06/08/2026
From 14–16 July, we had the privilege of attending the African Disability Collaboration (ADC) Summit in Lilongwe, Malawi, hosted by Fount For Nations.
Over three days, we joined partners from across the continent to learn, collaborate, and celebrate the collective work being done to improve the lives of children living with disabilities and their families.
Our journey began at Likuni Mission Hospital, where we learned about developmental monitoring and saw the Malawi Development Assessment Tool (MDAT) in action. It was inspiring to see how early identification and intervention can support children to reach their full potential.
The second day brought together practitioners, funders, and advocates for meaningful discussions on disability inclusion, caregiver support, and sustainable financing. We were especially proud that our Executive Director, Ruth Mapara, participated in a panel on Financing and Sustainability, sharing insights on the importance of investing in organisations working to advance disability inclusion.
On the final day, we visited Kapadzera Primary School, where community members accessed essential services, including physiotherapy and assistive technology. It was encouraging to see government officials engaging with the programme and committing to prioritising disability inclusion in their work.
One message resonated throughout the summit:
People with disabilities are not a problem to be fixed; systems and policies need to be designed with everyone in mind — Steve Williams, Chair of the African Disability Collaboration.
We are grateful to the ADC for hosting this inspiring gathering and are proud to support African Disability Collaboration. Together, we are building stronger partnerships and working towards a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
