On June 19, something powerful happened in Wakiso District. Deaf Girls Rescue (DGR) brought together more than 60 parents of Deaf and disabled children from across the region for a heartfelt community forum—a space filled with honesty, courage, and hope.

For many parents, this was the first time they had a chance to openly share their struggles—stigma, absent fathers, managing epilepsy, and the lack of access to government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM). The room buzzed with shared experiences, nods of understanding, and emotional breakthroughs. For once, no one had to explain themselves—they were among people who truly understood.

The forum also shed light on important but often-overlooked topics, such as sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). With DGR’s support, parents learned how to better support their children, particularly girls, as they grow into confident, informed young adults.

Perhaps most inspiring was what happened next: parents began organizing themselves into support groups in Namayumba, Mende, and Kakiri. With encouragement from the DGR team, these groups have already started the process of official registration. Their vision? To launch small income-generating projects (IGAs), provide peer-to-peer counseling, and collectively advocate for inclusive government support.

This forum wasn’t just a meeting—it was the beginning of a movement. A movement of stronger families, empowered girls, and inclusive communities where no child is left behind.

Thanks to the generous support of MADRE and TheirWorld, DGR continues to walk alongside families, helping them break the silence around disability and unlock the power of community.