Assistive Technology for inclusive development in the Indo-Pacific (ATscale)

$8.13 million, 2024 to 2028

Australia is partnering with ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, to improve the lives of children with disability by screening and providing the assistive technology they need (including glasses, hearing aids and mobility aids) to support inclusion in schools and communities. Australian funding is supporting a pilot program in Indonesia and selected countries in the Pacific. The pilot also includes support for governments to strengthen policy, procurement capacity and training for screening and maintenance of devices, integrated into existing services.

Additional information about ATscale can be found at: ATscale Global Partnership

Disability-inclusive technical assistance (CBM Australia)

$11.13 million, 2018 to 2025

This investment supports implementation of Australia's Development for All 2015-2020: Strategy for strengthening disability-inclusive development in Australia's aid program. This is actioned through the provision of both short and long-term demand-driven technical assistance and analytical support to design, implement, monitor and evaluate disability-inclusive policies and practice. The partnership continues to build understanding and capacity within DFAT and with implementing partners. This increases the reach of Australia's development program, the quality of life of people with disabilities, and their contribution to economic development.

The partnership was independently evaluated in 2024. The evaluation report and DFAT’s management response are available online.

Additional information about CBM Australia can be found at: CBM Australia.

Additional resources at: DID4All: Resources for disability-inclusive development.

Disability inclusion support for the Pacific (Pacific Disability Forum)

$6.23 million, 2022 to 2025

Australia partners with the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF), an umbrella organisation of Pacific Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to support their members to advocate for and advance their rights. PDF works with governments, civil society and development partners to develop policies and actions that include people with disabilities in all aspects of public life on an equal basis with others. PDF also works with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, UN agencies, development partners, churches, regional civil society organisations and service providers to ensure that people with disabilities are included in national and regional plans and policies.

Additional information about PDF can be found at: Pacific Disability Forum .

Expanding movements to advance rights and inclusion of all persons with disabilities (Disability Rights Advocacy Fund)

$9.45 million, 2020 to 2024

Central to Australia's approach to disability inclusion is supporting Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in developing countries. This support aims to build their capacity so they can give voice to people with disabilities at all levels and contribute as leaders and decision makers in their communities. Australia supports the Disability Rights Advocacy Fund (DRAF), a collaboration between donors and the disability community. Through grants, advocacy and technical assistance, DRAF provides a comprehensive approach to supporting the rights of people with disabilities through support to OPDs. The grants support OPDs to participate in ratification, implementation, and monitoring of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and promote a rights-based approach to disability equity at community and government levels. DRAF's priorities, such as improving the inclusion of a diverse range of people with disabilities and addressing the intersectionality of gender and disability, align closely with the guiding principles of Australia's Development for All Strategy.

Additional information about DRAF can be found at: Disability Rights Advocacy Fund.

United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD)

$4.2 million, 2023 to 2025

The United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) is a collaboration by UN entities, governments, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and the broader civil society to advance disability rights around the world. UNPRPD supports full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities through coalition building and capacity development. The technical secretariat for UNPRPD is hosted by the United Nations Development Programme. DFAT is a member of both the UNPRPD Policy Board and Management Committee.

Additional information about UNPRPD can be found at: UN Partnership to Promote the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Strengthening disability data (UNICEF)

$2.165 million, 2024 to 2027

This project will further strengthen the quality, availability and use of data on children with disabilities, with a regional focus. The project focuses on low-and middle-income countries in Southeast Asia, while also providing overall support and technical assistance to countries in other regions, including the Pacific. UNICEF will work with countries in SEA on the assessment of data availability and needs, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and use.