资源环境科技发展态势分析平台

Estimates of disability prevalence in Mongolia tend to be underreported, especially among older people, girls, and women, thus leaving a substantial number of persons with disabilities (PWDs) without the necessary services and protection. Early identification of disability is inadequate and current disability assessments follow an outdated, narrow medical approach. Many people perceive PWDs to be incapable of living independently and a burden to society.

In 2017, ADB approved a concessional loan of $25 million and a grant from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction of $2 million to help finance a project that will support the Government of Mongolia to address major economic, social, and rights issues of PWDs in Mongolia. The project, Ensuring Inclusiveness and Service Delivery for Persons with Disabilities, aims to ensure access to services and employment for PWDs to increase their autonomy and contribution to the economy and society in general.

Key points

• In the Ensuring Inclusiveness and Service Delivery for Persons with Disabilities project, the Government of Mongolia is addressing important economic, social, and rights issues concerning PWDs in the country, and demonstrating commitment to international rights frameworks and goals on disability.
• PWDs typically lack access to education, health care, social protection, livelihood, and employment. Households with PWDs tend to have higher rates of poverty than other households.
• Current disability assessments follow an outdated, narrow medical approach, and tend to underreport disability prevalence, leaving many PWDs without access to protection and services. Early diagnostic and intervention services are largely unavailable.
• The project will improve services and create livelihood opportunities for PWDs and provide them further support through reforms in social welfare. ADB is helping to finance this project with a concessional loan and grant approved in 2017. The project is ADB’s first loan focusing exclusively on disability.