Developing a handbook on Early Identification, Referral and Management of children with disabilities

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR DEVELOPING A HANDBOOK ON EARLY IDENTIFICATION, REFERRAL AND MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES. TITLE OF THE ACTIVITY: Developing a handbook on Early Identification, Referral and Management of children with disabilities. DURATION OF ACTIVITY: The activity will take a period of 2 months (September 1 – October 30, 2025). LOCATION: This being a follow-on project, it will be implemented in 8 districts of Kikuube, Masindi, Buliisa, Nebbi, Arua, Yumbe, Jinja and Masaka , and will be based in 2 sub counties in each district. This covers Mid-Western, West Nile, Eastern and Central Uganda Regions for strategic purposes. BACKGROUND Uganda Society for Disabled Children (USDC) is a local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), committed to recognizing and equalizing the rights for children with disabilities. Founded in 1985 and began by providing small-scale welfare help to disabled children and their families, later adopting a Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) approach and to date embraces a social model of disability. USDC is a leading childhood disability focused organization in Uganda, reaching over 12,000 children with disabilities annually. USDC strives to offer a holistic package to children with disabilities, believing that every child is unique and deserve individualized rehabilitation plan to attain their full potential. Parents take a centre stage in the rehabilitation of children with disabilities through Parent Support Groups (PSG) while child participation is fostered through the Child Rights Clubs (CRCs) and other fora whenever available. USDC’s main aim is to support children with disabilities and their parents to access the resources and opportunities to enable them to achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. The society currently operates in 14 districts including Kampala demystifying inclusion, engaging in policy advocacy with National CSO networks and Government to foster learning and ensure that inclusive policies are conceived that support the unique learning needs, health outcomes of children with disabilities and uphold their rights to grow and thrive. However, USDC in collaboration with Government – ministry of health and other National CSOs and NGOs with funding from Bread for the World need to have in place a handbook/manual on disability early identification, referrals and management . The document that will be uniformly used to train the target groups of Health Professionals, Parent Support Groups (PSGs) and Village Health Teams (VHTs). GOAL/BROAD OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT - RIGHT TO ACTIVE PARENTING: The project shall contribute to holistic growth of children with disabilities by 2027. OUTCOME THE HANDBOOK WILL CONTRIBUTE TO: Outcome 1: Enhanced Government involvement in the implementation of inclusive education and health in the project districts by 2027. OUTPUT THE MANUAL WILL CONTRIBUTE TO: Output 2: 240 health workers trained and oriented on inclusive health best practices during the project implementation period. SCOPE OF WORK: A consultant will be hired to support the development of the handbook. Copies of the handbook will be developed, printed and distributed to health professionals, teachers, VHTs and USDC staff to ensure that there is uniformity in implementation and information sharing on identification, referral and management of the children with disabilities (CwDs). The handbook shall focus on the processes in early identification, referrals and management of children with disabilities by key stakeholders who include health workers at health centres II, III, IV, teachers, VHTs and USDC staff. These are key in delivering the uniform trainings and orientation to beneficiaries. DELIVERABLES IN EARLY IDENTIFICATION, REFERRALS AND MANAGEMENT OF DISABILITIES: Early identification of children with disabilities is crucial for enhancing developmental outcomes and ensuring they receive timely and effective support. This involves recognizing potential signs and behaviours that could indicate a disability during the early developmental stages and involves various approaches like observation, consultation, and building relationships with parents. Early intervention, initiated after identification, can significantly improve a child's long-term prospects. Referrals for children with disabilities are the initial steps in accessing support services, involving a request for evaluation or services. These referrals can originate from parents, guardians, educators, or other professionals , and they are crucial for initiating the assessment process and determining eligibility for special education or other specialized services. Managing children with disabilities involves a multifaceted approach, focusing on individual needs, maximizing potential, and promoting inclusion. Key areas include early intervention, specialized education, assistive technology, and family support . This holistic approach aims to enable children with disabilities to thrive in their homes, schools, and communities. PROCESSES: The work shall be performed under the overall leadership of Executive Director and Head of Programmes and in close coordination with Regional Project Coordinator of Right to Active Parenting Continuation project. The package drafted will be consulted widely with the national office stakeholders, health professionals and further revised in the format of National Health system and the final draft submitted for endorsement. A detailed project monitoring and assessment report will be prepared based on which a standard operating procedure will be developed and submitted for endorsement of the handbook. A close coordination will be provided either in person or virtually by USDC. USDC head office will provide guidance and financial support for the finalization and institutionalization of the intervention. DELIVERABLES: The handbook is expected to be applied during the training and orientation of 240 health workers, teachers, VHTs and USDC staff on inclusive health best practices during the project implementation period. The following are the expected targets of the assignment implementation: A package of early identification of disabilities interventions used in training as a pilot phase, consulted, reviewed and submitted for endorsement. A Standard Operating Procedure developed/implemented to streamline referral to health facilities and to deal with emergency conditions. 100 copies printed and ready for distribution to target stakeholders for references. Timelines of the assignment. PROFILE AND EXPERIENCES REQUIRED: The following are the desired profile and experience of the consultant interested and submit the application. Experience and knowledge in early identification of disabilities with due consideration of vulnerable children and families affected by emergencies in mental health/epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Strong track record in designing and implementing comprehensive programmes on strengthening mental health services preferably for child mental health and cerebral palsy. Proven experience in working with clients i.e. health professionals, teachers, and/or VHTs on designing and implementing health (disability) interventions. Experience in coordination and advocacy with Government Health System. Previous work with Government Health System or other development agencies in a similar area preferably in epilepsy/mental health and cerebral palsy integration in primary care level. APPLICATION MATERIALS Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their bids alongside detailed proposals, indicating their work schedule from the commencement to the end of the consultancy. Included should be; Technical approach and suggested timeline (maximum 5 pages) Case studies of previous experience of consultancy work on children with disabilities (maximum 2 pages) Budget for work to be undertaken (submitted in a single Excel worksheet and broken down into personnel fees, travel and others)

APPLICATION TIMELINE Proposals should be addressed to: The Executive Director, Uganda Society for Disabled Children (USDC) Plot 112 Owen Road, Mulago Hill P.O.BOX 16346 Kampala, Uganda Send your proposal to; [email protected] and copy (Cc) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] with the subject line “Developing a handbook on Early Identification, Referral and Management of children with disabilities” APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday 29th August 2025 by 6:00PM NOTE: For any inquiries, please call +256 703 417044