CDVSI
Centre for Disability & Vulnerable Support Initiative
CDVSI — formerly ADPWDVSI — is a grassroot, community-based non-profit advancing the rights, inclusion and well-being of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups across Northeast Nigeria, since 2006.
CDVSI was born out of a compelling need to address the marginalisation, discrimination and social exclusion faced by persons with disabilities, particularly in post-conflict and underserved communities affected by poverty, insurgency and limited access to essential services. Our founders — disability rights advocates, development practitioners and survivors of exclusion — were driven by lived experience and a shared conviction that no one should be left behind.
With a rights-based, community-driven approach, we champion disability inclusion, gender equity and social justice through advocacy, service delivery, capacity-building and empowerment — anchored in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Sustainable Development Goals, and Nigeria's National Disability Act.
Our programs span inclusive education, protection, health, economic empowerment, psychosocial support and access to justice — delivered by a diverse team with lived experience of disability, and overseen by a visionary board of trustees operating transparent financial and administrative systems.
“A society where there are no barriers to persons with disabilities and special needs.”
We work to break down the physical, social and systemic barriers that limit potential — building communities where dignity, accessibility and equal rights are guaranteed for all.
“To empower persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups by promoting their rights, inclusion, and equal access to opportunities.”
Through advocacy, capacity building and inclusive programs, we ensure equal access to education, healthcare, livelihood, protection and decision-making — so no one is left behind.
Six commitments, woven through everything we build — tap each one.
More than a slogan — a principle that defines who we are. True inclusion leaves no one behind, regardless of ability, gender, age, background or circumstance. Inclusion is not partial. It is whole, and it is for everyone.
Promote the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable populations through advocacy, awareness and policy engagement.
Enhance social and economic empowerment by facilitating inclusive education, vocational training, entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities.
Foster access to quality, inclusive healthcare — including psychosocial support and sexual and reproductive health services.
Prevent and respond to abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence — including gender-based violence — against vulnerable individuals.
Promote community participation and leadership among persons with disabilities in decision-making, peacebuilding and development.
Build the capacity of communities, institutions and stakeholders to adopt disability-inclusive, gender-sensitive approaches.
Establish strategic partnerships with government, civil society, international partners and donors to advance inclusive development.
Strengthen internal systems for effective governance, transparency, accountability and organisational sustainability.
Disability-inclusive development is our core strength — expressed across seven integrated thematic areas. Tap a card to see its objectives.
Promoting peaceful coexistence, inclusive dialogue and conflict resolution to build resilient, united communities.
Equitable access to quality, inclusive education — especially for out-of-school children, orphans and adults with disabilities.
Enhancing access to quality healthcare, nutrition and WASH services so that no one is left behind.
Safeguarding the rights, dignity and safety of all, particularly persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
Promoting accountability, participation and inclusive governance to protect the rights of marginalised groups.
Improving economic independence for persons with disabilities through skills development and access to opportunity.
Helping communities build resilience to climate impacts through inclusive, green and sustainable practices.
Inclusive, timely, life-saving support in times of crisis — ensuring persons with disabilities are not left behind.
Influencing policies and laws to uphold disability rights, gender equality and social inclusion.
Campaigns and community dialogues that promote positive attitudes and behavioural change.
Access to inclusive learning opportunities for all children, with special focus on children with disabilities.
Basic literacy and numeracy for caregivers and persons with disabilities, for improved livelihood and participation.
Access to adequate, nutritious food through community-based nutrition programs for the most vulnerable.
Emotional, trauma and mental-health support to promote holistic wellbeing.
Inclusive infrastructure and development projects that respond directly to local needs.
| Strategic priority | Related SDGs |
|---|---|
| Women and girls' rights | SDG 5, SDG 10, SDG 16 |
| Right to education | SDG 4, SDG 1, SDG 10 |
| Right to food | SDG 2, SDG 1 |
| Right to healthcare | SDG 3, SDG 10 |
| Right to peaceful coexistence | SDG 16, SDG 11 |
| Right to human security in conflict / emergencies | SDG 16, SDG 11, SDG 1 |
| Right to life and dignity | SDG 3, SDG 10, SDG 16 |
| Right to equality | SDG 5, SDG 10 |
| Right to a safe environment | SDG 13, SDG 11, SDG 3 |
| Right to just and democratic governance | SDG 16, SDG 17 |
We diversify funding sources to protect financial sustainability, transparency and alignment with our mission.
UN agencies, foreign development agencies (USAID, DFID, GIZ, SIDA), INGOs, EU and multilateral donors.
Private philanthropic foundations, CSR foundations, faith-based charities, disability and human-rights funders.
Federal, state and local MDAs — especially education, health and social-inclusion mandates.
Private-sector partnerships — financial, in-kind, or capacity-based CSR collaborations.
One-time or recurring donations, crowdfunding, and in-kind contributions such as assistive devices.
Vocational training services, social enterprises run by persons with disabilities, and consultancy services.
Members, board members and community-based partners contributing financially or in-kind.
Open to collaboration with faith networks and diaspora communities supporting inclusive development in Nigeria.
Selected highlights of our donor-funded work since 2021, with contract values shown in Naira (₦).
| Period | Donor / lead partner | Project | Contract amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan – Mar 2026 | British Council | Program documentation and reporting | ₦18,000,000 | Submitted |
| 2024 – 2025 | UNDP, with AGAOF & HOHVIPAD | Empowering communities for sustainable peace, resilience and livelihoods in conflict-affected LGAs | ₦70,000,000 | Implementing; reports & visuals in compilation |
| 2025 | NCA / UNFPA | Program documentation and reporting | ₦2,750,000 | Submitted |
| 2024 – 2025 | NHF, with UN Women | Empowerment of women and girls with disabilities toward full and effective participation and gender equality | ₦156,400,000 | Ongoing; agreements, workplans & field reports in place |
| 2024 – 2025 | NHF, with Street Child of Nigeria | Improving the integration and empowerment of individuals with disabilities | ₦123,000,000 | Ongoing; MoUs, activity plans & progress reports |
| 2023 | Nigeria Local Coalition Accelerator — Sharetrust & Warande Advisory | Non-formal education for out-of-school children in insurgency-affected areas | ₦33,510,340 | Submitted |
| 2023 | UN Women — Spotlight Initiative | Enhancing response to GBV against women and girls with disabilities | ₦100,000 | Activity reports & training logs submitted |
| 2023 | NFE — British Council | Promoting inclusion and participation of PWDs in politics and electoral processes | ₦6,672,110 | Advocacy materials & testimonials documented |
| 2022 – 2023 | Industrial Training Fund — Nigeria | Skills acquisition training for PWDs in Adamawa State (pilot) | ₦500,000 | Attendance records & modules documented |
| 2022 | MCN — British Council | Enhancing participation of women, youths and PWD associations in peacebuilding | ₦26,507,217 | Reports, photographs & beneficiary lists available |
| 2021 | ACT — British Council | Promoting disability inclusion and response to SGBV against women, girls with disabilities and vulnerable persons | ₦11,041,812 | Summary & financial documents available on request |
Ready for institutional due diligence and government procurement checks.