Experts: Institutionalizing early disability identification can transform lives

“Early identification and intervention are critical to ensuring that children and youth with disabilities reach their full potential. While Bangladesh has made significant progress in reducing child mortality, greater attention is needed to developmental support during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life and beyond. Strengthening referral pathways, expanding access to health, education and social services, and supporting families with timely information and care can make a lasting difference. Children in climate-vulnerable and geographically isolated areas deserve equal opportunities, and coordinated action across government, communities and service providers is essential to ensure inclusive development for all.”

“Investing in early identification and intervention for children with developmental delays and disabilities is not only a social responsibility but also an economic necessity. Evidence shows that timely intervention significantly improves children’s development and reduces long-term costs for families and the state. Many children in rural and underserved areas still lack access to screening and support services, while misconceptions often delay treatment and care. Strengthening referral systems, expanding access to services, and raising awareness among families are crucial. The experiences gathered from communities highlight the need for coordinated action so that every child can reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.”

“Early identification and intervention are critical to improving outcomes for children with disabilities, particularly in underserved communities. Through this project, we identified around 1,500 children in two vulnerable upazilas and connected them with screening, rehabilitation, referral, nutrition and assistive device supports. We also worked with caregivers, teachers and local communities to reduce stigma and strengthen inclusive education. Our experience shows that coordinated action across health, education and social protection sectors can significantly improve access to services and ensure that children with disabilities receive the support they need to develop, learn and participate fully in society.”

“Early identification and intervention for children with disabilities and developmental delays reduces long-term public costs. A recent project end learning assessment in the coastal sub-districts of Banshkhali, Chattogram, and Patharghata, Barguna, proves that community-led initiatives, including caregiver involvement, home visits by community interns, and stronger referral lines, greatly improve access to vital services in these remote areas. Despite this progress, social stigma and a lack of specialist care remain significant barriers. Moving forward, the key to leaving no child behind lies in embedding early identification directly into public systems and strengthening community-based support.”

“When my daughter was five, she could neither walk properly, feed herself, nor respond when called. We had consulted many doctors but saw little improvement. Through community outreach support under the EIEI project, we received guidance, home-based exercises, nutritional support, and referrals. Gradually, she began walking, eating on her own, and interacting with others. Most importantly, she is now attending school alongside other children. This support transformed not only my daughter’s life but also our family’s future. Every child with a disability deserves the same opportunity, care, and chance to reach their potential.”

“As a woman with a physical disability, working as a community intern in a remote coastal area was never easy. Yet over 18 months, I witnessed remarkable transformations children once confined to beds began walking, speaking, and attending school. The greatest barrier was not disability itself, but stigma and lack of awareness. When families received support, guidance, and hope, they embraced inclusion. My experience proves that with timely intervention and community support, every child can thrive, and no disability should stand in the way of dignity, education, or opportunity.”

“Our field experience clearly shows that many disabilities could be prevented or mitigated through early identification and timely intervention. Families travel long distances seeking support because specialized rehabilitation services remain scarce at the community level. What stood out most was the overwhelming demand for care and the transformative impact of awareness, screening, and referral services. Disability should not remain a peripheral issue in development planning. Greater investment, stronger government support, and scaling up community-based interventions are essential to ensure that children with disabilities receive the care, inclusion, and opportunities they deserve.”

“My own life demonstrates why early identification and intervention matter. A vision impairment caused at age two was not diagnosed until I was six and treated only at 11—after critical developmental years had passed. In contrast, my niece’s eye condition was detected early and successfully managed, preventing lifelong disability. This project shows that timely screening, strong referral pathways, and coordinated action among health, education, and social protection services can significantly reduce functional limitations, improve inclusion, and help children with disabilities reach their full potential.”

“Early identification is the foundation of disability inclusion. If developmental delays and impairments are detected and addressed on time, many children can avoid lifelong disabilities and achieve their full potential. Technology can play a transformative role in accelerating screening and referrals, while disability corners at upazila health complexes can bring services closer to families. However, medical care alone is not enough. Strong collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, social services, and communities is essential to ensure rehabilitation, assistive devices, education, and inclusion. Investing in early intervention today will reduce disability burdens tomorrow.”

