Early Intervention for Childhood Disabilities

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The 2-year peer reviewed study published in the October issue of Disability and Rehabilitation shows that providing community-based, family-centred Early Intervention program that includes training and education to parents of Children with Developmental Delays leads to reduced emotional, physical and financial strain leading to increased family empowerment and well-being.

Parents of children with disabilities face higher demands than their peers who do not have children with disabilities. This is particularly seen in low- and middle-income countries, because of barriers like difficulties in reaching Early Intervention Centres, non-availability of Rehab specialists and cost. They are further burdened by social stigma and lack of awareness in the society.

Study done in eight blocks of Tenkasi District where the Early Intervention program is provided at their own homes eliminates the above barriers. The well-being of a child is influenced by the well-being of their parents. Access to such programs improve care for such children leading to their empowerment and well being. Amar Seva Sangam has created a highly successful and affordable Home Based Early Intervention Model by using GPS based mobile technology by which the early intervention services are provided at the doorstep of children with developmental delays through a network of community workers and Rehab specialists using mobile phones.

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