Data disaggregation

Data disaggregation means the collection and analysis of data by specific dimensions, e.g. age, gender or disability.

The 2015 final report on the implementation track record of the Millennium Development Goals concluded that “high-quality data disaggregated by key dimensions beyond the basics of age and sex, including migrant status, indigenous status, ethnicity and disability among others, are key to making decisions and monitoring progress towards achieving sustainable development for all”. Consequently, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognised the importance of disaggregated data for measuring progress and leaving no one behind, and UN member states committed to ensure that follow-up and review processes at all levels will be based on “data which is high-quality, accessible, timely, reliable and disaggregated by income, sex, age, race, ethnicity, migration status, disability and geographic location…”

There are several methods to disaggregate data by disability. Probably most commonly used is the method of the Washington Group on Disability Statistics.