USAID Okard Training and Capacity Building Approach: CBID Demonstration Model

The project partners with the Lao government, civil society organizations, and the private sector to develop and implement national disability-inclusive policies. The Activity promotes equal access to health and related rehabilitation, economic opportunities, and social services, with a focus on Vientiane Capital and the provinces of Xieng Khouang and Savannakhet. The project 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 Activity aims to empower persons with disabilities to actively participate in society, with anticipated outcomes including improved access to health and rehabilitation services, strengthened health systems, increased employment or self-employment among persons with disabilities, and a more supportive and inclusive environment. The USAID Okard Activity places great importance on training and capacity building, operationalized through the Training Unit, headed by a Training and Capacity Building Coordinator. The training unit oversees 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 Community Based Inclusive Development (CBID) teams. The CBID Demonstration Model is an evidence-based approach that includes two key components – case management and community mobilization. The model aims to build and promote an inclusive society by bringing about changes to the lives of persons with disabilities in local communities, working with and through persons with disabilities themselves, local groups, and institutions. The CBID teams will directly support persons with disabilities to identify barriers to their economic self-sufficiency and optimal functioning, and work with families, communities, local authorities, and relevant service providers to remove barriers and meet these needs. To effectively implement the CBID demonstration, 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. By acquiring and mastering these competencies, the CBID team will be competent to engage in an ongoing, interactive process with persons with disabilities, their families, the community, local authorities, and organizations on sustainable disability inclusion development.