Early disability detection and intervention are known to reduce the rate and degree of disability among children between 0-6 years old. The Disabilities Integration of Services and Therapies Network for Capacity and Treatment project (“The project”) aims to improve the quality of life of children with disabilities under 6 years old and their families by implementing a comprehensive model of early childhood disability detection and intervention (ECDDI) with services, development and education, and integration into society.

PROVIDES EARLY DETECTION AND INTERVENTION SERVICES

The project implements the ECDDI model among children 0-6 years old in Tay Ninh, Binh Phuoc, and Dong Nai provinces. Screenings and assessments detect barriers to learning, development, and participation, which is essential for interventions to succeed. Early childhood intervention programs support young children who have been identified as having disabilities with a range of services and support to ensure and enhance children’s personal development and resilience, strengthen family capacity, and promote the social inclusion of families and children. These services include community-based medical care, rehabilitation, special education, and referral for professional treatments and interventions.

STRENGTHENS EARLY DETECTION AND INTERVENTION CAPACITY

The project trains key personnel from health, education, and social affairs sectors in use of screening tools, disability assessments, special education, rehabilitation, and case management. In addition, family members learn to provide home-based education and rehabilitation for their own children. Increasing the capacity of these key groups enables sustained support for children with disabilities.

EXPECTED RESULTS

By 2022, the project will enable more than 5,000 doctors, technicians, health workers, kindergarten teachers, and parents of children with disabilities to implement the ECDDI model. Over 170,000 children will be screened for disabilities. It is estimated that over 7,500 children with disabilities will be evaluated and classified. Approximately 2,400 children with mild and severe mental disabilities, and/or mobility disabilities will receive intervention and about 500 children will be referred to specialized centers for early intervention and surgery. The project aims to develop a sustainable ECDDI system in provinces, enhance community awareness of disability and ECDDI, and gain support from policymakers to establish ECDDI activities in other locations.