According to UN Women, approximately 10% of the world’s population lives with a disability (about 650 million people) and those with disabilities are often among the most marginalized group in society. However, a man with a disability is almost twice as likely to find a job than women with a disability. Women in general, even those not affected by a disability, often face many barriers to advancement and equality. Now take a woman with a disability, and she may face two times the discrimination: both as a woman, and as someone with a disability.

There has been much written on the discrimination of women, but in fact, very little specifically on the discrimination of disabled women and reducing barriers to their participation and decision making in society. The research that has been conducted, mostly focused on literacy, indicates that women and girls with disabilities fare lower in regards to education than either of their disabled male or non-disabled female counterparts.

Perhaps the biggest barrier to educational equality for females with disabilities is the fact that may not be on the radar screen of those committed to educational equality for women –perhaps because disability education is not included in their scope of work. According to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, studies of materials used by students receiving special education training have shown either a stereotypical representation or under-representation of women and girls with disabilities. This in turn has led to issues of limited training and preparation as well as an overall lack of organization in institutions that interact with women with disabilities.

However, some institutes, like DirectCourse, are committed to helping solve some of these issues by providing the essential training direct support professionals need to properly assist those with disabilities, including women. Through the use of a systematized, sophisticated learning platform, organizations can track and assess training across their staff members and ensure they are getting the proper training they need help disabled women and empower them to live satisfying, self-directed lives. Education is the first step in helping disabled women get ahead instead of left behind, thus it’s quintessential that the professionals interacting with these disabled women are sufficiently equipped with the knowledge and skills to guide these women to overcome their disabilities and embolden them to live inspired lives.

Despite the multiple barriers they face on a daily basis, disabled women are not passive victims. Many understand the discrimination they face and many are prepared to fight. However, they will not have to take the world on alone as institutions like DirectCourse will continue to offer training and instruction to those professionals who are committed to providing superior care and support to disabled women!