Data for Disability Inclusion
Over 110 participants joined us at this year’s Annual Living Inclusion Network Forum, which took place on the 26th of June 2025.
This year’s topic was “Data for Disability Inclusion”. There has been considerable progress in the last decade with a better understanding of why we need more and better data, and how to collect it. But challenges persist, and given the current political climate and financial constraints, data must remain high on the list of priorities. The Forum provided an opportunity to hear from experts on data during a panel discussion, followed by presentations and discussions on specific elements of data collection and analysis in designated break-out rooms.
Highlights from the Panel Discussion
The panel discussion brought together different experts, including Sofía Minieri from Women Enabled. She emphasized the importance of qualitative, intersectional data that captures the diverse lived experiences of persons with disabilities. She called for more inclusive participation in data collection and dissemination.
Daniel Mont, CEO and co-founder of the Centre for Inclusive Policy in the UK, highlighted persistent data gaps in identifying barriers that lead to exclusion and the support needed. He suggested there is a bigger focus on data justifying action and not enough on data that shows how to develop policies that take action.
Alexandre Côte, social policy specialist at UNICEF, reflected on the challenges surrounding data and highlighted that, despite progress, there are still gaps in data overall, as well as in the analysis of data, which hinders its effective use. Therefore, he emphasized the importance of identifying where the problem lies: in data collection, data analysis, and/or data use.
The panelists agreed that intersectional data disaggregation is especially important for qualitative analysis to better understand and respond to life experiences, such as participation and stigma. A one-size-fits-all approach in data collection is not helpful.
Participants/Speakers at the Living Inclusion Forum 2025 |© GIZ
Highlights from the Breakout Sessions
During the event, participants attended two rounds of breakout sessions, held across three parallel rooms, each focusing on a different aspect of disability data and inclusion.
In Room 1, Alexandre Cote presented key insights from the Global Disability Inclusion Report and highlighted upcoming thematic papers and webinars.
Room 2 featured Daniel Mont introducing the Washington Group Short Set (WG-SS), emphasising its value for population-level trends while acknowledging its limitations and the need for complementary tools. Marc Analene from FETAPH also shared a grassroots advocacy approach of data collection from rural Togo. He shared the experience they had using the WGQs and how they customized some of the questions to fit their setting. He also emphasised the importance of data collection agents who were persons with disabilities from the area and therefore had more context, ensuring a more accurate process.
In Room 3, Carter Draper and Michael Osunga from the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team showcased an innovative drone mapping project in Sierra Leone that collects geospatial data to improve urban accessibility. Liändrie Steffens, a data analyst and consultant, followed with a compelling presentation on feminist data collection, emphasizing the need for inclusive, ethical, and participatory methods.
A key message across all sessions was that data must be inclusive, purposeful, and grounded in lived experience to drive real change.
We thank all the speakers who shared their expertise with us and all participants for joining. This made for a very lively event. Revisit moments from the forum by watching the recorded sessions.
Further Resources
- Explore the recordings from the Living Inclusion Forum 2025.
- Explore the Washington Group Short Set of Questions.
- Discover the Global Disability Inclusion Report launched at the GDS 2025.