As a family-centered organization, we empower parents and caregivers of disabled children with resources and guidance to advocate for their children’s rights and needs. Parent advocates play an important role in promoting inclusion – as the ones most invested in their children’s wellbeing, their persistence and assertiveness can help their children access critical services, from specialized education to healthcare. It also helps bring about systemic change by bringing other families, teachers, and community members together in a network of support that benefits the entire community.

Ruhunisha, whose two boys, Asad and Umar, got their start at Latika, eventually transferred them to a government primary school closer to home. Accustomed to the high teacher-child ratio at Latika, she was dismayed to find that her sons’ new school had one teacher for 200 students, seven of whom are developmentally disabled. With a little guidance from our inclusion team, Latika Wabi-Sabi, Ruhunisha overcame her early misgivings. She rallied her community, organizing meetings, raising awareness, and starting a signature campaign. Armed with that support, she approached the District Magistrate to request more teachers and a trained special educator for the school.

Ramba Thapa, a government employee, faced a different challenge. Her impending transfer to a remote location meant that her son, Yashodhan, a trainee at Latika, would have to move with her. Latika Resource Center helped her reference government regulations to build a strong case to defer her transfer. Ramba’s now is working on long-term plans for Yashodhan’s future, including setting up a family trust and drafting a will to ensure he has the financial support he’ll need in the future.

We’re so proud to stand beside parents like Ruhunisha and Ramba as they pave the way for a more inclusive world for disabled kids.