Global policies, frameworks and programmes have emerged to address the exclusion of persons with disabilities and their fundamental rights. Existing evidence aligns on the need to comprehensively understand and address disability rights initiatives in theory and practice, and this PhD contributes to the body of knowledge through examination of the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD). It seeks to fill critical gaps in knowledge surrounding the mechanisms and processes of structural change in disability inclusive development. The existing literature highlights a dearth of comprehensive research on disability rights within international development programmes. This gap is particularly evident in the limited exploration of the practical application of Theory of Change (ToC) frameworks and the dynamics of social dominance in disability inclusive development initiatives. Moreover, there is a lack of in-depth studies examining such rights-based projects in context as countries seek to implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The primary research question driving this thesis is: "Is the UNPRPD programme triggering structural change, and if so, how?" This overarching question guides the study's aims, which include examining the UNPRPD programme in the context of global UN frameworks, understanding the influence of capital and dominance, and investigating the processes behind the UNPRPD programme from the perspective of multiple stakeholders. The research employs a multi-faceted methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches. Theoretical and desk analyses grounded the UNPRPD programme against the existing literature and assisted in framing the country studies that followed. Case studies in Uruguay and Serbia provide insights into the practical application of ToC, capital and social dominance theories, while statistical and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses of census data offer a perspective on disability inclusion challenges. This methodological diversity enhances the depth and breadth of the research. The research findings reveal several key insights. Stakeholder engagement dynamics significantly impacted project outcomes, with Uruguay revealing challenges in involving individuals with disabilities and Serbia highlighting the value of pre-established relationships between United Nations Country Team (UNCT) representatives and civil society. Second, the research underscores the need for adaptive and iterative Theory of Change (ToC) frameworks, developed collaboratively based on diverse partner experiences, to address potential gaps in stakeholder perspectives and enhance disability inclusion initiatives. Lastly, social dominance and capital theories prove instrumental in understanding the multifaceted nature of structural change within disability inclusive development, considering both historical and contemporary forces. Overall, these findings hold meaningful implications for policymakers, practitioners, and advocacy groups, providing valuable insights for effectively navigating the intricacies of disability inclusion. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to a more nuanced understanding of disability inclusion in international development by addressing existing gaps in the literature. It emphasizes the need for dynamic and iterative ToC frameworks in programmatic evaluations and the importance of considering capital and social dominance theories in disability inclusive development.