Early Intervention app and Digital technology: Bridging the rehabilitation service gap in India

Amar Seva Sangam Ayikudy (ASSA) is a unique non-profit, non-governmental organisation in Tamil Nadu, India. ASSA believes that digital technology offers unique solutions towards bridging the healthcare divide. To further this goal, they have created a family-centred, community based early intervention programme called Enabling Inclusion® (EI). It is used with children between 0-18 years of age. Community rehabilitation workers are trained by rehabilitation specialists in administering screening tools and conducting interventions at the child's home or at centres close and accessible to families. The entire process is facilitated by the EI App. It acts as a communication and organisational tool between all stakeholders. It is designed as a one stop case management tool. The app is currently used in 4 states in India. Overall, the EI® app has screened 83,846 children for developmental disabilities. 4,105 children have improved developmental outcomes as a result of this innovation since January 2015. Of these children 2555 ( 62%) are male and 1395 (34 %) are currently enrolled in school. The primary disabilities diagnosed and provided rehabilitation services were 1085 (26%) CP, 301 (7%) ASD and 314 (8%) Intellectual disability. 5535 health and education workers have been trained in identifying developmental disabilities and providing early intervention and child rehabilitation services as a result of the EI® innovation. Implementing digital technologies holds unique advantages for densely populated countries such as India. It allows for smoother communication across all stakeholders, thus aiding the adoption of a transdisciplinary approach across geographical lines.
Keywords: neurorehabilitation digital technology app education developmental disability