About DPI
About Disabled Peoples’ International
A human rights organization committed to the protection of the rights of people with disabilities and the promotion of their full and equal participation in society.
Who we are
A world federation of organizations of people with disabilities
Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI) is a human rights organization committed to the protection of the rights of people with disabilities and the promotion of their full and equal participation in society. Established in 1981, DPI is represented through active membership of national organizations of disabled people in over 130 countries.
DPI is a world federation of organizations of people with disabilities and does not provide any service, financial, medical or technical support. Our main objective is to support and empower people with disabilities to be organized and to reach their rights where they live by reinforcing their direct participation at the national, regional and international tables.
Our motto
“A Voice of Our Own”
The Latin words Vox Nostra appear on the DPI logo.
Our purpose
What DPI stands for
Protecting rights
Committed to the protection of the rights of people with disabilities.
Full and equal participation
Promoting the full and equal participation of people with disabilities in society.
Organized and empowered
Supporting and empowering people with disabilities to be organized and to reach their rights where they live.
At every decision-making table
Reinforcing the direct participation of people with disabilities at the national, regional and international tables.
Our role
Shaping the global disability rights movement
Since its founding in 1981, DPI has had the privilege of contributing to a major global shift in the disability rights movement. DPI helped bring international disability organizations together to draft the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and played a key role in forming the International Disability Caucus, ensuring a strong and united global voice for persons with disabilities.
In 2016, DPI celebrated its 35th anniversary at its 9th World Assembly in Cairo, Egypt.
How DPI is organized
From national assemblies to the World Council
- Step 1
National Assemblies
National organizations of disabled people are DPI’s members. 122 national assemblies are listed in our directory.
- Step 2
Six regions
Africa, the Arab Region, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America and the Caribbean.
- Step 3
World Council
Members of the World Council represent each of DPI’s six regions.
- Step 4
Constitution & Bylaws
DPI’s documents of reference set out how the organization works.
Get involved
Find the DPI organization in your country
Have a look at our directory of national assemblies to find the DPI organization where you live.