Aid cuts hit people with disabilities, survey says

International aid cuts are restricting services for people with disabilities and putting some support groups at risk of closure, Handicap International said in a report released Monday.

The charity said its survey of 177 organisations supporting people with disabilities in more than 35 countries found that 79 percent had experienced severe or very severe funding cuts since early 2025.

It said 72 percent of the organisations had cancelled or suspended at least one programme or activity, while 43 percent reported weak or very weak capacity to continue their work. Fourteen percent said they could close permanently if current trends continue.

Handicap International said people with disabilities were facing reduced access to rehabilitation, education, healthcare and other support services. It said children, women and older people with disabilities were particularly affected, with women and girls facing reduced access to specialised support and greater exposure to gender-based violence.

The report cited Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development figures showing official development assistance fell 23 percent last year.