This paper surveys policies, programmes and legislation which could enable persons with disabilities to access employment opportunities in selected ESCWA and other countries. It also assesses good practices and recent developments in the provision of employment opportunities to people with disabilities. The paper identifies the areas in which national capacities could be reinforced in collaboration with the parties concerned with the formulation, implementation and assessment of policies aimed to combat discrimination on the basis of disability, with a view to ensuring the participation of persons with disabilities in economic activity in their communities, on an equal footing with others.