Author Description

Describes a planning process, for use by managers, that can lead to better basic and referral services for the many people suffering form disabilities in developing countries. The guide is intended for managers of services where the community-based rehabilitation approach has been adopted. Highly practical, and supported by abundant checklists, examples, and model timetables and forms, the manual can be used in training courses or for self-study by managers interested in improving their planning skills. The manual has five chapters. The first provides definitions of terms and concepts useful in understanding disability and rehabilitation, explains how a community-based rehabilitation program operates in conjunction with referral services, and gives a brief description of the management cycle. The next two chapters provide training modules. Chapter two, on assessing the current situation, presents three modules describing components of a situation analysis, followed by a suggested method for setting priorities based on the analysis. Information ranges from possible sources of data on numbers and types of disabilities, through a list of common disabilities and their preventable and non-preventable causes, to examples of factors to be considered when setting priorities. The six modules in chapter three begin with advice on setting objectives and targets. The remaining modules cover five other components of the planning process: selecting strategies, listing activities, identifying sources, estimating costs, and reviewing the plan. Chapter four describes six activities involved in implementing a program. The manual concludes with a chapter outlining the components of program evaluation and the information that should be gathered and analyzed.