Disability inclusion in WASH: what has been achieved and how can this help other practitioners?

Plan Indonesia’s water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) program features the use of community led total sanitation (CLTS) and hygiene promotion projects in several districts in Indonesia. To contribute to universal access and to reach the most vulnerable people, Plan Indonesia seeks to continuously improve disability inclusive strategies within its WASH program. Plan Indonesia has found that people with disabilities (PWD) are unable to access regular sanitation and hygiene facilities even though there is a strong willingness to improve their own hygiene practices. Together with government partners, Plan Indonesia’s WASH program has explicitly worked with PWD to improve their access to sanitation and hygiene facilities. Plan Indonesia has also worked with sanitation marketing entrepreneurs for the provision of specifically-designed toilets that meet the needs of PWD within the program area. Reflecting on current achievement, Plan Indonesia’s aim is for this approach to be adopted by local government who are not yet aware of disability inclusion issue. This paper provides general information on steps taken and the results during the implementation of disability inclusive WASH by Plan Indonesia.