Mid-term evaluation of the rural services development for special children (project 532-0094)

to expand special education, health care, and vocational development services for handicapped children in rural Jamaica. Special evaluation covers 3/82-8/31 and is based on document review and interviews with government and school personnel, direct service providers, and parents. The project has achieved an impressive level of success; most project goals have been met or surpassed, and the multidisciplinary staff is competent and effective. In the area of prevention, 32 workshops on topics related to early identification, pre-natal care, and remedial tactics were presented to parents and professionals; immunization, nutrition, and family planning counseling needs were also addressed. Pre-school and school-age services included numerous hearing, educational/physiotherapy, and vision screenings, as well as referrals to other agencies; original targets for providing services to 50 children per month have been doubled. The project has also supported existing community-based programs; initiated home visits; produced and disseminated materials for teachers and parents and a series of 8 manuals; and provided support to the Unit Class programs operated by the Ministry of Education and PVO's. A significant impact has been improved attitudes towards the handicapped in rural areas. The project's major shortcomings have been in pre-vocational and vocational training, and in a program to aid school-leavers; these areas are beyond the scope and capacity of the project and have not been implemented. The project's mobile unit has been especially effective in expanding the coverage of services and presenting information to non-literate rural populations through films and discussions. However, the unit's size and unwieldiness on narrow mountain roads is a cause for concern. It is recommended, inter alia, that: the project be extended until 1988, when PVO, Ltd. will pass on activities to another agency; professional and administrative staff be expanded; USAID/J play a greater role in project administration; the services of PVO, Ltd. be rationalized; project vehicles be upgraded; the mobile unit carry and dispense non-prescription medications; and an extensive assessment record and diagnostic information system be adopted.