Among the more than 5.5 million people that fled the economic and social crisis in Venezuela are people with disabilities who experience additional barriers to restart their lives. Although numbers specific to the Venezuelan migrant population are unknown, UNHCR estimates about 12 million displaced people with disabilities worldwide. Reports also show that this group is at a heightened risk of discrimination and exploitation, especially if they live with disabilities that are not easily identifiable. Consequently, discrimination and hurdles in accessing jobs, schools and health care make it harder for millions of refugees and asylum-seekers with disabilities to restart their lives.

Although there are specific programs, such as employability quotas or hiring incentives that provide support to people with disabilities, most migrants are not aware of them or how to access them. Likewise, hiring companies often do not recognize the benefits of incorporating people with disabilities into their teams. Finally, public employment initiatives aimed at refugees lack the specific knowledge or tools to reach out to this population.