Saving lives and leaving no one behind: Gaibandha model for disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction

The purpose of this documentation of good practice is to help CBM Member Associations, Country Offices, Advisors and Partners in disaster-prone countries to develop and implement high-quality disaster risk reduction (DRR) programs which are integrated into larger community-based inclusive development work.

The document is based on an in-depth study of good practices in a longstanding and comprehensive DRR program implemented by CBM and two local partners, the Centre for Disability in Development (CDD) and Gaya Unnayan Kendra (GUK), in Gaibandha District in northern Bangladesh. This is one of the most disaster-prone areas of Bangladesh, being affected by floods every year during monsoon season. The findings reflect this risk context and give the people of the community a voice. Some adaptation will be needed to translate the findings for replication in CBM’s work in other risk contexts and further guidance on disability-inclusive development can help to clarify specific questions which come up when designing and implementing programs. A range of useful guidelines and tools can be found at www.cbm.org/ publications.

This document is intended to inspire. It aims to stimulate discussion about how to support communities in the most at-risk countries around the world to become more resilient and more inclusive. Overcoming the challenges that disasters pose for human development means keeping everyone safe and leaving no one behind.