In April 2023 the disability data advocacy workshop for organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) was launched and is a publicly available resource that can be used online or in person.
The workshop aims to build capacity for OPDs on:
- Advocating for investment in better data;
- Using data to develop evidence to support advocacy;
- Applying relevant knowledge and skills on disability data in the local context, and;
- Gaining basic data advocacy knowledge and skills to engage in data dialogues.
The workshop emerged from an innovative partnership that focused on building capacity in and increasing the quality of disability data in the Asia-Pacific region. The partnership was composed of UNFPA Asia Pacific and CBM Global Disability Inclusion, in close collaboration with International Disability Alliance, the Stakeholder Group of Persons with Disabilities, and national and regional organizations of persons with disabilities. Organizations of persons with disabilities have been integral in the development of the workshop and in providing invaluable feedback. Two pilot disability data advocacy workshops for OPDs were carried out in November, 2021.
The workshops were held in person in Samoa and online in Nepal. Both workshops were facilitated by local OPD representatives who were data experts. The workshop consists of eight interactive modules that can be carried out in person or online. Training topics include:
- The critical role of data disaggregation and leaving no one behind;
- Identifying the population with disabilities using the Washington Group Questions;
- Beyond disaggregation and disability data sources; and;
- Advocating for better data, OPDs’ roles in advocacy using data, and building an action plan.
Workshops will be carried out this year with OPDs in Bolivia, Laos, and Democratic Republic of the Congo. From these trainings, lessons learned will be compiled into a report and can be shared in the capacity exchange to show a good practice on advancing the availability and use of inclusive data so no one is left behind.