tion should be able to enjoy their rights.” Importantly, this policy was developed following an analysis that SIDA’s 2005 position paper Children and Adults with Disabilities had not led to sufficient impact in terms of ensuring disability inclusion across the agency’s work. This regular evaluation of policy impact and subsequent improvement is another key aspect of SIDA’s policy. The Disability Rights Fund, a collaboration of donors and the disability community, has developed Beyond Charity: A Donor’s Guide to Inclusion.30 This book describes how to leverage the CRPD and how donors can use a rights-based approach to address disability in international development programs. Breaking Down the Barriers As stated previously, persons with disabilities have the desire and capacity to participate in decisionmaking that affects their lives. Despite this, they often face barriers that limit or prevent their access. Figure 3 lists common barriers many persons with disabilities encounter, categorized by societal stigmas, discriminatory legal frameworks/infrastructure and patronizing approaches by decision makers. Some barriers are unique to specific regions. For example, in some African contexts, disability is sometimes seen as a curse due to an indiscretion in a past life. Additional barriers specific to certain types of disabilities and the distinct stages of the election cycle will be addressed later. Figure 3: Barriers Encountered by Persons with Disabilities Discriminatory Legal Framework and Infrastructure Societal Stigma Lack of empowerment Perceived lack of capacity Religious/cultural stigma Familial shame/ home imprisonment Institutionalization Barriers to Access Guardianship laws Public education systems w/o accessible schools/teaching materials Lack of accessibility in polling places/ government offices Positive rhetoric unmatched by improved access to the political process Alongside these unique barriers, persons with disabilities also confront the same challenges affectTokenism/Patronizing Approaches ing other citizens. In many new and emerging democracies, the majority of the population lacks experience with voting and other forms of political participation. Similarly, legislatures and political parties may not reach out to citizens during policy development or value the role civil society can play in oversight of governing institutions. In these situations, limited political space and a lack of government accountability negatively impacts all citizens regardless of disability. Democratization programs aimed at greater inclusion of persons with disabilities must, therefore, take the challenges of the overall environment into account and consider what role persons with disabilities can play in helping democracy expand and deepen. 30 Bruce Downie and Lorraine Wapling. “Beyond Charity: A Donor’s Guide to Inclusion.” Disability Rights Fund. <http://www.disabilityrightsfund.org/files/beyond_charity._a_donors_guide_to_inclusion.pdf>. 34 International Foundation for Electoral Systems and National Democratic Institute