Background
Access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is crucial for health, but billions lack access, especially people with disabilities who face additional barriers. Climate change exacerbates these challenges by disrupting water availability, sanitation infrastructure, and hygiene practices, forcing people to adopt harmful coping strategies. Establishing operational guidance about strengthening disability inclusion in climate-resilient WASH is essential to begin addressing these gaps.
The study
The Inclusive Pathways Towards Climate-Resilient WASH study, led by the LSHTM in partnership with icddr,b and World Vision, investigated the effects of climate hazards on WASH access for people with disabilities in Bangladesh. Principles for climate-resilient disability-inclusive WASH were co-developed using mixed methods, a literature review, and participatory workshops. The study is funded by the Australian Government’s Water for Women’s Fund.
Building the evidence
Researchers found that WASH services in Bangladesh are highly vulnerable to climate-related disruptions, impacting health and well-being. Extreme weather disrupted WASH services, forcing people with disabilities to reduce water and toilet use while facing safety, privacy, and physical challenges. Incontinence and mobility issues increased their vulnerability, and restricted access to tube wells led to washing in polluted floodwater, heightening health risks. Inaccessible shelters, limited disaster relief, and poor community preparedness worsened these challenges.
The Principles
Through participatory workshops, the research team collaborated with people with disabilities, caregivers, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, and experts to co-develop six actionable principles for climate-resilient disability-inclusive WASH.
These principles provide practical guidance for professionals at the intersection of WASH, disability, and climate resilience. Grounded in human rights principles, they emphasise the meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities and their caregivers. Adaptable and flexible, they aim to strengthen disability inclusion in climate-resilient WASH initiatives while prioritising safety, dignity, and equity.
This report provides research findings and presents the principles, explaining their purpose and how to use them.
The study suggests six principles for climate-resilient, disability-inclusive WASH:
- Climate-resilient WASH services and information accessible to all people with disabilities before, during, and after climatic events.
- Caregivers can safely deliver hygienic care.
- People with disabilities do not face harm when accessing climate-resilient WASH services.
- Climate-resilient WASH services are affordable for all people with disabilities.
- Effective mechanisms ensure the right of people with disabilities to actively and meaningfully participate in developing climate-resilient WASH solutions.
- Government officials and service providers address the needs of people with disabilities and their caregivers when providing climate-resilient WASH services.
