Ghana, Remote 

July 2022 – March 2023 

Entain (funding partner)

Chance for Childhood (local partner)

Why is the project needed? 

Ghana’s Inclusive Education Policy sought to support all children with special educational needs, but many children with disabilities remained ‘invisible’ in national data and were often overlooked in education and social programmes. These children were at risk of exclusion from the education system, limiting their opportunities to thrive. The Disability Detect App addressed this gap by providing an accessible, easy-to-use tool that enabled early identification of developmental delays. With early detection, teachers and parents were able to intervene effectively, giving children with disabilities a better chance to succeed in school and life.

About the Project

Chance for Childhood, in partnership with Entain’s Ennovate Innovation Hub, successfully launched the Disability Detect App, a groundbreaking digital tool designed to identify developmental delays and disabilities in children aged 3-8 years. This mobile app was created to equip teachers and parents with the tools to screen pre-school-aged children, enabling early detection and intervention. The app was piloted in 20 governmental pre-primary schools across Ghana, and is now available for anyone to use, ensuring that more children can be supported in reaching their full potential.

Goals and Objectives

Economic Empowerment for Families:

Empower 36 families of children with severe disabilities to increase their income through pig farming.

Provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to help families succeed in raising pigs.

Improved Well-being for Children with Disabilities:

Ensure 80% of children with disabilities experience improved well-being, measured through increased spending on medical care, education, and providing nutritious meals.

Increased Social Inclusion:

Ensure 70% of children with disabilities are more involved in family and community life through participation in Parent Support Groups (PSGs) and community events. Families will advocate for the rights of children with disabilities within their communities.

How we did it

The Disability Detect App was designed as a mobile tool accessible even in low-technology environments, ensuring that children from remote or disadvantaged areas were not left behind. The project included:

Piloting in Schools: The app was piloted in 20 governmental pre-primary schools, laying the groundwork for its broader use across more schools and communities.

Our impact so far 

Impact of the Project

Equipping Educators and Families: The app successfully equipped teachers and parents with the tools and knowledge needed to identify and support children with developmental delays and disabilities at an early stage.

Addressing Gaps in Inclusive Education: By identifying children who might have been overlooked, the app helped to close the gap in Ghana’s education system for children with special educational needs.

Creating Long-Term Change: The project left a lasting legacy by providing a tool that is now available for anyone to use, ensuring that children with developmental delays and disabilities can be supported across Ghana and beyond.

Quotes

Anna-mai Andrews, CEO of Chance for Childhood:

“This toolkit has been a game-changer for early childhood education in Ghana. By equipping teachers and parents with the tools to identify developmental delays and disabilities early, we have ensured that every child receives the support they need to thrive.”

Sophie Platts, Group Head of Sustainability at Entain:

“We were thrilled to partner with Chance for Childhood on this initiative. Technology has the power to drive social change, and the Disability Detect App has made a significant impact on the lives of many children in Ghana.”

Through the partnership between Chance for Childhood and Entain’s Ennovate Innovation Hub, the Disability Detect App continues to be a transformative tool for families, teachers, and communities. The app is now widely available for anyone to use, helping ensure that every child, regardless of their abilities, has the chance to learn, play, and reach their full potential.

Find out more: Partnerships@chanceforchildhood.org