Children with special needs are entitled to the same love, protection, education, and opportunities as any other child. Yet globally, many still face barriers to inclusion, care, and dignity. Caring for children with special needs is not only a moral responsibility—it’s a shared mission, one that organizations like UNICEF, WHO, and others around the world are leading with compassion and innovation.
In this blog, we explore how to provide quality care and support for children with special needs, drawing from real-world examples and global best practices.
1. Understand Every Child’s Right to Inclusion
UNICEF emphasizes that every child, regardless of ability, has the right to a quality life. In its Inclusive Education policy, UNICEF outlines how inclusive learning environments help children with disabilities thrive alongside their peers.
Example: In Vietnam, UNICEF partnered with local governments to train teachers on inclusive education methods, integrating children with disabilities into public schools. These teachers learned how to adapt curriculum, use assistive technologies, and foster inclusive classrooms.
In Kenya, The Basic Education Act 14 of 2013 ensures the right to free and compulsory education for children with disabilities.
2. Early Intervention Is Key
The earlier a child receives care tailored to their developmental needs, the better their long-term outcomes.
WHO and UNICEF recommend early screenings and family support systems as part of their Nurturing Care Framework. This includes physical therapy, speech support, and access to health services.
Example: In Tanzania, UNICEF helped roll out early childhood development programs for children with disabilities. Community health workers were trained to detect developmental delays and connect families to support services.
In Kenya initiatives such as the Educational Assessment and Resource Centers (EARCs) have been established to provide early screening and intervention services.
3. Support Families and Caregivers
Caring for a child with special needs can be emotionally and physically demanding. Organizations like Save the Children and Able Child Africa provide family-centered care models that involve parents in decision-making and skill-building.
Example: In Uganda, Able Child Africa created parent support groups where families could share experiences, access resources, and learn caregiving strategies—building a sense of community and reducing isolation.
4. Use Accessible and Adaptive Tools
Education and communication tools tailored to children with special needs are essential. Assistive devices, visual aids, and inclusive technologies can open up new possibilities for learning and self-expression.
Example: UNICEF supported the creation of Braille storybooks in Nepal, giving blind children access to literacy materials and boosting their classroom engagement.
In Kenya the SOMESHA Mobile App developed by The Action Foundation provides accessible educational content in audio, visual, print and sign language format catering to learners with various disabilities.
5. Promote Respect and Agency
Children with special needs deserve to be heard and involved in decisions affecting them. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 12) affirms their right to express views freely.
Example: In Jordan, UNICEF works with youth with disabilities to design inclusive programming and advocate for disability rights. This peer-led model empowers young people to shape their own future.
In Kenya, under Article 33 (3) of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), ensures that people with disabilities are directly involved in assessing and shaping policies that affect them.
In conclusion, caring for children with special needs begin with seeing their full humanity. It requires empathy, patience, and the belief that every child has potential. As UNICEF and others have shown, change starts when we make space at the table—for every voice, every ability, and every dream.
Let’s build a world where no child is left behind.
Author: Pauline Akinyi is a beneficiary-cum-volunteer-cum-Volunteer Coordinator at Art for Children Foundation.
