Disability Inclusion In Programme Monitoring: The Role Of The Disability Inclusion Scorecard (DISC)

When it comes to programme monitoring, it's important to ensure that all members of the community are being considered and included. Unfortunately, one often overlooked group in this regard is people with disabilities. However, by incorporating disability inclusion in programme monitoring, NGOs can ensure that their programmes reach all community members and have the intended impact. In this article, we will explore the concept of disability inclusion in programme monitoring, why it's essential, and the role that the Disability Inclusion Scorecard (DISC) can play in achieving it. We will also introduce a valuable resource for NGOs seeking to improve their disability inclusion efforts.

What is disability inclusion in programme monitoring?

Disability inclusion in program monitoring refers to the process of ensuring that people with disabilities are included in all aspects of program design, implementation, and evaluation. This involves identifying and addressing the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in program activities, and ensuring that their needs and perspectives are taken into account throughout the program cycle. Disability inclusion also involves monitoring program outcomes to ensure that they include people with disabilities and identifying areas for improvement.

Why is disability inclusion in programme monitoring important?

Disability inclusion in program monitoring is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it promotes the human rights and dignity of people with disabilities by ensuring that they are included and valued in all aspects of development work. It also helps to ensure that programs are more effective and sustainable, as having people with disabilities can improve program outcomes and increase the impact of development interventions. Furthermore, disability inclusion in program monitoring helps create a more equitable and inclusive society, where everyone can participate and contribute to the development process.

What is the DISC tool?

The Disability Inclusion Scorecard (DISC) is a tool to help organisations assess the extent to which their programs include people with disabilities. The DISC tool provides a framework for analysing program activities and outcomes through a disability-inclusive lens. It is designed to be used by program staff, disability advocates, and other stakeholders to monitor and evaluate the inclusion of people with disabilities in development programs.

The DISC tool consists of indicators covering different aspects of disability inclusion, such as; access to services and facilities, participation in decision-making processes, and the use of accessible communication and information. These indicators can be used to assess the extent to which a program is addressing the needs and rights of people with disabilities. In addition, they can help identify areas for improvement and best practices to replicate in future programming.

What role does the DISC tool play in disability inclusion in programme monitoring?

The DISC tool plays a critical role in promoting disability inclusion in program monitoring. Providing a structured approach to assessing program inclusion helps organisations identify areas of strength and weakness in their programs and develop targeted strategies for improvement. The tool also helps to ensure that program staff are aware of and committed to disability inclusion and that disability issues are integrated into all aspects of program design, implementation, and evaluation.

In addition, the DISC tool helps organisations engage with and involve people with disabilities in program monitoring and evaluation. By including people with disabilities in the assessment process, organisations can ensure that their perspectives and experiences are taken into account and that they have a say in how programs are designed and implemented. This helps to create a more inclusive and participatory development process where everyone has a voice and a stake in the outcomes.

Another useful resource is the Quick Guide Towards Disability Inclusive Programme Monitoring by DCDD. This guide was created specifically for mainstream NGOs with little or no disability experience and offered practical tips and tools at four different stages of the programme cycle. Whether you're at the policy setting, formulation, implementation or evaluation stage, the Quick Guide can help you ensure that your programme is disability-inclusive and that you're using the most effective methods for monitoring and evaluating its impact. With the help of this guide, you can take concrete steps towards creating a more inclusive world for people with disabilities.

In conclusion, we highlighted the need for a more inclusive approach to programme monitoring. It can be done using the DISC tool, which can support organisations in assessing the extent to which their programmes include people with disabilities and identify areas for improvement. To implement this successfully, NGOs can take the following steps:?

• Assess and improve the programmes based on the tool’s guidelines
• Engage with people with disabilities throughout the programme cycle
• Ensure that programme staff are aware of and committed to disability inclusion

By doing this and committing to disability inclusion in programme monitoring, NGOs can help create a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone. Additionally, other resources are available, such as the Quick Guide Towards Disability Inclusive Programme Monitoring by DCDD, that can offer practical tips and tools for mainstream NGOs seeking to improve their disability inclusion efforts.