On Tuesday, 18 August 2026, the Levai Mbatha Rehabilitation Team in Evaton held a training session with Community Health Workers (CHWs) aimed at strengthening the early identification of children living with disabilities within local communities.
The training focused on helping CHWs recognise signs of disability, identify children who may require rehabilitation support and refer them to the appropriate services.
Through the initiative, children identified as needing assistance will be linked with Shonaquip, an enterprise that provides wheelchair services, assistive support and specialised solutions for children with disabilities.
The programme is an important step towards improving early identification, referral and access to rehabilitation services, particularly for families who may not know where to seek help or may face barriers in accessing specialised care.
By equipping CHWs with the knowledge to identify children with disabilities at community level, the initiative also strengthens the role of frontline health workers in ensuring that children receive support as early as possible.
Early intervention can play an important role in improving mobility, independence, participation and quality of life for children with disabilities.
The partnership with Shonaquip is expected to help ensure that children requiring assistive devices or additional support are connected to services that meet their individual needs.
The initiative also promotes greater disability inclusion by ensuring that children with disabilities are recognised, supported and given opportunities to participate fully in their communities.
Through continued collaboration between rehabilitation teams, Community Health Workers and organisations such as Shonaquip, more children can be reached and connected to essential services.
The programme reinforces a simple message: no child should be left behind because of disability.
