It is estimated that there are 500 – 650 million people with disabilities in the world, approximately 10 % of the world’s population, 150 million of whom are children. Children with disabilities are disproportionately more likely to live in poverty, and are at a higher risk of living without adequate parental care. They are often hidden from view or forced to live in unsuitable institutional care. Children with disabilities are four times more likely to be neglected and physically abused, and over three times more likely to be emotionally abused than other children. Their families often lack the information, support and training to cope with their specific situation. Most causes of disabilities, such as war, illness and poverty, are preventable and early diagnosis and intervention could significantly diminish their impact on children.

Children with disabilities should enjoy their rights and be able to play a role as full, active, and resourceful members of their families and communities. If they cannot be adequately cared for by their families, they should be offered alternative care that serves their best interests, with priority given to family-based care options.

SOS Children's Villages works to ensure that every child in SOS Villages around the world can grow up feeling loved and secure no matter what their circumstance. Please read the story below about an SOS child who was able to overcome her disability with the help of SOS.

Picture of Carine in SOS Burundi

'What a difference SOS Children's Villages can make!'

Carine arrived at SOS Children's Village Cibitoke in Burundi on September 13, 2009 at the age of two. An orphan, she was admitted to one of the homes in the Village. She was physically handicapped, without the full use of her legs, which prevented her from playing with other children.

During her first days at the Village, Carine was very shy, withdrawn and unhappy.  She wasn't able to enjoy life like the other children at the Village. 'She would always sit on her own in a corner,' the SOS Mother says. Her SOS Mother soon realized that Carine suffered from a special condition, later identified as knee joint valgus deformity.

Carine was examined at a rehabilitation center for handicapped people in Bujumbura. Carine was later taken to the rehabilitation center of Gitega in Bujumbura. The treatment took more than six months. After that, Carine underwent several massage sessions to put her muscles back in place. Now, Carine's legs are normal and she is happy to run with other children when playing hide-and-seek.

'Now, Carine is a totally different child, she is happy, confident and she is making steady progress,' her SOS Mother says, 'she knows all the songs and poems and thoroughly enjoys the company of other children. What a difference SOS Children's Villages can make!'