Organization
Association des Personnes à Besoins Spécifiques(APBS)
Malian grassroots organisation founded in 2017 by parents of children with disabilities and rehabilitation specialists to improve quality of life for persons with specific needs. APBS operates the VADEH socio-educational centre in Bamako, delivering cognitive, psychomotor, and social-development programmes for children with disabilities.
About
Founded in 2017 in Bamako, the Association des Personnes à Besoins Spécifiques (APBS) is a community-based organisation led by parents of children with disabilities and functional rehabilitation professionals. Its overall goal is to fight marginalisation, improve quality of life, and promote the dignity and fundamental rights of persons in vulnerable situations, particularly children with disabilities.
What They Do
APBS operates the VADEH (Vivre au-delà du Handicap — Living Beyond Disability) socio-educational centre in the Baco-Djicoroni neighbourhood of Bamako. The centre offers cognitive, psychomotor, and socio-educational development programmes, parent education and support, specialised care, and pathways to mainstream schooling. The organisation was supported by Monaco's Consulate in Mali and works with international partners to extend its reach.
Who They Serve
APBS primarily serves children with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities in Bamako, alongside their families and caregivers. Through parent-training and community outreach, the organisation also builds local capacity to support children with disabilities beyond the centre.
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