Research has shown that early identification of disabilities can lead to more effective treatment. However, many frontline healthcare workers lack the training to identify signs of disability. The impact of COVID-19 has highlighted a gap in identifying impairments. This program is aimed at building the capacity of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA workers) and Village Rehabilitation Workers (VRWs) and their supervisors Multipurpose Rehabilitation Workers (MRWs) to include early identification of disability in their work with rural and urban communities. The program targeted vulnerable areas of Karnataka, including Tumkur, Chamarajanagar, and Bengaluru Urban District
Mobility India, in collaboration with the Public Affairs Foundation (PAF) and the Society for Community Health Awareness, Research, and Action (SOCHARA), conducted a unique training program titled “Strengthening Early Identification of Disability at Primary Healthcare Level in 3 Districts of Karnataka.”
The program was aimed to equip frontline health and rehabilitation workers with the tools to identify disabilities in communities so early intervention can be done through linking persons with disability to govt. hospitals/rehab centres/NGO-run clinics and familiarise frontline health workers with the WHO Assistive Products List which serves persons with disabilities and/or impairment so that they can advise families they are in touch with to seek rehabilitation services including standard assistive products.
The program welcomed 372 participants, primarily ASHA workers (97% women), VRWs, MRWs, and their supervisors. Additionally, 16 Health & Family Welfare Department officials participated in the training. The district officials, including the Tahsildar and Health Officers, were the guests who inaugurated the trainings in each location to garner support for the initiative.
Through the training, healthcare workers learned about early disability identification and were introduced to WHO’s Assistive Products List. This knowledge is vital in making a positive difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. The participants were thrilled with the training content. They shared their thoughts, emphasizing the need for more in-depth training and rural awareness camps.