Project “Inclusive Society for Children with Disabilities. Phase 3” aims to support the creation of an inclusive society in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan through the promotion of equal opportunities and the realization of fundamental rights for children and young people with disabilities.

Project partners:

  • “Hand in Hand” Public Association of Parents of Children with Autism

  • “Equality” Union of People with Disabilities

  • Public Foundation “Kol Tabyy” for the Protection of Motherhood and Childhood

  • Information-Consultation and Demonstration Center “Stimulus”

Overall goal: Children with disabilities (CWD) in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan live dignified lives in inclusive societies where their rights and freedoms are respected, and they have barrier-free access to public services and opportunities.

In April 2021, the Fair and Sustainable Development Solutions (FSDS) Foundation completed Phase 2 of the regional project, which started in 2018 in cooperation with four partner organizations: “Hand in Hand,” “Smile.kg,” “Ranginkamon,” and “Parents of Children with Developmental Challenges.”

Key outcomes in the Kyrgyz Republic:

  • A study on the impact of social and medical factors on disability rates (2015–2020) was conducted jointly with the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.

  • A program for early identification and intervention was initiated.

  • A training manual for primary health workers and health promotion specialists was developed.

  • A training on ABA and occupational therapy was delivered for staff from 4 pilot centers.

Key results in 2020–2021:

  • 71 CWD (35 girls, 36 boys) received assistive devices such as wheelchairs, glasses, hearing aids, and walkers.

  • Due to advocacy by the “Zhanaryk” network, disability assessment criteria were amended, expanding CWD access to benefits.

  • The Osh city mayor's office established a Disability and Rehabilitation Council, integrated early intervention into municipal plans, and signed a memorandum on inclusive education.

  • Due to advocacy by parents and “Hand in Hand,” children with autism were added to the list of diagnoses that do not require inpatient examination.

In Tajikistan:

  • A presidential decree in 2020 equalized pensions for children with disabilities.

  • A memorandum of cooperation was signed between “Ranginkamon” and the European Association for Early Intervention.

  • Awareness activities on autism and a conference on Down syndrome inclusion were held in Khujand.

  • The Ministry of Health adopted a decision to open “Mother and Child” rooms in health centers for early childhood support.

  • A service directory for CWD/PWD and their families in 18 districts of Sughd region was developed.

  • In March 2021, the forum “New Era – From Early Intervention to Inclusion” was held to exchange experiences and showcase income-generating initiatives.