Bella Smiles for Developmental Disabilities(BSDD)

To make a difference in the lives of children and families affected by developmental disabilities in Uganda through Bellasmiles for Developmental Disabilities(BSDD). The funds will be used to empower these families, provide evidence based treatment/services to the children, create awareness of the stigma related to developmental disabilities , and create an avenue for internship and volunteers to help with promoting the mission and vision of BSDD. Being a mother of two girls with developmental disabilities I have witnessed alot of positive change in their behavior and well being due to the evidence based services and support system that they have here in America. My 8 year old has autism and my 5 year old has Rett syndrome with proven services like ; speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and ABA therapy the girls have tremendously improved hence early intervention really works. This is the dream BSDD has for the children in Uganda who are even lacking diagnosis. Uganda is lacking proper diagnosis for these children and there is limited research regarding developmental disabilities . If I win this prize, I will implement atleast the first most needed intervention of early diagnosis.

BSDD mission is; To empower children with developmental disabilities and their families to access resources, opportunities and be more inclusive in their communities to enable them achieve their full potential and live transformed fulfilling lives. Our Objects and goals are;

•  To identify individual needs and what is behind the cause of illness.

• To Promote awareness of developmental disabilities to decrease the stigma associated with it.

• To Work with partnerships and stakeholders to promote positive change in the way we work and live with individuals with developmental disabilities.

• To Pave a way to mentorship and emotional support to families

• To coordinate service delivery for individuals with developmental disabilities through equity, inclusivity and diversity. (Rehabilitation centers, hospitals etc

• To conduct research and disseminate information about developmental disabilities establish an understanding of the daily living challenges of individuals and families who live with developmental disabilities through research.

•           To provide training, education and support to families, and communities in the care of children with developmental disabilities.

•           To develop partnerships with local medical Centre’s and similar organizations to enhance our services

Right now the main challenge is that there is challenge of transporting the identified children for diagnosis the roads and the vehicle we have is not equipped with accessibility equipment. The challenge is real since the roads are in very bad condition when it rains some rural areas can not be accessed and of which most of the children live in deep villages of Uganda. 

Another challenge has been providing diapers and wipes which is  crucially needed since most of the children are not toilet trained due to their diagnosis . Hence to try and be creative BSDD is working on the project of making its own organic reusable diapers and organic wipes . The shipment for the sewing machines is on 3/13/2021 five sewing machines have been donated and a trainer to teach our mothers in Uganda how to make diapers is scheduled to start on 4/5/2021. 

BSDD is finding that most children have never been to a doctor for proper diagnosis getting doctors to partner with BSDD has also been a great challenge we finally got one doctor to work with us on a discount scale fee . In Uganda most families are living in poverty.

BSDD is focusing on research and evidence based treatment we are first diagnosing the children to really know what diagnosis they have and then work on a treatment plan. BSDD did a baseline survey which really found that most children are not diagnosed with the stigma that they are "bewitched" .

BSDD is working working mainly on awareness through radio , TV presentations to reach the the people in deep villages who can identify families that need assistance. Also with awareness BSDD intend to use local musicians to send the message of developmental disabilities Ugandans love music and this will be a very great way to reach the masses in Uganda.

BSDD not only is it focusing on the children, but the parents as well there is alot of poverty in Uganda and with the current global effect of the pandemic COVID 19, parents have no even source of food hence can not even afford taking a child for medical check ups. BSDD is having a start up initiative especially through farming on small scale for the parents who in most cases have land as a capital. 

BSDD has developed a strategic plan for the period of  2020-2025, with the major purpose of which is to provide strategic direction to the organization’s activities over the five-year period to enable it achieve its vision and mission, serve as the key tool both for mobilizing needed financial and other resources, as well as spearheading the necessary collaborations and partnerships in support of BSDD’s work.

This plan is not only to give direction for short-term and long-term development but will enable the organization to work on its five main programs: Evidence Based treatment/services, empowerment, assistive technology , Internship and volunteer , and Awareness program.BSDD also is working on capacity building and leadership development for staff in BSDD .