Optimizing developmental outcomes by setting smart goals individualized home program for children with disabilities during COVID-19

Abstract

Background: The recent flare-up of the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a huge danger to the lives and prosperity of millions of individuals around the world. The weakest segments of society are being missed in this largescale crisis. As the world opens up from lockdowns and enters an unprecedented condition of uncertainty, or what many have called "the new normal", it bodes well to ponder what are the lessons learnt. Understanding such risks and assessing the socioeconomic impact of the pandemic are key to shaping a response that considers the needs of all children. The Covid pandemic presents a phenomenal chance for the families of children with disabilities to act in fortitude and transform this emergency into a force to accomplish the objectives and enhance result for their children. Methods: Children and young adults in the age group 1-21 years were part of this program. A total of 261 participants have undertaken the services provided by LRF staff during the year long period from Jan -Dec 2020. Results: In this article, we feature the home management programs that were setup by the staff at Latika Roy Foundation (LRF) during the pandemic for families of children with disabilities. Families of children with disabilities worked hard during the lockdown and their children showed improved outcomes by the individualised home programs that were set for each child attending the online services Conclusion: The pandemic led to shift from regular services to online mode of service and displayed clearly that necessity is the mother of invention. When accessibility to essential services was difficult, children with disabilities and their parents were the high-risk group for various physical and mental health issues and needed appropriate guidance and support. As the world navigates the pandemic the LRF staff continued to work for the most vulnerable sections of society fostering the idea of practice and participation. KEY WORDS: Pandemic, the new normal, families of children with disabilities, online services.