Disability and poverty

Disability has often been associated with poverty, but few studies examine the relationship empirically in developing countries. For example, a review of World Bank Poverty Assessments finds that while most countries acknowledge the issue, few have the data to investigate it. This paper sets forth a preferred methodology for examining disability and poverty that is in line both with a more functional approach to disability incorporated in the WHO’s International Classification of Functioning and Sen’s Capabilities Model. Applying that methodology to two developing countries reveals the strong connection between poverty and disability and the need for a separate poverty line for families with disabled members.