Disability Identification Cards: Issues in Effective Design

Abstract

Around the world, attention to the issue of disability inclusion is gaining increasing prominence. One strategy to promote disability-inclusion in benefit participation programs that a growing number of countries are considering is the creation of a disability identification (ID) card. There exists a long history of various types of disability ID cards (or certificates) and associated social protection schemes in high income countries. Disability ID cards currently exist in many middle-income countries, and are under development or consideration in a growing number of low and middle-income countries. However, it should be acknowledged that many of the issues with respect to the administration of a disability ID card in low and middle income countries differ from those in high-income countries. The purpose of this article is to discuss some of the challenges involved in creating a disability ID and identify key issues that can help in developing a framework for addressing these challenges in the context of low and middle-income countries. We argue that countries considering instituting disability ID cards must move with caution; ID card programs can only advance disability policy and the well being of persons with disabilities if undertaken in well-designed manner in line with a country's administrative capacity.

Keywords: Disability ID Cards, Low and Middle-Income Countries, Social Protection, Disability Benefits