Donate for the Rehabilitation of Down Syndrome

Project Progress Report

Project Title: Donate for the Rehabilitation of Down Syndrome – Down Syndrome Child Needs Your CARE
Organization: National Disability & Development Forum (NDF) Pakistan
Project Location: Nawabshah, Larkana, Karachi (Gulistan-e-Johar & Gulshan-e-Hadeed)

1. Summary of Progress

During this reporting period, NDF Pakistan continued to provide free, comprehensive rehabilitation services to children with Down syndrome from underserved and low-income families. With the generous support of GlobalGiving donors, children received physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, and remedial education, significantly improving their functional abilities and quality of life.

2. Activities Implemented

With donor support, the following activities were successfully implemented:

• Physiotherapy Sessions: Improved motor skills, balance, and mobility

• Speech & Language Therapy: Enhanced communication, articulation, and comprehension

• Occupational Therapy: Supported daily living skills and sensory integration

• Psychotherapy & Behavioral Support: Addressed emotional and behavioral challenges

• Remedial Education: Strengthened cognitive development and early learning skills

• Pick-and-Drop Facility: Ensured safe and regular attendance for children

3. Beneficiaries Reached

• Total children supported: 400+ children with Down syndrome

• Age group: 2–18 years

• Gender: Boys and girls equally supported

• Geographic coverage: Urban and rural areas of Sindh

Each child received individualized rehabilitation plans based on professional assessments.

4. Impact & Early Outcomes

As a result of ongoing rehabilitation:

• Children showed improved mobility and posture

• Noticeable progress in speech clarity and communication

• Better attention span, social interaction, and self-care skills

• Parents reported increased confidence and independence in their children

Parent Testimonial:

“Before joining the center, my child could not speak clearly or sit properly. Now he is more confident, active, and tries to communicate with us. We are very thankful to NDF and the donors.”

5. Challenges Faced

• Rising cost of therapy equipment and consumables

• Increasing number of new referrals due to poverty and lack of services

• Limited awareness in remote communities

Despite these challenges, services continued without interruption, ensuring no child was left behind.

6. How Donor Support Made a Difference

Your contributions helped NDF Pakistan to:

• Provide free rehabilitation services to children who otherwise could not afford care

• Retain qualified therapists and psychologists

• Maintain safe and accessible rehabilitation centers

• Support families with counseling and guidance

Every donation directly translated into therapy hours, improved skills, and hope for children with Down syndrome.

7. Next Steps

In the coming months, NDF Pakistan plans to:

• Expand therapy sessions for newly enrolled children

• Introduce parent training workshops

• Upgrade therapy equipment

• Strengthen early intervention services

8. Gratitude

We sincerely thank GlobalGiving and all generous donors for standing with children with Down syndrome and their families. Your compassion is helping these children live healthier, more independent, and dignified lives.

Together, we are turning CARE into lasting CHANGE.

Progress Report
Project Title: Donate for the Rehabilitation of Down Syndrome
Organization: National Disability & Development Forum (NDF) Pakistan

Project Overview

Children with Down Syndrome require continuous medical, therapeutic, and psychosocial support to live healthier and more inclusive lives. NDF Pakistan is committed to providing free rehabilitation services through its five rehabilitation centers located in Nawabshah, Larkana, Gulistan-e-Johar Karachi, Gulshan-e-Hadeed Karachi, and Hyderabad. These centers serve as safe spaces where children receive therapies essential for their development and independence.

Progress Achieved
During this reporting period, the following achievements were made:

Number of Children Supported: Over 400 children with Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities benefitted from NDF’s free services.

Therapies Provided:

Physiotherapy

Speech Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Psychotherapy

Remedial Education

Parent Engagement: Parents and caregivers received counseling and training sessions to strengthen their role in daily rehabilitation at home.

Community Outreach: Awareness sessions were held in schools and communities to promote inclusion and reduce stigma attached to children with disabilities.

Challenges Faced
Sustainability of Services: Monthly operational expenses remain high, averaging PKR 1.5 million, and continuous fundraising is required.

Transportation Needs: Many children are unable to attend regularly due to the absence of a dedicated pick-and-drop facility, leading to missed therapies.

Resource Gap: Demand for services is growing, but the available resources limit the expansion of therapies and staff.