Every Child Deserves a Fair Start

EPIC (Early Pathways for Inclusive Care)

EPIC (Early Pathways for Inclusive Care) helps families in Lagos notice early signs of disability, get the right assessment, and find inclusive services close to home.

From your phone, school, or local clinic, EPIC connects you and your child to the care you need, when you need it.

What Is EPIC?

EPIC (Early Pathways for Inclusive Care) is a Lagos-based programme that builds an easy-to-follow pathway for children with possible:

Vision difficulties
Hearing or communication challenges
Mobility or movement problems
Learning or thinking (neurodevelopmental) differences

We work with families, schools, health facilities and communities so that children are identified early and receive the support they need to learn, play and thrive.

Why Early Identification Matters

Most children with disabilities in Nigeria are noticed late, often after they have struggled for years at home and in school. Early identification means:

● Children can receive support during the most critical years for brain development.

● Families can understand what is happening and what to do next.

● Schools and clinics can adapt their services and environments.

● Lagos State can plan better, fairer services for all children.

EPIC helps turn early worries into clear, practical next steps.

How EPIC Supports Your Family

We make it easier to move from “I’m worried” to “We’re getting support”:

Notice and Check – Use the EPIC Care Finder self-checker at home or in your community to see if your child may need further assessment.
Connect – Register basic information so that EPIC can guide you to nearby services and follow up where possible.
Assess – Get linked to trained providers at primary health centres, general hospitals and specialist clinics.
Support – Access a mix of services: therapy, assistive technology, learning support, and community-based play and learning spaces.
Follow-Up – EPIC encourages ongoing support, not one-time visits, so children and families are not lost in the system.

Who We Serve

EPIC currently focuses on:

Children 0–10 years with suspected or confirmed disabilities

Caregivers, parents, grandparents and guardians

Teachers and school leaders in public and private schools

Health workers in primary health centres and hospitals

Community leaders, social workers and faith-based actors

We recognize that many children are neurodivergent or live with disabilities that are not immediately visible. EPIC is designed to be respectful, non-judgmental and supportive.

EPIC Across Lagos

EPIC is being implemented with Lagos State health and education systems and community partners.

Our aim is to:

Integrate early disability screening into everyday services (immunisation, child welfare, schools, community outreach).

Build a clear referral pathway between schools, primary health centres, general hospitals and specialist services.

Use data, respectfully and securely, to understand needs and expand inclusive services across the State.

Not Sure Where to Start? Try Care Finder

With the Care Finder tab you will be able to:

Use a child-friendly self-checker tool to reflect on your child’s development.

See a directory of services in Lagos that support children with disabilities.

Care Finder does not give a diagnosis. It helps you decide whether to seek further assessment and where to go next.

For Partners & Supporters

EPIC is built through collaboration between Lagos State institutions, local organisations and international partners.

Whether you are a funder, NGO, corporate organisation, professional association or community group, there is a place for you to:

Visit our Get Involved page to learn more.