A Study on Children and Adolescents with Disabilities in Zimbabwe

This study was commissioned by UNICEF to analyse the situation of children with disabilities in Zimbabwe. Children with disabilities in the country live under especially difficult circumstances and are vulnerable as they live with negative attitudes, beliefs, labels and stigmas that militate against them. They face challenges and problems that ordinary children do not experience. They have limited access to facilities and their fundamental rights, such as education and health, are often compromised. Most services for children with disabilities are provided for by non-governmental organisations as charity. Disability has not been put on the national agenda as part of development and is viewed largely as charity or as a social welfare issue. Children with disabilities are therefore caught in a difficult situation hence this study to analyse their situation.