Community-Based Inclusive Development
Building Inclusive
Communities, Together
Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) is at the heart of CBM Ireland’s mission. It’s about ensuring that people with disabilities are fully respected, included, and empowered to participate in every part of life—from education and healthcare to work, decision-making, and community leadership.
CBID is a key approach for realising the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) so that no one is left behind.
Our CBID projects are delivered by communities, for communities, with people with disabilities and their representative organisations leading the way.
our approach
The foundation of CBID is community mobilisation. Action often begins with the community itself or withthe support of facilitators such as:
1. Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)
2. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
3. Local and national governments
These groups work together to plan, deliver, and evaluate projects that make lasting, sustainable change.
What CBID Projects Include
CBID projects are diverse, but they all aim to break down barriers and build inclusion. Common activities include:
Community Mapping
Understanding the unique context of each community, including barriers to inclusion, local resources, and key stakeholders.
Capacity Building
Training communities on rights, accessibility, and how to establish local peer-support groups.
Awareness Raising & Advocacy
Reducing stigma and discrimination, while driving policy change at local and national levels.
Networking
Connecting communities with wider development networks and partners for stronger, sustainable impact.
Sharing, Learning & Accountability
Community-led monitoring and evaluation to provide data and evidence that shape policies and improve future projects.
CBID in Numbers
CBM Global, of which CBM Ireland is a part, currently supports 174 CBID projects across 29 countries, in partnership with 133 local organisations, with a combined multi-year budget of €80 million.
These projects reach millions of people, creating inclusive systems and communities where people with disabilities can thrive.
why cbid matters
CBID isn’t just a programme—it’s a movement for justice and equality. By empowering communities to take the lead, CBID:
Breaks the cycle of poverty and exclusion.
Ensures services like healthcare and education are accessible to all.
Creates lasting change by building systems that include everyone, everywhere.
