Additional Context: This information comes from a report produced by Inclusive Development Partners, or IDP, a research and technical assistance organization. Using a mixed-methods design under IRB approval from the University of Massachusetts Boston, the study triangulated a global survey of staff from 82 projects across 80 implementing organizations with key informant interviews and focus group discussions across eight countries where IDP had existing programs: Bangladesh, El Salvador, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nepal, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Data collection took place between January and March 2026.

According to IDP, trained specialists in inclusive education, disability-disaggregated data collection, Universal Design for Learning, assistive technology procurement, and community-based rehabilitation have lost their positions, with many moving to other sectors or countries. Government respondents confirmed that the technical expertise concentrated in USAID-funded staff was not replaceable in the short term.

Source: Inclusive Development Partners