Our project helps children with disabilities in six provinces of Afghanistan realize their right to healthcare and reach their full potential as human beings. We have a wait list of 5,000 families wanting to access physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition advice, psychosocial support and other specialized services to ensure their children have the best chance in life. Our project has transformed the lives of children and their families: help us continue this work.
Children with disabilities in Afghanistan often go without the specialized healthcare they need to live well and thrive. Failing to access these services can contribute to poorer physical health outcomes, such as developmental delay, muscular atrophy, or chronic conditions, and poorer mental health outcomes, such as isolation from reduced mobility or play. Barriers to healthcare include limited accessible transport and healthcare facilities, poverty, lack of knowledge, and discrimination.
The Community-Based Disability Awareness & Support Program provides tailored services to children with disabilities including nutrition advice, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and referrals to other services; cash grants to fund assistive devices or aids; transport assistance; and family counseling to increase disability knowledge. Disability ambassadors lead community-based dialogues to promote positive behavior change toward children with disabilities.
Long-term change happens within families who have access to information and services for their child, and within communities who are supportive. This program provides tailored support to individual families and their children, as well as awareness-raising sessions for their communities, to create the knowledge and support networks that are a foundation for long-term positive change.
