Towards inclusive development: a participatory study of challenges and opportunities for people with disabilities in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

Abstract

People with disabilities in Bangladesh confront significant challenges, including limited access to education, training, and employment, requiring their integration into mainstream development efforts to achieve sustainable progress and reduce societal inequalities, with their active inclusion being essential for enhancing societal well-being. The goal was to assess the actual conditions, problems, and barriers with possible solutions of the communities with physical disabilities and promote the holistic development in Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) area through their enthusiastic participation. A Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA) survey was conducted to assess the challenges, barriers, and opportunities for promoting inclusive development utilizing different PRA tools. The findings revealed a substantial deprivation of basic rights among the community members, alongside a combination of shared and distinct needs for improved facilities, prompting them to aspire to a better quality of life. In response, prospective proposals, infrastructural schemes, and policy recommendations were formulated to enhance the planning and development of both the communities and the RCC area, particularly to benefit people with disabilities.