About

Our Vision

Every child in Lagos, regardless of disability or background, should have a fair chance to see, hear, move, learn, play and belong.

EPIC exists to make early identification and inclusive care the norm, not a privilege.

In many communities:

Children with disabilities are noticed late or not at all.
Caregivers are unsure where to go or are turned away from services.
School systems and clinics are already stretched and may lack tools for early detection.
Disability is often misunderstood, leading to stigma or blame.

These gaps mean children miss critical windows for support and families feel alone.

EPIC designs and strengthens “early pathways” for children with disabilities. We:

Integrate simple screening tools into schools, primary health care and community outreach.
Link families to clear referral pathways across primary, secondary and specialist services.
Build community-based playsites and inclusive events where children can learn and play while caregivers receive coaching and support.
Use responsibly managed data to understand where needs are greatest and where services are available.

EPIC is not one clinic or one project. It is a system-wide approach to inclusive care.

Child- and family-centred

We listen to children and caregivers and design around their real lives.

Rights-based and inclusive

We affirm the rights of children and adults with disabilities to health, education, protection and participation.

Co-created

We work with government agencies, professionals, caregivers, people with lived experience and communities.

Data-informed, not data-driven

We use data to improve services while safeguarding privacy and dignity.

Lifecourse approach

EPIC is the starting point, connected to pathways for older children, adults and older persons.

EPIC is being developed and implemented in Lagos State through collaboration between:

The programme is growing through co-creation workshops, technical working groups and ongoing feedback from stakeholders across the State

EPIC focuses on early childhood (0–10 years). It is connected to other emerging pathways:

N-ABLE (Engaging Needs for Access, Belonging, Living & Empowerment) – focusing on older children, adolescents and adults with acquired or lifelong disabilities.
GRACE – focusing on older adults and age-related disability and decline.

Together, these pathways support a lifecourse vision where disability-inclusive care is available at every stage of life.