Participation in a Cash for Work program to improve the disaster resilience of camps in Cox’s Bazar was transformative for Mojiullah, who lives with a mobility disability. He took his earnings to start a small business, and then started his own family, moving from isolation and dependence to a new life.

“When my son first called me ‘Amma’ (mother), I couldn’t hold back my tears. It was the first time he ever said it, after so many years of silence.” Inclusive education in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, supported through AHP has helped Sadek find his voice.

Celene is a person with disability living in Vanuatu. She was appointed the lead of her Community Disaster and Climate Change Committee. “In every community, there’s always someone living with a disability. That’s why it’s important to have women in CDCCC—because mothers have a beautiful heart to listen to them and better assist.”

For years, Jay Nasilasila, current chair of Fiji’s Disaster READY Country Committee in Fiji, has been inspiring us with unrelenting advocacy for strengthened disability inclusion in disaster preparedness.

“Disaster preparedness isn’t just about me—it’s about everyone in my family knowing what to do. This training has transformed how we approach emergencies, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with my community.”

Harun, an 11-year-old Rohingya boy with visual impairments, was struggling at his local learning centre, facing challenges with reading and teasing from peers. With specialised support from Save the Children and the Center for Disability and Development, he is now thriving.

“It has really made it easier for someone like me to have a bank account,” Rita said. “It’s also the first time for me to receive cash.” Read how cash and voucher assistance through Disaster READY is transforming the lives of women with disabilities.

For 20-year-old Farzana, who has a vision disability, learning how to grow produce in a home garden with her mother has opened new pathways for acceptance and financial security.

Chandana is a farmer, clay brick producer, and carer for his elderly parents. He is also disabled. Through the AHP response in Sri Lanka, he has been able to increase his yield of quality produce, while also changing community attitudes on disabilities.

Noor and Roshida struggled to get enough water from a distant well for their seven children to stay clean and healthy. Now, an accessible tap stand at their home in Cox’s Bazar is improving their quality of life.

Broken cochlear implants meant 11-year-old Cihan was missing out on school and socialising, all while displaced after an earthquake. Now he and his siblings have a brighter outlook after receiving support through the AHP response.

For the family of four-year-old Nur, who has cerebral palsy, the Türkiye earthquake added an extra layer of challenge. But with the support of local NGO Sened, through the AHP response, Nur is accessing physiotherapy and other services to support her development.

The climate crisis is escalating at a rapid rate. Worsening weather events, propelled by climate change, are causing havoc in the poorest countries, who are least responsible for the emissions driving the climate disaster.

WITTT Sunshine has grown from a membership of three in 2018, to a network of 600 women with disability in Vanuatu. The group now plays an integral role in women-led, local, disability-inclusive disaster response.

When Azida’s new husband and in-laws discovered her hearing disability, she was threatened with divorce. With the help of World Vision through AHP, hearing aids have transformed her quality of life.

When Shabera’s mother and sister passed away, she was left without family — and without a caregiver to assist her with daily needs. With the support of a community volunteer, Shabera has been able to advocate for an accessible toilet facility at her home.

In Bangladesh, local partners have improved their understanding of disability inclusion through training on inclusive communications and the Washington Group Questions. More people with disabilities are now involved in program livelihood activities.

Cash transfers are supporting vulnerable people like 60-year-old Ite, who lives with disability and chronic illness, to cope with cost of living increases in Indonesia after the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a woman with a disability, Angelina has become a vital voice in ensuring her remote community in Timor-Leste is ready to cope with the next disaster.

Bhakti Luhur Orphanage and School is one of the only educational facilities for children with disabilities in Kupang, Indonesia. Through the AHP COVID-19 response, the school was provided with additional support to reduce the impact of the pandemic on its students.