ADD works in 13 countries around Asia and Africa. In Bangladesh ADD has network in 23 districts. Although improving the lives of disabled people remains core to ADD’s vision, the means of achieving this has changed.

ADD’s original focus was on supporting disabled people’s organisations and providing basic services. Over the years the emphasis has shifted to supporting disability organisations to be campaigners for change and advocates for their rights. Experience has shown that changing attitudes, laws and social policy has a more profound and long-term impact on the lives of disabled people than the benefit realised by supporting individuals. So ADD totally works in Rights based approach. In this context ADD has started its work in Bangladesh in 1995. To rock disability friendly policies, to strengthen the democratic route of the country and to play their role against injustices to them, disabled peoples movement, in Bangladesh, establishing their rights has strengthened over the last decade. ADD on its 10th year of working in Bangladesh are supporting around 450 self help groups (SHG) of 7449 disabled people under its direct work in 6 districts and indirect work with 52 federations/DPOs along with 10 new districts which were facilitated by the existing DPOs.

Bangladesh Persons with Disabilities Welfare Act (or widely known the Disability Welfare Act) of 2001 is itself an achievement of the movement. Since its commencement DPOs have been bringing forward the loopholes within the instrument and working with the Bar Associations, government agencies and civil society to raise awareness on the Disability Welfare Act 2001. The Act itself does not derive enforceability where it lacks first.