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1. Executive Summary

During this reporting quarter, NDF Pakistan made significant strides in raising awareness, expanding outreach, and strengthening rehabilitation services for children with intellectual disabilities (ID) in Sindh. A major highlight was the successful launch of a new rehabilitation unit in Qasimabad, Hyderabad, marking an important milestone in our mission to extend services in urban underserved areas. Through this initiative, the project directly empowered families and built inclusive pathways for children with disabilities to access health, education, and social services.

2. Key Achievements This Quarter

• New Unit Launched:
  A new NDF Rehabilitation Unit was inaugurated in Qasimabad, Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), Government of Sindh & globalGiving Donors. This unit is already serving 50+ children with disabilities, providing physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and remedial education.

• Community Outreach & Advocacy:

  • Awareness sessions held in local communities, schools, and religious centers reached over 700 individuals, including parents, teachers, and local leaders.

  • Media coverage of the launch created broader public visibility on the need for inclusive disability services in Sindh.

• Therapy Services Provided:

  • Total therapy sessions delivered this quarter at all Centers:

    • Physiotherapy: 480 sessions

    • Speech Therapy: 370 sessions

    • Occupational Therapy: 310 sessions

    • Psychosocial Counseling: 120 sessions

  • Pick-and-drop transport services were provided to 85% of registered children.

• Capacity Building:

  • Conducted one 3-day training workshop for rehabilitation staff and caregivers, focusing on behavior management, communication skills, and use of assistive devices.

3. Challenges Faced

• Limited Funding restricted outreach activities in rural peripheries.

• Shortage of professional therapists continues to affect therapy session frequency, especially for speech-language services.

• Stigma and misconceptions in some communities slowed enrollment of new children.

• We express heartfelt thanks to GlobalGiving and our international donors whose generosity continues to create meaningful change in the lives of children with intellectual disabilities. Your support allows us to break stigma, provide essential services, and empower families in Sindh. We look forward to your continued partnership.

Progress Report: Intellectual Disability Needs Attention in Sindh

Project Overview: The "Intellectual Disability Needs Attention in Sindh" project, spearheaded by the National Disability & Development Forum (NDF) Pakistan, is dedicated to providing comprehensive rehabilitation services to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Operating through four fully functional centers in Nawabshah, Larkana, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, and Gulistan-e-Johar Karachi, this initiative ensures accessible, quality care for underserved communities.

Key Achievements (2024):

1. Rehabilitation Services:

   • Provided free physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychotherapy, and remedial therapy to over 400 children.
   • Each child received personalized care plans, leading to measurable improvements in motor skills, communication, cognitive development, and emotional well-being.

2. Community Outreach & Awareness:

   • Conducted 15 community awareness sessions across rural Sindh, reaching 1,200 families.
   • Educated communities on early intervention, disability rights, and the importance of inclusive education.

3. Capacity Building:

   • Trained 50 caregivers and parents on home-based rehabilitation techniques.
   • Collaborated with local health workers to enhance disability screening and referral processes.

4. Infrastructure & Accessibility:

   • Upgraded center facilities to ensure wheelchair accessibility and sensory-friendly spaces.
   • Added transportation services, facilitating access for children from remote areas.

Impact Stories:

• Ali’s Journey to Independence: A 7-year-old with Down Syndrome, Ali struggled with speech and coordination. After six months of therapy at NDF, he can now express basic needs and actively participate in group activities.

Challenges & Lessons Learned:

• Limited resources for assistive devices remain a barrier. Efforts are underway to secure additional funding for specialized equipment.
• Community stigma continues to be a challenge, highlighting the need for sustained awareness campaigns.

Future Goals:

• Expand services to two more districts by 2026.
• Launch vocational training programs for adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

Thanks to the generous support from GlobalGiving donors, this project is transforming lives and advocating for a more inclusive Sindh. Continued support will enable us to extend our reach, enhance our services, and create lasting change for children with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Keep continueing donating for the cause.