How We Work:
Uncovering Barrier:
How Our Baseline Survey is Helping Shape Better Support for Children with Disabilities in Dokolo,
About the study
At Ability Forward, we know that understanding the complex challenges faced by children with disabilities (CWDs) is the first step toward building effective solutions. That’s why we conducted a baseline survey in Dokolo District, on of the poorest region of Uganda, and a key location for our program implementation for the next few years. Together with our local partner, Adina Foundation Uganda, 160 households in the community was surveyed, with the objective to uncover the issues that children with disabilities face daily—from education and healthcare to financial struggles and social stigma. Here’s what we found and how it’s helping us shape a more impactful program. To understand the baseline situation prior to implementation is important, bot to streamline our intervention, as well as to measure the effect and impact of our program.
Key Findings
- Education and Economic Vulnerability: A large proportion of the surveyed population lives below the poverty line, with 80% of respondents indicating severe economic challenges.
- Awareness and Understanding of Disability: Lack of understanding of the root causes of disability contributes to the social exclusion of CWDs and impacts their ability to receive adequate care and support.
- Gender Disparity: The report revealed significant gender disparities, with female CWDs receiving fewer services and facing greater vulnerability.
- High Rates of Disability: Out of the 160 households surveyed, 106 of them reported about at least one member of the household suffering from a disability. The high prevalence is a result of an under-served community with a severe lack of health infrastructure.
Education and Economic Hardships
Many families in Dokolo face significant challenges in making ends meet, as our survey reveals that a majority live below the poverty line, which severely limits their access to essential resources like healthcare and education. For children with disabilities, this often translates to missing out on schooling, as nearly half of the families surveyed indicated that their children are unable to attend due to discrimination and a lack of resources. This exclusion leads to isolation and deprives these children of opportunities to realize their full potential, trapping them in a cycle of poverty.
Misconceptions as a Barrier
Many families in Dokolo face significant challenges in making ends meet, as our survey reveals that a majority live below the poverty line, which severely limits their access to essential resources like healthcare and education. For children with disabilities, this often translates to missing out on schooling, as nearly half of the families surveyed indicated that their children are unable to attend due to discrimination and a lack of resources. This exclusion leads to isolation and deprives these children of opportunities to realize their full potential, trapping them in a cycle of poverty.
Why Gender Matters
Girls with disabilities face particularly challenging barriers. Cultural biases often lead to girls being overlooked, receiving fewer services than boys, and facing greater risk of early marriage and teen pregnancy—factors that drastically limit their educational opportunities and independence. By placing a stronger focus on the empowerment, rehabilitation, and education of girls with disabilities, we can address these disparities and create pathways for greater gender equity. Tailoring our approach to support girls’ unique needs will have a profound impact, helping to bridge the gap and foster long-term social inclusion.
Moving Forward with Purpose
A comprehensive baseline survey is essential for long-term program success, as each community faces unique challenges that require specific approaches. Our survey in Dokolo uncovered a critical gap in medical services and a limited understanding of disability and health. This insight enables us to tailor our interventions to meet local needs effectively. For example, many disabilities we encounter could be prevented with early intervention. Minor infections or injuries can often be managed effectively if addressed promptly, yet we frequently see cases where families delay seeking medical care until conditions become severe—or even life-threatening.
Conditions like osteomyelitis, which can initially be treated with antibiotics, often escalate to complex surgeries or amputations if left untreated, resulting in unnecessary suffering for the child. In Dokolo, we’re prioritizing disability prevention and community awareness to improve knowledge around disability and encourage early action. Still, the need for surgical intervention remains high. Starting in 2025, we anticipate providing surgeries and rehabilitation for approximately 100-150 children from Dokolo each year, aiming to make a significant, lasting impact on the health and well-being of children in the region.