From a continental perspective, 10 countries in the African region have signed and ratified the CRPD and protocol, these include Angola, Burundi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe (UNICEF, 2016). This shows that regional efforts still lag behind as other 44 states are yet to sign and ratify CRPD and protocol. Nevertheless, the African Union have come up with a The Continental Plan of Action of the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities (2010 – 2019). This plan of action is based on 8 strategic thematic areas which are;

1. The establishment of a coordination and mainstreaming focal point in national governments which will particularly mainstream as priority action areas youth, women and children with disabilities, as well as mobilize resources for disability inclusive development.
2. Statistics, research and evidence gathering on disabilities nationally.
3. Legislation regarding non-discrimination, equality before the law and freedom from exploitation and cruel treatment of persons with disabilities.
4. Health and rehabilitation services.
5. Adequate standard of living and social protection for persons with disabilities, with social protection as priority action for persons with disabilities.
6. Promotion of inclusion of persons with disabilities in all sectors of society.
7. Development of institutions dealing with disability, including disability desks in all government ministries and advocacy, organizational support and strong roles of Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs).

This plan of action indicate that Africa as a continent is making strides in making sure those with disabilities are well catered for like any other citizens in the continent. This shows that’s the continent is serious when it comes to the welfare of those living with disabilities. In Africa there has been an increase in research aligned towards CwDs. The establishment and continued vitality of AfriNead (the African Network of Evidence to Action on Disability) is no small achievement. AfriNead has hosted a number of conferences and meetings attended by a range of researchers, scholars, and disability activists from Africa and further afield, with a special issue of the prestigious journal Disability and Rehabilitation devoted to AfriNead work (Swartz, 2014).

This shows that continental research front on disabilities is serious about issues affecting CwDs in their everyday lives. Bringing these issues into academia raises awareness, contributes to increased donor funding and alleviate these children from their present circumstances. UNICEF, 2013 noted that, a number of low and medium income have come up with cash transfer programmes to families of CwDs.