Partner organisations: WaterAid (WA), Laos Disabled People’s Association (LDPA), National University of Laos (NUoL), Cambodian Disabled People's Organisation (CDPO), Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), Hanoi Association of People with Disabilities (DP Hanoi), Institute for Circular Economy Development (ICED), Vietnam National University (VNU)

Background

The Mekong subregion faces significant climate change hazards. And people with disabilities in this region are consistently more vulnerable to these hazards because they lack the opportunity, capability and resources for adaptation.

What we’re doing

We are working with local stakeholders in each country – OPDs, non-government organisations, universities and government agencies – co-designing research to generate an evidence base that can inform local initiatives that help people with disabilities better prepare and respond to climate change hazards. 

Central to this project is building the capacity of OPDs in each country to collect and analyse information and data about people with disabilities’ exposure to and ability to adapt to climate hazards, and then apply findings to influence policy, planning and practices.  

Key activities will include:

• Key informant interviews to consult key stakeholders such as local authorities, NGOs, OPDs, universities and the private sector
• Evidence Reviews of scientific and grey literature to contextualise findings
• Intensive fieldwork co-developed and implemented by people with different types of disabilities and local stakeholders
• Action learning approaches to integrate lessons and adapt methods.

How it will help

The expected outcomes from this project include:

• A new disability-inclusive evidence base to address critical knowledge gaps – e.g. rapid evidence reviews, fieldwork findings and contextual analysis that showcase the lived experiences and specific vulnerabilities of people with different types of disabilities to climate hazards
• Accessible and actionable knowledge projects – e.g. impact pathway plans, academic publications, user-friendly resources (e.g. videos, infographics and fact sheets) that support changes to policy, planning and practice
• Regional impact through collaboration, shared learning and supporting people with disabilities to have a stronger say in policy and planning discussions – e.g. by establishing a community of practice on disability-inclusive climate hazards and disaster resilience and supporting OPD partners to share research outputs at regional and international events.

Together, these outcomes will drive more equitable, data-informed and collaborative approaches to urban climate resilience and disaster risk reduction that embed the perspectives of people with disabilities.