USAID Quarterly Report April-June 2013

The program was established in March 2013, and the Danang People's Committee approved it on April 6, allowing activities to be implemented. A Program Coordinating Board was established, comprising DOLISA as the chair, Department of Foreign Affairs as deputy chair, and other key stakeholders. The program's social work objective, IR.I, has made notable progress, with a first Train of Trainers (TOT) completed in May. Master trainers from selected social faculties across the country were trained, and plans for second and third trainings were improved. Discussions were also initiated with Danang DOLISA on long-term social work development, including professional training for existing social services staff. The program's specialized services, IR2, have assessed the inclusive and special education system and training needs in Danang, with assistance from the Hanoi University of Education. Recommendations have been integrated into the second year's work plan, and a new rehabilitation unit will be opened at the Women and Children's Hospital in July, with equipment provided by the project. The program has also supported the training of community officials and community officials and staff to conduct disability classifications, which will enable PWDs to access greater support and benefits. A grant of $24,000 was awarded to the Danang Disabled People's Organization (DPO) to support a multi-faceted initiative for people with disabilities. The project's public health team, IR3, has completed a regional literature review of birth defect surveillance and a rapid assessment on birth defect surveillance in collaboration with a CDC team. A literature review on newborn screening and rapid assessment of newborn screening in Danang were also completed, in preparation for CDC teams scheduled to visit in August. Quantitative Impact The DSP's monitoring and evaluation system has shown that over 1,000 PWDs in Danang and Suboi have received some kind of assistance from DSP, with most of the assistance provided during this quarter. 430 service providers received some training during this quarter. Project Administration The project has hired its Accountant/Grants Manager and received STTA from DAI to train staff in the use of the Finance and Accounts System. Next Quarter's Work Plan The program has planned several key activities for the next quarter, including: * Danang: + Detailed work plans for year 2 agreed with DOLISA, DOH, and DOET, and a subgrant proposed to USAID for approval. + Hai Chau district's rehabilitation department upgraded with equipment and renovation. + TOT and advanced training in autism and developmental disorders initiated for 50 doctors and physical therapists. + Second TOT training for 25 master trainers of social work and disability case management completed. + Social work training needs assessment for existing social services workers completed. + Subgrant awarded to VietHealth for disability screening for an estimated 10,000 children in 0-6 years in Hoa Vang district. + Clinical examination and direct assistance provided to PWDs in Son Tra, Ngu Hanh Son, and other districts. + Assistance provided to DOLISA to start classifying PWDs in accordance with Circular 37. + Implementation of CDC recommendations on birth defects surveillance. + Initiation of pre-pregnancy system needs assessment in Danang. + Conduct of 3 training courses on special education and inclusive education for around 90 teachers. + Meeting with parents of children with disabilities to plan interventions for increasing enrollment in school. + Scholarships and educational support for 400 children with disabilities from poor families. * Dong Nai: + Support to complete provincial Disability Plan. + Rapid Disability Assessment completed by Vietnam Public Health Association. + Subgrant provided to help formally establish the Provincial DPO and job creation at Phu Hoa DPO/Co. + Continued support for the School to Work program at Dong Nai School for children with disabilities. + Direct assistance provided to an estimated 650 PWDs. * Binh Dinh: + MOU finalized with local partners. The program will also hire a Procurement Officer and bring in additional STTA to train this new staff member to manage the high volume of direct assistance anticipated.