Good Practice? Best Practice? Who decides?

Making it Work does not use the term “best practice” because this suggests there is only one way to do something well. In the global context there will always be many different ways to achieve inclusive development. “Best practice” implies something is perfect, even though all practices can be in some way refined or improved.  Indeed “best practice” implies knowledge of all existing practices, with a comprehensive analysis to select which is “best”. Of course, this is not possible.  Therefore, to acknowledge a diversity of contexts, circumstances and effective ways of working, Making it Work uses the term “good practice”.

The process of selecting examples of good practice always requires making a value judgment. What is considered to be ‘good’ will often vary from one context to another. As such, any projects using the Making it Work methodology must set their own criteria to identify and select examples of good practice, relevant to the topic and the context. This should be a multi-stakeholder process, and not just one organization identifying its own practice.

The articles of the CRPD, in particular the general principles outlined in Article 3, provide an international benchmark and a common starting point for all Making it Work projects to develop good practice criteria.

CRPD Article 3 – General Principles

a. Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons;
b. Non-discrimination;
c. Full and effective participation and inclusion in society;
d. Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity;
e. Equality of opportunity;
f. Accessibility;
g. Equality between men and women;
h. Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities.