Our organisation
- How we work
- About us
- Network members
- Uganda Society for Disabled Children
- Action Network for the Disabled
- Child Support Tanzania
- UWEZO Youth Empowerment
- Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi
- Zambia Association of Parents of Children with Disabilities
- Parents of Disabled Children Association of Malawi
- The Action Foundation
- Zimbabwe Parents of Handicapped Children Association
Useful links
Able Child was founded in 1984 as the Uganda Society for Disabled Children (USDC) to support children injured by the Ugandan Civil War in the 1970’s and 80’s.
In 2007, USDC in the UK became Able Child Africa and began supporting work with children with disabilities in other countries and with additional partners. in 2024, Able Child Africa rebranded as Able Child as we transitioned to a new network model.
Over 40 years. One amazing movement to change the lives of children and young people with disabilities.
1984: Able Child is founded by Sir David Scott, a former British High Commissioner in Uganda and by Leana Arain, the first female magistrate in Uganda, as the Uganda Society for Disabled Children.
1990: The Convention on the Rights of the Child came into force on the 2nd of September.
1992: The UN establishes December 3rd as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
2000: USDC is registered as a local and independent NGO in Uganda.
2006: The UN General Assembly adopts the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
2007: USDC UK becomes Able Child Africa and starts working with Action Network for the Disabled (ANDY) and Little Rock Inclusive Early Childhood Development Centre in Kenya.
2008: Able Child begins working with Child Support Tanzania (CST) in Tanzania.
2012: In recognition of our work getting young people with disabilities involved in sport, Able Child, alongside our partner ANDY, is selected to carry the Paralympic torch during the London 2012 games.
2016: Able Child partners with UWEZO Youth Empowerment in Rwanda.
2018: The first-ever Global Disability Summit is held in London, at which Able Child plays a prominent role.
2019: UK Department for International Development launches their new disability framework.
2020: Able Child begins working with FEDOMA in Malawi and ZAPCD in Zambia.
2021: Able Child developed the first Disability-inclusive Child Safeguarding Guidelines in partnership with Save the Children International.
2023: Able Child begins working with The Action Foundation in Kenya, PODCAM in Malawi and ZPHCA in Zimbabwe.
2024: Able Child launches the Able Child Africa Network as it celebrates it’s 40th Anniversary.
