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Early Support for Children with Disabilities

Globally, over 240 million children live with disabilities – 95% of them in low- and middle-income countries. Many are not identified or supported until after age five, missing a critical window for early development. This delay contributes to poorer outcomes, avoidable deaths, and lifelong exclusion.

To address this, Liliane Fonds, JF Kapnek Zimbabwe and CHAI are leading the Early Identification and Intervention (EIEI) Global State Initiative. This initiative focuses on improving early support systems in Africa and Asia through:

  • Literature reviews
  • Surveys and interviews with over 20 stakeholders
  • Policy mapping
  • Development of a global resource hub
  • Exploration of a coalition to scale best practices

While the full Global State Report will be published soon, you can explore key findings and insights in our research summary document.

Download the research key summary

 

Why early support matters 

The earlier a child with a disability receives tailored support, the better their chances for healthy development and inclusion. Delayed intervention increases the risk of irreversible developmental delays and exclusion from education, health and social life. 

Together with our partners, we focus on early identification to help children begin their personal journey as soon as possible – with the best possible outcomes. 

Spotlight: Burundi 

In 2023, we launched targeted pathways for early identification and intervention in Burundi: 

  • Training 120 volunteers to identify and support children aged 0–5.
  • Volunteers provide basic home-based help and work to reduce stigma in communities. 
  • Goal: Identify and support 2,000 children by 2026. 

We believe that for children with disabilities to thrive, their communities must grow with them. Our work centers on empowering families and building inclusive environments. 

Franck (4) visits a rehabilitation centre for the first time with his father, where he is helped by a physiotherapist
© Chiara Beltramini
Franck (4) visits a rehabilitation centre for the first time with his father, where he is helped by a physiotherapist © Photo: Chiara Beltramini

Looking ahead 

The EIEI Global State Report will be launched soon, alongside a knowledge hub hosted on Liliane Fonds’ website. This hub will feature tools, case studies and training materials to support practitioners and policymakers worldwide. 

Liliane Fonds