Welcome to Children with Disabilities Fund International

Developing nations around the world face a myriad of challenges, not the least of which are poverty, food insecurity and a lack of educational and healthcare resources.  Children in these countries are often those most affected by these challenges, especially children with special needs.  There are often few, if any, public resources allocated to meet the needs of children with disabilities such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism and other physical and intellectual disabilities.  Frequently, the few educational and healthcare resources that may be available to healthy children in these countries are not offered to those with special needs.  The additional burden of caring for a disabled child can be overwhelming, if not impossible, for these families.

Children with Disabilities Fund International (CDFI) was established in 2010 to address the needs of disabled children living in developing countries.  CDFI is a Christian humanitarian, not for profit 501 c 3 tax exempt organization, dedicated to serving “the least of these.” (Matthew 25:31-46).  CDFI believes that every child has worth in the eyes of God and strives to make a difference in the lives of these children, helping them reach their full potential.

CDFI currently has two ongoing programs.  In Jamaica, the work is focused at Westhaven Children’s Home near Montego Bay, which cares for 100 residents.  The CDFI School, established in 2012, provides special education and therapeutic intervention to these residents, including vocational training when appropriate.  CDFI also established a medical clinic at Westhaven in 2016 staffed by skilled nurses.  This has enabled the residents to receive on site, appropriate healthcare and medical intervention for the first time. 

In 2016, CDFI established programs in the area of Kisumu, Kenya, assisting over 250 disabled children and their families with access to special education and healthcare. Children who once had no access to medical intervention, including needed surgeries, are now receiving appropriate care, wheelchairs, crutches and other adaptive equipment.  In 2017, CDFI also began a microfinance program to help these families become more self sufficient.  The Child Sponsorship Program, added in 2022, helps provide a stream of funding for these families.  See the Child Sponsorship tab under ‘Kenya’ to meet children still awaiting sponsors.

This has all been accomplished by the grace of God and the generosity of our donors. But the need is great.  CDFI frequently receives requests from around the world for assistance.  Communities of parents and families desperately seek the resources needed for their children with special needs.  Resources, which sadly, their government cannot provide.  Please see the News and Stories section to learn more about our programs and how you can help.