This small but impactful UK-based charity has developed an innovative model that harnesses the universal power of play to tackle exclusion, improve wellbeing, and advocate for the rights of disabled children.
Disabled children in low-income African communities are often hidden away from society, denied education, healthcare, and even adequate food. Harmful traditional beliefs – including the notion that disabled children are "cursed" – allow their suffering to continue unchecked. The greater the poverty in a community, the worse conditions become for its disabled members. Without intervention, these children risk becoming invisible, isolated in their own homes, with little hope of thriving.
At the heart of Disability Africa's approach are community-led playschemes (Inclusion Projects) – safe, nurturing spaces where disabled children can socialise, learn, and access vital support services. These playschemes are delivered by local staff trained in inclusive play, safeguarding, and the social model of disability, ensuring the programmes are sustainable and culturally embedded.
Currently Inclusion Projects operate across Kenya, The Gambia and Zambia, with each serving as a hub not only for play but for delivering essential medical care, education support, and family assistance. The charity has a plan (‘DA2029’) to add at least 4 new projects by 2029 and double this reach. Indeed since 2011, 711 disabled children have come to playschemes 101,000 times. By 2029 Disability Africa have a target to deliver more than 40,000 visits each year (compared to 20,000 in 2025).
These playschemes immediately end a child's isolation, provide daily meals (over 18,000 in 2025), deliver physiotherapy and medical referrals, and offer psycho-social support to parents – many of whom face stigma themselves. Staff have become powerful advocates for inclusion, challenging negative attitudes and supporting disabled children's access to education and healthcare.
With its DA2029 strategy, Disability Africa aims to double its output by 2029, extending its proven model to even more communities. By demonstrating that inclusion benefits everyone, the charity is not only changing the lives of disabled children – it is reshaping attitudes and creating lasting, sustainable change at the heart of African communities.
Learn more about their work
here.
