The wars in Afghanistan have resulted in many victims, people in need facing physical, social, economic and psychological problems that involve their families and the whole Afghan society. During more than 40 years of war in Afghanistan, the breakdown of medical and social infrastructures left many ill or nonfunctional due to lack of prevention and treatment facilities. The National Disability Survey of Afghanistan (NDSA) conducted in early 2005 estimates that at least 2.7% of the populations (approximately 750,000 people) are severely suffering from disabilities in Afghanistan. This number is large and exemplifies a critical need for physical and social rehabilitation programs throughout Afghanistan.

Disability is complex issue in any country as the needs of persons with disability span a wide range of services and opportunities that are often interlinked. In Afghanistan the complexity is increased by the lack of institutional expertise, trained field practitioners, skilled teachers, informed society and physical barriers. The remoteness in some areas and the funding to implement national programs often prevents people with disabilities from receiving services they need to survive and integrate into society.

The Development & Ability Organization DAO was founded in early 2004 to develop advocacy and awareness activities, provide vocational training , Physical rehabilitation services, Capacity building training to persons with disabilities and government officials that they are directly involved in service delivery for persons with disabilities and research for people with disability throughout Afghanistan. Since early 2005 DAO is directly involved in capacity building of persons with disabilities, income generation projects, physical rehabilitation including provision of services in electronic and paper media so that to reduce the negative stigma against persons with disabilities.