Diversity of the Disability Community Section 1 When supporting political inclusion, the differences and disparities among persons with disabilities should be taken into account. Persons with disabilities are not uniform; they are members of all ethnic and religious groups. Often, the combination of multiple identities can lead to double or triple marginalization. Persons with different types of disabilities face unique challenges. Persons with certain physical and visual disabilities might have an easier time interacting with persons without disabilities because there is not a communication barrier. However, people who are deaf often face a greater difficulty in trying to communicate with people who do not know sign language. This communication gap can lead to greater marginalization. In the context of elections and political processes, this means political actors such as EMBs and political parties must be aware of different communication styles. Featuring sign language or captions in an outreach video is an inclusive step, but actors should be cognizant that each country has its own, unique sign language and that in some countries there are regional sign differences, especially among indigenous deaf communities. Even within the disability community, persons with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities are often disregarded and excluded due to discrimination. There are also some disabilities that are not immediately obvious, such as bipolar disorder or chronic pain. These types of disabilities are referred to as non-apparent disabilities. It is because of these differences that persons with disabilities should not be treated as a uniform group. Disability is also unique, as it can happen to anyone at any time and could be temporary. The ways in which governments respond to persons with disabilities also varies. A government’s desire to assist the war-wounded can sometimes lead to better provision of services and acknowledgement of rights for the entire disability community. For example, in Armenia, the war-wounded are treated with reverence, leading to the State’s willingness to improve accessibility. Natural disasters can also lead governments to focus on disability inclusion. It was not until after the 2008 cyclone that Burma’s government began developing policies targeted at persons with disabilities. However, in most circumstances, greater inclusion requires advocacy from the local disability community, as well as progressive-minded champions in the government. Women with Disabilities Women with disabilities often face double discrimination on account of their disability and gender status. Women with disabilities are less likely to have access to comparable education or training; health care and rehabilitation; or employment opportunities than women without disabilities. As a result, they are more likely to live in poverty and isolation, removed from the political and social life of their communities. According to USAID,9 women with disabilities comprise nearly three-quarters of all persons with disabilities in low and middle-income countries. With such a large percentage of persons with disabilities facing additional barriers as women, it is important to understand the gender-based challenges to full political participation. Women’s political participation is hindered by a variety of institutional and social/cultural obstacles that are often compounded by disability. This brochure targeting Burmese women ahead of the 2012 by-election, also includes women with disabilities. 9  Women With Disabilities. United States Agency for International Development. <http://www.usaid.gov/what-wedo/gender-equality-and-womens-empowerment/women-disabilities>. Equal Access: How to Include Persons with Disabilities in Elections and Political Processes 27