USAID Disability Policy: Low Bandwidth Version - Data, Learning, and Evidence

DATA, LEARNING, AND EVIDENCE

Commitment to learning is a core value of USAID. Strengthening disability-inclusive data collection, research, analysis, reporting, and learning is critical to advancing the knowledge base of what works and supporting more effective programming.‌

• Pilot the collection and use of disability-disaggregated data. Disability-inclusive data collection, research, analysis, reporting, and learning are bolstered by disaggregation of data by disability—in addition to other bases for disaggregation that may be required—to better assess and bring visibility to the effective representation of persons with disabilities in and across USAID programming. This is especially important in programs that are not targeted specifically at persons with disabilities but that instead seek to be inclusive of persons with disabilities in mainstream programming contexts. Without disaggregation of people-specific indicator data in such contexts, we will struggle to determine the degree to which our wider programming is reaching and ensuring equitable outcomes for persons with disabilities and to facilitate learning and adaptation in our programming.²⁶ Consistent with ethical principles and relevant safety, security, data protection, privacy, and age-related considerations in the collection and use of such data, USAID will explore the feasibility to update data-collection requirements and systems to allow for future indicator data to be collected by disability status at a minimum, and disability type and degree where possible. Collection of data related to environmental barriers can also assist in tailoring development interventions. In these efforts, internationally comparable tools and suitable secondary data sources should be leveraged where available, for identifying persons with disabilities in data-collection efforts. In all data-disaggregation efforts, the principle of do no harm must be paramount.²⁷
• Leverage regular reporting mechanisms. Regular reporting mechanisms such as the annual Operational Plan (OP) and Performance Plan and Report (PPR) offer ideal opportunities to capture and bring visibility to USAID’s work to support persons with disabilities. Disability-focused Key Issues (for the OP) and Qualitative Narratives (for the PPR) exist to facilitate such reporting. All Operating Units engaged in activities that are primarily focused on persons with disabilities or intentionally seek to include persons with disabilities in mainstream activities should be reporting through these established reporting mechanisms, including in instances where such activities might also be reported through other Key Issues or Qualitative Narratives. This reporting should be in line with existing reporting systems and requirements as well as Agency efforts to reduce burdens and streamline efficiencies.
• Generate research and technical guidance. Generation of sector-specific, evidence-based research and technical guidance is important in filling data gaps and disseminating knowledge of effective practice. Such guidance documents will be essential in promoting the effective application and implementation of this policy in sector- specific contexts and evaluating the efficacy of those approaches. In generating such guidance and research products, the principles of nothing without us, do no (more) harm, and accessibility are of particular but not exclusive relevance. USAID staff and implementing partners engaged in Agency-funded programs are highly encouraged to consult with and meaningfully involve persons with disabilities and their representative organizations in these initiatives to benefit from the perspectives of those most directly affected by USAID interventions and to seek to ensure that programming has no unintended negative consequences. Furthermore, information about research activities and findings should be made available in formats accessible to persons with disabilities.

It should also be acknowledged that the lack of accurate host- country data on disability is itself a development challenge, though also an opportunity for development diplomacy. Where feasible, USAID Missions should seek to meaningfully engage relevant host-government ministries and government statistics offices in the promotion of accurate and ethical disability data collection, including through censuses, demographic and health surveys, spatial mappings, community mappings, and other appropriate tools.