The United Nations theme for International Day of Persons with Disability in 2023 is ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.' To improve financial inclusion, people with disabilities need a say in how to access their own pathways to economic empowerment and ultimately, to help themselves.

Persons with disabilities living in low- and middle-income countries often struggle to obtain a job - but still have the same needs as everyone to access savings, credit and earn an income to improve their livelihoods. Through making inclusive changes to microfinance programs, 'self-help groups' can economically empower persons with disabilities through self-employment, promoting participation and also helping persons with disabilities access better education and healthcare, as well as other quality of life changes.

^{'Self help groups' are helping persons with disabilities become self-employed and earn an income} 

Breaking down barriers for people with disabilities through inclusion and connection

People with disabilities have unique skills and abilities and have the right to equity in all aspects of life, including the right to earn a living and live a dignified life.

Economic participation is an ongoing challenge for people with disabilities, who face larger barriers to enter employment, access healthcare, education and other services that many of us take for granted. While people with disabilities make up 15 per cent of the developing world’s population it is estimated that they currently represent only 0.5 per cent of microfinance clients.

Despite strong links between poverty and disability, people with disabilities often find it harder to access capital from banks when they want to start a business, putting them at a higher risk of turning to informal money lenders with unscrupulous practices.

‘Self-help groups’ enable those living with disabilities to access capital, set up small businesses and build sustainable livelihoods.

^{Member Lakshmi runs a small grocery store in her village. She makes a profit of 50-100 rupees per day.}

What is a ‘self-help group’?

The Indian Government and local NGOs encourage people with disabilities to come together in ‘self- help groups’. Self-help groups, like Neela’s, bring together ten to 20 people living with disabilities. Members contribute a small amount of money each week into a shared pool that is used to secure collateral-free loans from financial providers at low-interest rates.

Once they set up a small business and start earning an income, members continue to save money, as well as paying back their loans. The pooled savings amount can be borrowed by an individual member or loaned in their community. Once a loan is successfully repaid, another member from the group can take out a loan and a new business begins.

When they’re run well, self-help groups can be a powerful platform for advocacy for people with disabilities – giving them greater visibility in their communities, strengthening individuals’ voices and championing their rights and protections.

^{Neela is another member of the 'self help groups' in rural India.}

Neela’s story

Small business owner Neela is proud of the grocery store she was able to set up with help of a small loan, accessed through her local ‘self-help group’ in rural Telangana, with the support of Opportunity International Australia’s local non-governmental organisation (NGO) partner. Livelihood opportunities in the rural area where she lives are limited. As she has a mobility impairment, many agricultural employment opportunities are not accessible for Neela. The opportunity to own and operate her own store gives her a good income and greater independence.

Through strong self-help groups, individuals with disabilities are increasingly able to take out loans to set up small businesses that build on their strengths. Whether they are earning an income for their family by basket-making, running a grocery shop like Neela’s, flour milling or milking buffalo, people with disabilities are earning greater respect in their communities.

“Previously we felt discarded by society,” one 'self help group' member said.

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