The Meaningful Participation and Inclusion of Children and Youth with disabilities in all domains of CBR

Background: All children and youths have hopes and dreams, including children and youths with disabilities. Every child and youth with a disability deserves a fair opportunity to reach their potential and turn their dreams into reality. When given that chance, they are more than capable of overcoming barriers to their inclusion. Unfortunately, far too many children and youths with disabilities are denied the opportunity to participate in society. They are often the last to receive essential resources and services, especially in settings where these are already scarce. Too frequently, they are seen as objects of pity or, worse, subjected to discrimination and abuse.

Inclusion is possible, but it requires a shift in perception—recognizing children and youths with disabilities as agents of change and self-determination rather than mere recipients of charity. Their voices must be heard. In this context, the Multi-Annual Programme (MAP) is designed to empower children and youth with disabilities, along with their caregivers, by strengthening their voice, agency, and resilience, enabling them to confidently claim their rights.

MAP will adopt the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) approach to mobilize communities, fostering an environment that supports the full participation of children and youth with disabilities. It focuses on structural improvements and systemic changes in their environments to ensure long-term inclusion and accessibility.

The program will run for five years, from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2029. The Centre for Disability in Development (CDD) will serve as the grant manager, with Liliane Fonds providing financial support for the program.

Multi Annual Program (MAP):

Goal: Children and youth with disabilities enjoy an improved quality of life and achieve their full potential irrespective of gender, age and form of disability.

Outcome:

1.        Children and Youth with Disabilities access quality services and achieve developmental milestones in health, learning and daily life activities across all levels of society

2.        Children and Youth with Disabilities (and their caregivers) are using equal access to rights and opportunities that enhance their economic resilience, protection and social inclusion in society -- including prioritization during emergencies

3.        Children and Youth with Disabilities (and their caregivers) are empowered to participate and self-advocate in different levels of decision making

Geographic Coverage & Implementing Partners:

Project Target: