This research programme aims to develop an in-depth, nuanced understanding of how persons with disabilities are at increased risk of being excluded as social and economic development increases. The research will focus on four low-income sub-Saharan African countries: Kenya, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Zambia. The programme will examine the extent to which policies are actually addressing the unmet needs and rights of persons with disabilities and the level of financial and human resources required to ensure that these issues are addressed; identify ways to overcome challenges and promote improved monitoring and evaluation strategies to ensure inclusion in future. The research will explore the nexus between disability, lack of inclusion, barriers and multidimensional poverty; provide guidance as to how the data gaps can be filled; and identify ways of overcoming barriers.