World Vision and the Zero Project will host a joint webinar exploring how early childhood development (ECD) approaches can better support children with disabilities, while highlighting opportunities to engage in the Zero Project’s upcoming Call for Nominations (ZeroCall27).
This session brings together practitioners, partners, and global development leaders working at the intersection of ECD and disability inclusion. Participants will hear practical examples from World Vision’s programming and learn how inclusive, community-based approaches can improve access to services and outcomes for young children with disabilities.
The webinar will also introduce the Zero Project’s global research cycle and nomination process — focused on advancing innovative, scalable solutions in areas such as independent living, political participation, and assistive technologies — and explore how participants can contribute.
The event will cover:
- The case for inclusive ECD
- How disability inclusion is integrated across ECD programs globally
- Practical examples from Rwanda and Malawi
- World Vision’s Every Child Belongs approach
- Overview of the Zero Project and nomination process
- Live discussion and next steps
Speakers
- Edward Winter, Senior Technical Advisor, GEDSI, World Vision
- Viktorya Sargsyan, Technical Specialist, World Vision
- Egidia Umutesi, PDQ Manager – Child Protection & Education, World Vision Rwanda
- Makayiko Kayimba, World Vision Malawi
- Robin Tim Weis, Executive Director, Zero Project
Our approach
World Vision integrates disability inclusion into core education and health programming for children under five, using community-based models and local partnerships. This includes:
- Case management to connect children and families to health and education services
- Parent support groups to help parents to use play-based learning with their children
- Inclusive approaches across development and emergency contexts
