Humanitarian Disability Needs Estimation Screening Tool

The problem

Collecting data in the immediate humanitarian response following a sudden onset disaster, such as an earthquake, is uniquely challenging. Delays in collecting data on disability excludes people with disability from response interventions, increases risk of injury and death, and delays recovery.

The research

Based on a literature review and in-country consultations we selected question items for testing. Questions were drafted, translated, tested for clarity and understanding, and  tested in Indonesia and the Philippines. In total, the questions were tested with 62 community representatives, 218 head of households, and 247 individuals. The Humanitarian Disability Needs Estimation Screening Tool (HD-NEST) is a set of three questions for rapidly identifying most people with disability in a disaster affected population, the questions provide an indication of the support needs of those identified.

The impact

HD-NEST is a practical solution to improve the collection of disability data in joint rapid needs assessments in the immediate aftermath of a sudden onset disaster. It represents a significant step forward in how we consider disability data and our ability to rapidly provide inclusive humanitarian aid.

Explore more impact stories