Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Walking Alongside Families Like Lucy’s

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to recognize and support people living with developmental disabilities around the world.

Developmental disabilities are conditions that affect physical, learning, language, or behavioral development, often beginning in childhood and lasting throughout a person’s life. These disabilities can influence how a person moves, communicates, learns, or manages everyday activities.

Globally, an estimated 317 million children and adolescents live with health conditions associated with developmental disabilities, highlighting the importance of access to healthcare, education, therapy, and supportive communities.

Lucy is one of these children, and her story reminds us why awareness, support, and community matter.

Lucy’s Journey

Lucy, a young girl living in rural Kenya, is deeply loved by her family. She also has cerebral palsy, which was caused by tuberculosis when she was just one month old. Her disability affects her both physically and intellectually.

Lucy communicates with her family through gestures, sounds, and facial expressions, allowing her to share her needs and feelings with those who care for her. When she is excited, Lucy expresses her joy by moving her head forward and backward—one of the ways her family recognizes her happiness.

Lucy’s parents and caregivers support her with daily routines such as feeding, bathing, and moving from place to place. She is accepted by her family, who care for her with dedication and celebrate the moments that bring her joy.

Counseling, Care, and Community Support

Lucy also lives with epilepsy. In the past, she experienced frequent seizures due to medication shortages and financial barriers. Through Kupenda’s work with local leaders and health providers, Lucy’s family has been connected to services that help ensure she can access the epilepsy care she needs.

Kupenda has also supported Lucy’s family through ongoing counseling, helping them better understand Lucy’s condition, how to care for her at home, and the rights and opportunities available to children with disabilities. Through these conversations, Lucy’s mother has learned about therapy options, medical services, and other resources available in her community.

Kupenda has also provided referrals to local healthcare services, helping Lucy’s family access the support needed to improve her quality of life.

Lucy’s mother shares how meaningful this support has been:

“I feel happy nowadays because you have been calling me often to counsel and refer me to services that have been helpful to my child. … Thank you so much for supporting my child. I have friends to count on in this journey of raising my child.”

Walking the Journey Together

During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we are reminded that no family should walk this journey alone. With the right support, children with developmental disabilities can experience greater dignity, inclusion, and opportunity.

At Kupenda, we are honored to walk alongside families like Lucy’s by providing counseling, connecting families to local services, and advocating for the rights and well-being of children with disabilities. Would you consider joining us? Your partnership helps ensure that every child is valued, supported, and given the chance to flourish.

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