Are you ready to embark on a journey to explore the transformative power of disability inclusion, where differences are celebrated, challenges are overcome, and potential is unleashed?
Come along on this illustrated journey that celebrates resilient, disability-inclusive communities and showcases the role of persons with disabilities as agents of change in resilience building!
The images exhibited here are the finalists from the “Change-makers in action: Building disability inclusive, resilient communities” photo competition, launched by UNDP and OCHA on the occasion of the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The competition aimed to illustrate how communities, individuals, and organizations are contributing towards a resilient, inclusive, and peaceful society.
Here are the stories behind the eight finalist photographs chosen by the jury out of a total of 102 photographs submitted by contestants from 23 countries. The submissions were judged on their technical and artistic qualities, as well as the relevance to the theme and the agency conveyed in the photographs.
First place: A young man with seeing difficulty from Idlib, Syria is sewing a basket. His craft is displayed at the Craft Exhibition for the Blind organized by the Shafak Organization's Makani Community Center. The Exhibition provides an opportunity for persons with disabilities to showcase their talents, boosting inclusion and social cohesion. Social cohesion creates resilience for all during disasters and humanitarian crises, as social bonds help individuals to better withstand and recover from crisis.
Submitted by: Saleem Algerk of the Shafak Organization
Second place: Liny Lin, aged 7, a talented young girl from a rural area of Kampong Thom province, Cambodia, is deaf. Hae Hub, Liny's grandmother, joins an online class of Cambodian sign language along with her granddaughter via an online platform. Accessible online, the course is especially prepared to support people with disabilities and their families so that at home and in the community, they build resilience through inclusion and education.
Submitted by: Banung Ou of RTI International
Third place: By using a hearing aid, this grandfather in Laos with hearing difficulty can communicate effectively with his loved ones and engage in social activities. This promotes inclusion, independence, and emotional well-being, all of which contribute to resilience. The photo highlights the importance of assistive technology in overcoming barriers, thus enabling persons with disabilities to live fulfilling lives.
Submitted by: Souliya Ounavong of World Education Laos
Venant Matabaro repairs shoes. He is the father of five children and lives in Bukavu, South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Venant is among the many persons with disabilities who support themselves and their families through labour despite difficulties in accessing work.
Submitted by: Esther N'sapu
A young girl from Ukraine smiles joyfully holding coloured strings of paper in an arts and crafts class organized within the "Culture without barriers” programme. This initiative offers children with Down syndrome a creative activity to enjoy and to support their development. Participating in art activities leads to positive effects such as self-confidence, relationship building, and a sense of belonging.
Submitted by: Dina Ibrahimova of VESELKA TV
An older man with a prosthesis leg from Laos tends to the land as part of his daily routine, showcasing that persons with disabilities of all ages can enhance community resilience through agriculture.
Kajol Rekha is a woman with a physical impairment from Bangladesh who uses a wheelchair. Because of this, she has faced stigma in her community and used to stay mostly at home. But Kajol is determined not to allow her impairment and the attitudinal barriers to prevent her from making a difference in her community. Now, she works with community members and leaders to develop community-based disability inclusive disaster risk management initiatives.
Submitted by: Mahadir Fahad on behalf of A.H.M. Noman Khan of the Centre for Disability in Development, Bangladesh
A man from Syria cleans the street with a broom, while holding his balance on his crutches. The Cash for Work Project promotes social integration and inclusive employment. Participation in the work market offers persons with disabilities immense possibilities, encouraging inclusion and developing community bonds, which has a positive impact on all.
Submitted by: Rawaa Kaddour of SARD
* * *
To learn more about UNDP’s work on disability inclusion and resilience building please consult our webpage and Policy Brief.
© 2026 United Nations Development Programme
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)