure that global development is truly inclusive and leaves no one behind.
What is the Global Disability Summit?
The Global Disability Summit (GDS) is an international platform that brings together governments, civil society, and the private sector to drive forward commitments and actions that promote the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.
It focuses on addressing global challenges such as accessibility, education, employment, and healthcare, and seeks to ensure that people with disabilities are fully included in all areas of life.
The GDS aims to build a more inclusive and equitable world by advancing disability rights and getting people to work together across the world.
What Makes the GDS Special?
The Global Disability Summit encourages important people and organisations to make concrete “commitments” – promises to take actions that work towards disability rights and inclusion.
When a government or organisation makes a commitment at the GDS, they’re not just talking about good ideas – they’re promising to take specific, measurable actions. These might include:
- Creating more inclusive education systems
- Improving access to community-based services
- Developing better social protection systems
- Ensuring disability inclusion in humanitarian responses
A Voice for Everyone
One of the most important aspects of the GDS is the role of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). These organisations include Inclusion International members.
They have the opportunity to influence their governments’ commitments. It’s a chance to ensure that policies and programmes truly reflect the needs and rights of people with intellectual disabilities.
Moving Forward
As we look to future Global Disability Summits, the focus remains clear: turning commitments into reality.
It’s about making sure that promises become meaningful improvements in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities worldwide.
Want to learn more about the Global Disability Summit and how you can get involved? Check out the Global Disability Summit Explainer for detailed information about the commitment process and ways to participate in the Summit.
We also have an easy read explanation of the Global Disability Summit available below.