UNICEF: 23% of Dominican children with disabilities are out of school

Santo Domingo.- UNICEF warned on Wednesday, in observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, that 23% of children with disabilities in the Dominican Republic are not attending school. The organization also reported a sharp decline in the number of students with disabilities served by the education system, dropping from 26,581 in 2016 to just 6,163 in 2019—a reduction of more than 75%.

Data from the Enhogar-Mics 2019 survey shows that 10.1% of children aged 2 to 17 in the country experience difficulties in at least one functional domain, a figure that rises to 11.3% among those aged 5 to 17. UNICEF criticized the lack of a national registry of persons with disabilities, noting that this absence hampers the design and implementation of effective inclusive public policies. Interim representative Anyoli Sanabria emphasized that reliable data is essential to guide better decision-making and address the barriers children continue to face.

The report also highlights additional vulnerabilities, including limited access to essential services, higher risks during emergencies, disproportionate caregiving responsibilities—especially for women—and increased exposure to abuse or isolation. UNICEF noted that the Enhogar-Mics 2025 survey is currently underway and will update key indicators, identify persistent gaps, and support efforts to strengthen inclusion for children with disabilities.