Supporting Children with Disabilities, Bangladesh

In May 2025, twelve therapists from CRP’s subcentres across Bangladesh attended advanced training at the organisation’s main campus in Savar, near Dhaka.

Our experienced Master Trainer, Shabnam Rangwala, participated in the training to evaluate whether the current Level 2 trainers are ready to progress to Level 3 certification and qualify as Master Trainers.

At the same time, our Project Coordinator, Jenny, visited the project to observe parts of the training and conduct home visits with families supported by Community Health Workers (CHWs) trained through MAITS. Over the course of two days, Jenny visited six families, each of whom is working with a CHW who completed MAITS training at CRP in December 2024.

These case studies demonstrate the powerful role that Community Health Workers (CHWs) play in improving the lives of children with cerebral palsy and their families. Each child, despite facing unique challenges related to mobility, self-care, and independence, has made meaningful progress in their daily life through consistent, practical support from a CHW. These improvements—such as learning to feed, bathe, or toilet independently—may seem small in isolation but together represent a significant transformation in the quality of life for both the child and their caregivers.

What stands out across all stories is how personalised, relationship-based support empowers not just the child but the entire family. CHWs help parents learn manageable steps for daily care, reduce the physical and emotional burden of caregiving, and restore hope for a more independent future. Whether it's a child pouring water over themselves for the first time or confidently writing with their parent, these moments illustrate that change is possible—and that small skills can lead to big shifts in mindset, inclusion, and well-being.

Hasan’s Story

Hasan is a seven-year-old boy with cerebral palsy who attends CRP’s school. He lives with his mother and older sister, and the family has been receiving support from a trained Community Health Worker (CHW). When the CHW first began working with them, Hasan was unable to grip objects at all.

Thanks to regular support and encouragement, Hasan can now brush his hair independently, sit on a toilet with minimal assistance, feed himself dry foods, and even walk short distances unaided. He is also able to sit and hold a pencil without support—an achievement that has significantly boosted both his confidence and independence.

His mother describes the change as life-changing. One of their favourite activities now is writing together—something that felt impossible before. Hasan’s mindset has shifted; he now thinks, “I can do that”, and he feels more able to take part in classroom activities and learning.

With the continued help of their CHW, the family is now working on further improving Hasan’s dressing and toileting skills. The pride and hope in their home is unmistakable.

Your support makes this possible. By funding projects like this, you help transform the lives of children like Hasan and their families. Please continue to support our work so we can reach even more children in Bangladesh.

Thank you from all of us at MAITS.