MYANMAR (ENGLISH)

I C.A.R.E. PROGRAMME - INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES ADVOCATING FOR THE RIGHTS OF REHABILITATION AND EDUCATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Project funded through own resources and donations.
Partner: New Humanity International (NHI)

The Foundation’s intervention in the country is primarily carried out through its support of the I C.A.R.E. Program – Inclusive Communities Advocating for the Rights and Rehabilitation and Education of People with Disabilities – which it helped to initiate and develop in its early stages.

The program aims to strengthen social assistance, healthcare and rehabilitation services, education, and social inclusion for children with disabilities and their families, in accordance with the Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) approach.
In 2023 and 2024, the Program benefited from collaboration and partial funding from UNICEF. This significant partnership further contributed to expanding the number of beneficiaries reached and strengthening the local collaboration network.

In particular, the program includes the following activities for children with disabilities:

• individual rehabilitation provided at home and in centers supported by the program;
• group rehabilitation activities in centers supported by the program;
• assessment and distribution of assistive devices;
• distribution of hygiene and nutrition kits;
• financial support for children with disabilities requiring specialized medical care and examinations;
• wareness-raising activities on disability and related care topics for parents, guardians, and community members;
• training of local staff, program center personnel, and other local associations and NGOs.

CONTEXT

Myanmar, following the coup d’état of 1 February 2021, subsequent devastating natural events including earthquakes and floods, and ongoing political and security developments, continues to face instability and severely limited prospects for growth. Socio-economic inequalities are pronounced, and the most vulnerable groups — including children with disabilities — are heavily affected by social exclusion.

NEEDS

In the country, professional expertise in disability management and care is largely lacking. Specialized disciplines such as Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, and Special Education are not formally established, and there is limited expertise regarding intellectual disabilities, particularly autism spectrum disorders.

TARGET GROUPS

• People with disabilities and their families living in rural areas of Taunggyi and Keng Tung, in the suburban area of Yangon (Dala, Insein, Hlaingthayar), and in Mandalay;
• Medical, rehabilitation, and socio-educational staff involved in the program.