DDI June 2026 Newsletter
Dear DDI Community,
We are pleased to share key updates from the Disability Data Initiative (DDI), including the latest editions of our global databases, upcoming events, and recent publications.
About the Databases
Disability Statistics – Estimates (DS-E) Database
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Disability Statistics – Estimates (DS-E) Database
The 2025 edition of the DS-E database, the largest source of disability-disaggregated statistics worldwide, has been significantly expanded. What’s new? Its novel contributions are in this new blog and briefly summarized below.
- Features a revamped interactive platform for improved accessibility and speed
- It has API for general use. The API documentation is available at: disabilitydatainitiative.org/api
- Now has disability-disaggregated statistics for 65 countries
- Includes enhanced breakdowns by both disability severity and type
- Introduces new indicators on:
- Demographics (living alone)
- Health (e.g., problems accessing healthcare, child mortality, BMI)
Disability Statistics – Questionnaire Review (DS-QR) Database
The DS-QR database continues to support access to internationally comparable disability data. Its key results are in this blog and briefly described below.
- Covers 206 countries and 3,656 datasets
- Identifies 143 countries and 407 datasets using the Washington Group Short Set (WG-SS)
- Shows regional improvements in the inclusion of functional difficulty questions, particularly in Europe and Central Asia
Upcoming Events
1. Accelerating Community Monitoring of Global Disability Rights and Civic Engagement: AI-Enabled Data Dashboards and Mobile Apps:Side event of the United Nations 19th Conference of State Parties in New York (Hybrid)
When: June 9, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM EDT
Where: Zoom Registration or In Person United Nations headquarters in Conference Room C
2. Article 31 at 20: Progress and Remaining Gaps on Statistics and Data Collection:Side event of the United Nations 19th Conference of State Parties in New York (Hybrid)
When: June 10, 2026 Time: 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM EDT
Where: Zoom Registration or In Person Registration
Recent Events
1. South Asia Data Workshop: We recently convened a panel of diverse stakeholders on how data collection, analysis and use support monitoring disability rights with a focus on South Asia. Recording is forthcoming.(online)
2. Co-creation Workshop on Using the DDI Databases to Inform Disability Advocacy and Inclusive Policies and Programmes in Durban, South Africa. Workshop participants, including members of the disability sector, provided feedback on the DDI website and databases and co-developed dissemination materials.
Participants of the co-creation Workshop in Durban, South Africa
3. Datos en Discapacidad en Ecuador: ¿Qué nos dice el Censo y cómo se relaciona con la política pública en discapacidad? (Recording link). May 19th 2026.
4. Why Do Disability Prevalence Estimates Vary? WG, DDI and CIP Webinar (Recording link). May 5th 2026.
Journal Articles
Here are selected recent publications by the DDI team:
- The Association between Disability and Problems in Accessing Healthcare: Evidence for Women ages 15 to 49 in 16 Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Public Health. Vol. 256.
- Is disability prevalence higher in rural areas? Evidence from functional difficulty and nightlight data in 15 low- and middle-income countries. Disability and Health Journal, 2025 Vol. 19(1).
- Resilience to climate shocks in Guatemala: Disability-related inequalities. PLOS Climate.
Contact Us
Do not hesitate to reach out at: disabilitydatainitiative.help@gmail.com
Best regards,
The DDI Team
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