Contributions in Early Intervention Programs: The Case of Vision Community-Based Rehabilitation Association in Ambo, Ethiopia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the contributions of the vision community-based rehabilitation association (VCBRA) in early intervention programs in Ambo, Ethiopia. In this case study, a total of 18 respondents, consisting of the VCBRAs’ staff, such as the program director, the manager, social workers, beneficiaries, and participants from partners’ institutions, such as Ambo branch organizations of persons with disabilities, Ambo University, Ambo town social affairs office, were participated in the study as sources of data. Data were collected through document analysis, interview, and close-ended questionnaire. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as frequency, percentage, and mean. In addition, data from document analysis and interviews were analyzed thematically and supplemented by narrative descriptions and verbatim quotations. The effectiveness of VCBRA intervention programs were assessed using a CBR matrix, and the finding uncovered that VCBRA intervention programs were found to be effective in general. Specifically, VCBRA seems to be more effective in the three intervention areas, such as health, education, and livelihood components, while empowerment and social components of rehabilitation programs were less focused. In addition, children and youths with different disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, and poor families were beneficiaries of VCBRA intervention programs. Further, lack of trained and diversified staff, lack of financial resources, low parent involvements, and the negative impact of COVID-19 were identified as the main challenges hindering the implementation of early intervention programs provided by the VCBRA.