Disability Inclusion and Care
Disability inclusion and care, to increase access to inclusive services and quality care for children with disabilities and support their full participation in community life.
UNICEF will support the Government of Turkmenistan to achieve the overall result that by 2030, children with disabilities and children in situations of vulnerability are fully included in society and have equitable access to quality services, family and community-based care, and opportunities to participate, learn and thrive.
Background:
Every child has the right to grow up in a nurturing family environment and to access quality services that support their development and wellbeing. While Turkmenistan has made important progress in strengthening support systems for children and families, children with disabilities continue to face barriers to inclusion in education, health, social services and community life. Stigma and misconceptions regarding disability can further limit opportunities for children to realize their full potential.
Children thrive best in families and communities. Continued efforts are needed to strengthen family support systems that prevent unnecessary family separation and provide assistance to caregivers facing social, economic or developmental challenges. Community-based services, including social work and case management, play a critical role in ensuring that families receive timely and coordinated support.
As Turkmenistan advances reforms in disability inclusion and care, opportunities exist to further strengthen multidisciplinary services, build a qualified social service workforce and expand inclusive approaches across education, health and social protection systems. These efforts will help ensure that every child, regardless of ability or circumstance, can participate fully in society.
UNICEF's work with partners will focus on two main areas of intervention:
UNICEF will support the development of inclusive systems that ensure children with disabilities have equitable access to services and opportunities.
- Supporting implementation of disability-inclusive policies and strategies.
- Strengthening early identification, referral and intervention services.
- Expanding inclusive education approaches and practices.
- Building the capacity of professionals working with children with disabilities and their families.
- Supporting accessible learning environments and inclusive teaching methodologies.
- Promoting participation of children with disabilities in schools, communities and decision-making processes.
- Supporting collection and use of disability-disaggregated data for planning and monitoring.
UNICEF will support reforms that strengthen family and community-based care and reduce children's vulnerability.
- Strengthening social work and case management systems.
- Expanding community-based social services for families and children.
- Supporting family strengthening and prevention services.
- Promoting deinstitutionalization and alternative care reform.
- Strengthening coordination between social protection, health and education services.
- Supporting workforce development for social service professionals.
- Promoting social and behavioural change initiatives that reduce stigma and strengthen inclusion.