Growing up in a developing country is difficult for any impoverished child. But disabled children face particularly challenging circumstances. World Vision is working to enrich the lives of these children and to assist their parents. Here are three examples:

1. Mongolia
Ten-year-old Hashtulga suffered a stroke when he was born that left him unable to eat, walk, or play without assistance.

Three years ago, Hashtulga began participating in World Vision's Integrated Education for Disabled Children project in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital. Shortly after he joined the program, World Vision gave Hashtulga a wheelchair. Staff members provided his family with caregiver training, medicine, clothes, and food. They also taught Hashtulga to paint with his feet.

Today, Hashtulga can move around more freely and has gone on excursions to a museum and a children's park. But it's painting that brings the biggest smile to his face.

2. Sudan
In the settlements of internally displaced persons in Sudan's Khartoum State, many children with special needs do not have access to an education. World Vision is seeking to change this by supporting schools that offer learning opportunities for disabled children.

At one preschool, World Vision recently renovated the classrooms and trained the teachers to care for disabled children. As an additional incentive to have parents bring their special-needs children to school, World Vision provides breakfast for the children.

As a result of World Vision's efforts, staffers report that the stigma that has hindered the education and development of disabled children in the area is now beginning to decline as more parents take their children with disabilities to school.

3. Armenia
In Armenia, World Vision is using the arts to educate and engage disabled children. In the city of  Gyumri, more than 30 children with special needs recently presented a theatre performance called "Tracing Back Our Culture," a drama that explores Armenia's history, traditions, and legends.

Currently, 72 children and their parents attend a World Vision community centre in Gyumri where they are assisted by psychologists, speech therapists, social workers, and a special educator. Special art classes arranged by World Vision are also offered to the children.

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