The We Are Special Foundation’s Inclusive Development Initiative is a multi-sectoral, community-driven project designed to reduce inequalities and create sustainable opportunities for children, youth and persons with disabilities, particularly girls and young women in vulnerable and underserved communities in Nigeria. The project addresses interconnected barriers including limited access to inclusive education, digital technology, assistive tools, trained teachers, psychosocial support and economic opportunities. Girls with disabilities face additional barriers resulting from gender inequality, stigma and limited participation in education, technology and leadership.

At the centre of the initiative is the DisabiliTech Bootcamp, a nine-month digital skills and capacity-building programme for primary and secondary school students, including students with disabilities. In partnership with Plan International Nigeria, participants receive hands-on training in digital literacy, innovation, problem-solving and life skills. The programme also integrates mental health awareness through journaling and creative expression, as well as gender equality and disability inclusion.

The initiative also promotes inclusive climate action. With support from the Embassy of Germany in Abuja, the Foundation implemented a Local Adaptation Project that promoted climate awareness and resilience among vulnerable communities while ensuring that persons with disabilities were included in climate action.

Through the EU–AU Innovation Programme, the Foundation is developing an inclusive digital application to connect persons with disabilities to learning resources, opportunities and support, while also piloting Vision X AI-powered glasses to improve navigation and accessibility for visually impaired individuals. Other activities include career mentorship, teacher training, advocacy for inclusive education, community outreach and humanitarian support.

Since implementation began in 2023, the initiative has trained 300+ students, including 100+ students with disabilities, and 50+ teachers and educators. More than 60% of participants are girls, with an indirect reach of 500+ people. The project contributes to SDGs 3, 4, 5, 8, 10 and 13, with disability inclusion and reduced inequalities at its core. Ultimately, the initiative seeks to ensure that persons with disabilities are not merely included, but are empowered with the skills, confidence, technology and opportunities to learn, lead, innovate and participate fully in society.

To promote inclusive and equitable development by empowering children, youth and persons with disabilities, especially girls, with the skills, tools, opportunities and support systems needed to access quality education, improve their well-being, build independence to learn, thrive and participate fully and confidently in society.

• 300+ students trained in digital and life skills.
• 100+ students with disabilities reached across different disability clusters.
• 50+ teachers and educators trained in inclusive and adaptive teaching.
• 60%+ of participants were girls, with targeted inclusion of girls with disabilities.
• 500+ people indirectly reached through community and school engagement.
• Digital literacy increased from 32% to 78%.
• Confidence in using technology increased from 28% to 74%.
• Inclusion and disability-rights awareness increased from 40% to 85%.
• Mental health awareness increased from 35% to 80%.
• Participants demonstrated greater confidence, self-expression, participation, collaboration and leadership.
• The project has also initiated the development of an inclusive digital application and piloting of Vision X Glasses for visually impaired persons.