Meaningful Participation and Inclusion of Children and Youths with Disabilities in all Domains of CBR
A Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) initiative by SANGRAM in Patharghata Upazila, Barguna District, working toward full inclusion for children and youth with disabilities.
Children and youth with disabilities, regardless of gender, age and type of disability, will enjoy a better life and achieve their full potential — this is the goal that drives the MaPinCBR project.
A coastline shaped by rivers, cyclones, and resilience
Patharghata Upazila, located in the southernmost part of Bangladesh, is surrounded by the ocean to the south and the Sundarbans to the west, with many rivers and canals running through the land. The livelihood of its people, dependent on nature, remains neglected, deprived, and poverty-stricken compared to other areas of Bangladesh.
People lose their lives to cyclones, tidal waves, and boat or trawler sinkings — the upazila is cyclone-prone and constantly experiences injury and disability from these events. To address this reality and build a disability-conscious population, SANGRAM has taken the initiative to implement MaPinCBR in collaboration with the Centre for Disability in Development (CDD).
A coordinated response across four areas
Seven project objectives, organized around health, education, protection, and livelihood.
Early identification
Increasing the capacity of health workers and caregivers to quickly identify children and youth at risk of disability.
Vaccination & health services
Ensuring vaccination and overall health services for children and youth with disabilities.
Caregiver training & referrals
Ensuring proper training of caregivers, a functioning referral system, and home modification support.
School access
Ensuring opportunities for school admission, enrolment, and accessible learning environments.
Teacher & SMC capacity
Increasing the capacity of school teachers and SMC members in integrated education management.
Registration & social security
Ensuring birth registration, Golden Citizen Cards, and social security programs for disabled children and youth.
Income generation
Promoting income generation through skills training and self-employment of disabled youth.
The Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) approach
Seven interconnected strategies that ground the project in local ownership and systemic change.
Early identification and early intervention of children and youth at risk of disability
Inclusive community engagement and accountability
Strengthening service referral networks for children and youth with disabilities
Empowering youth and caregivers through mobilization, leadership development, and community internships
Leveraging local government and other institutions and resources to address local problems
Systemic change through partnerships, networking, effective use of resources, and advocacy
Participatory and inclusive monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning
Work-area map / field visit photo
Six unions of Patharghata Upazila
The project is active across the following six unions of Patharghata Upazila, Barguna District:
Implementation at a glance
Key results achieved since the project began.
Observances & community engagement
- World Down Syndrome Day — celebrated with 16 children with Down syndrome and 16 caregivers
- World Autism Awareness Day — celebrated with 20 autistic children and 20 caregivers
- World White Cane Day and International Day of Persons with Disabilities — with 10 youth and 10 caregivers
- International Sign Language Day discussions held across various Community Resource Centres
- Inclusive cultural competitions organized in Patharghata Sadar and Charduani Union
Observance-day celebration
CRC training session
Assistive device distribution
Cultural competition