“Early identification is not simply about registering children in a database; it is about assessing their needs and ensuring timely intervention. Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in reducing child mortality, but many children who survive still face developmental disabilities and remain underserved. Sustainable progress requires coordinated action among health, social welfare and disability services. Community clinics, health complexes and disability support centres must work as one system. Without strong institutional linkages and continuity of care, gains made through short-term projects risk being lost, leaving vulnerable children behind.”

“Early identification is critical because the first years of a child’s life determine long-term development outcomes. Many children with developmental delays remain undetected due to limited screening tools and weak referral systems at the community level. Bangladesh needs a simple, nationally standardized early screening tool and stronger implementation at union and Upazila levels. Expanding field-level services, increasing trained personnel, updating disability data, and ensuring follow-up on policy recommendations can significantly improve access to support. Early intervention is not only a child rights issue it is an investment in the nation’s future.”

“Early identification and intervention require strong coordination among health, social welfare, education and disability service agencies. While NGOs have demonstrated effective community-based models, scaling them nationwide is the government’s responsibility. Investing in trained community health workers, strengthening doorstep services, engaging caregivers, and expanding local support systems can significantly improve outcomes for children with disabilities. A unified national database linked to birth registration would enable more efficient and inclusive service delivery.”

“Bangladesh has made significant progress in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, from ensuring participation in BCS examinations to introducing Braille textbooks and enacting the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act. However, implementation remains the key challenge. Stronger coordination across ministries, reforms in the Rules of Business, and active national committees are essential to ensure inclusive services. Persons with disabilities must be involved in planning and decision-making processes, while education, social protection and support services need greater monitoring and investment so that no one is left behind.”

“Early identification is the first and most important step in ensuring that children with disabilities receive the support they need to reach their full potential. Bangladesh has made significant progress in disability inclusion through laws, institutions and service centres, but challenges remain in expanding quality services and skilled human resources at the grassroots level. The government is working to strengthen rehabilitation and training facilities across the country, while continued collaboration between government agencies, NGOs and development partners will be essential to build a more inclusive society and improve the lives of persons with disabilities.”

“Early identification and intervention are not optional programmes they are a moral obligation. When children with disabilities receive support early, they have a greater chance to develop, participate and thrive. Families also benefit through reduced stress, improved wellbeing and stronger parent-child relationships. Yet too many children are identified too late and too many families continue to face stigma, isolation and a lack of information. Early intervention is not only the right thing to do; it is also one of the smartest investments a country can make. So early identification and early intervention need to be accessible, affordable and family centred. By acting early, we strengthen children, empower families and build a more inclusive and compassionate society.”

“Early identification and intervention are critical not only for children with disabilities but for every child’s development. When challenges are detected early and the right support is provided, children can reach their full potential, families face fewer burdens, and society benefits as a whole. Inclusive education is not merely an education issue it reflects the values of a civilized and developed nation. Strengthening inter-ministerial coordination, improving referral systems, and promoting behavioral change are essential to ensuring that no child is left behind and that every child has an equal opportunity to thrive.”

“Early identification and intervention are essential for helping children with developmental delays and disabilities reach their full potential. Yet many families face barriers due to limited information, delayed diagnosis and inadequate access to specialist services. My own experience as a parent showed how critical timely intervention can be. Bangladesh needs stronger data systems, more trained professionals, better referral pathways and accessible information in Bangla. This is not the responsibility of one institution alone; it requires coordinated action across government, communities and families to ensure that no child is left behind.”

“Early identification and intervention are critical for ensuring that children with disabilities reach their full potential. We need stronger coordination among government agencies, NGOs, health services and educational institutions to build an effective support system. The government is already in a process of expanding disability service centres, mobile therapy services and inclusive education initiatives, but more work remains. Reliable data, trained professionals, caregiver support and greater public awareness are essential to closing existing gaps. We must also strengthen referral pathways and community-based rehabilitation services. This is a long-term commitment that requires collective action, and we remain dedicated to building a more inclusive and accessible future for every child in Bangladesh.”

“Over the past three decades, we have worked to identify the needs of persons with disabilities, test solutions on the ground, and help integrate successful models into government systems. Bangladesh has made notable progress in inclusive education and rehabilitation services, but early identification and intervention must now become a national priority. The earlier a child is identified, the greater the opportunity for development and inclusion.”