The fact that disability is not reflected in these statistics does not surprise us. Even while being a relevant proportion of each one of these categories, we are still missing from the self-image of society. Society does not count us in, as peers, even when trying to portray all its diversity. Everyone should have access to basic education and primary health services. Approximately four-fifths of the world's disabled people live in developing countries.
Poverty creates the conditions for disability and disability reinforces poverty.
Exclusion and marginalization of disabled people reduce their opportunities to contribute productively to the household and the community, and thus increase poverty. Disability is expected to increase in the future, if global economic growth remains unbalanced and does not accommodate equity, environment and social concerns. Disability will also increase as society becomes older. The proportion of disabled children in developing countries is also higher compared to developed countries. Many types of disabilities that are no longer or rarely seen in wealthy countries such as polio, iodine deficiency, landmine injuries, leprosy sequelae are still common in poor countries.