We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Able Child Africa Network’s first Network-wide survey: Amplifying the Voices of Children with Disabilities.

This landmark survey is the culmination of direct engagement with over 1,000 children with disabilities across seven countries in East and Southern Africa (Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe). It offers unprecedented insight into their experiences, aspirations, and needs of children with disabilities.

Key Findings – In a Snapshot:

• For many children with disabilities emotional support, love and affection from their families hold greater value than material resources: Nearly half (47.5%) of children with disabilities cite love and care from their families as a key reason for their happiness, and 42% express a desire for more affection.
• Children with disabilities generally remain optimistic about their future, but this decreases with age: While 71% of children believe they share the same dreams as their peers, optimism declines with age.
• A significant gap exists between belief in equality and lived experience, with 1 in 3 children not experiencing the same treatment as their peers: Although progress has been made in promoting inclusion, only 65% feel they are treated the same as their peers.

Children with disabilities are rarely asked directly about their thoughts, feelings, and desires. Data that capture their voices firsthand are scarce, making their perspectives largely unheard in research and decision-making. This survey shifts that narrative, capturing their voices directly on a range of issues key issues including education and climate change.

By ensuring the voices of children with disabilities are heard through concrete data the Able Child Africa Network aims to:

• Promote a deeper understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of children with disabilities.
• Inform policy and programme development to better support the realisation of the rights of children with disabilities, as defined by them.

A big thanks go to the children, parents and teachers who welcomed the data collectors into their homes and schools to conduct the survey.

This survey, and report, was funded through the partnership with Able Child.

Contact Us:

For general inquiries about the survey: info@ablechildnetwork.org

For detailed discussions about data usage: nancy@ablechildafricanetwork.org.uk