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. In countries such as Malawi and Pakistan, respondents confirmed that the specialist workforce has dispersed without replacement.

Source: Inclusive Development Partners