USAID Okard Activity: Community Based Inclusive Development (CBID) Action Plan and Family Centered Approach

Agency for International Development (USAID) aimed at improving and sustaining the independent living and functional ability of persons with disabilities and their households in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. The Activity partners with the Lao government, civil society organizations, and the private sector to develop and implement national disability-inclusive policies. The project focuses on improving access to health and rehabilitation services, strengthening health systems, and promoting economic empowerment for persons with disabilities and their households. The Activity targets Vientiane Capital and the provinces of Xieng Khouang and Savannakhet, with a focus on creating an environment where persons with disabilities are empowered to actively participate in society. The USAID Okard Activity uses a systems-centered approach, focusing on government ownership of disability-inclusive policies and rehabilitation services, as well as a person-centered approach through case management to address individual needs. The project also applies a Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) approach, which aims to build and promote an inclusive society by bringing about changes to the lives of persons with disabilities in local communities. The CBID Demonstration Model is an evidence-based approach that includes two key components: case management and community mobilization. The model is being implemented in two districts, Kham District in Xieng Khouang and Xayphouthong District in Savannakhet, with the technical support of World Education and Humanity & Inclusion. To effectively implement the CBID Demonstration Model, CBID team members need to have the appropriate knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors focused on five core competencies: practicing with professionalism, practicing in an ethical manner, using critical thinking and professional judgment, embracing and respecting human diversity, and advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. The CBID team members are expected to advocate and organize access to needed services for persons with disabilities and their households, demonstrate a professional manner in behavior, appearance, and communication, and engage in learning and reflection for continued professional development. They are also expected to practice in an ethical manner, demonstrating empathy and effective communication, and being knowledgeable about the rights of persons with disabilities and relevant disability policies and laws. The USAID Okard Activity places great importance on training and capacity building, which will be operationalized through the Training Unit, headed by a Training and Capacity Building Coordinator and guided by the Technical Management Committee. The training unit will oversee all training and capacity building development and implementation, primarily in three main areas: capacity building for government ministries and service providers, targeted capacity building for sub-recipients, and training and ongoing capacity building for CBID teams. Measurable capacity-building is one of the core components of the USAID Okard Activity, and inputs by World Education and Humanity & Inclusion will take many forms, including individual coaching, formal trainings, and participatory, reflective, and practical application of skills and knowledge. The Training Unit and Technical Management Committee carefully develop curriculum outlines and materials that reflect clear learning objectives and build on other trainings.