Caritas India adopts innovative technology for Persons with Disabilities

In a novel move towards enhancing community-based rehabilitation and disability inclusion, Caritas India has embraced inventive technology. Recognizing the transformative potential of technology in rehabilitation, the recent evaluation of Caritas India Community-Based Rehabilitation (CI CBR) underscored the need for essential mobile technology in the field. This push towards innovation led to a pivotal collaboration with Enablement, Netherlands, for ‘RehApp.’

The ‘RehApp’ is a mobile application meticulously designed to promote and strengthen early intervention and rehabilitation for persons with disabilities. Currently undergoing field testing and continuous improvement to cater to diverse regional and country-specific needs, the app allows for organization-specific customization. Caritas India CBR took a significant step forward by seeking technical assistance from Enablement, fostering a partnership that holds great promise for the future of disability inclusion.

A comprehensive three-day Training of Trainers program, held at KROSS, Bangalore, from November 6-8, 2023, equipped eight CI CBR core program team members with the skills to effectively utilize the ‘RehApp.’ Ms. Lea Guignard, Programme Development Officer of Enablement, served as the trainer for this initiative. Following the classroom training, two days of field testing occurred in a CBR live location in Kolar district, Karnataka, from November 9-10, 2023.

Designed with practicality in mind, the ‘RehApp’ is tailored for field teams working at the grassroots level with persons with disabilities and their families. An exceptional feature is its offline usability in rural settings, ensuring uninterrupted service even without an internet connection. Data entered into the app syncs seamlessly once a connection is established, with an auto-save option enhancing user convenience. Each field worker is required to possess an android phone, download the app from the Google store during periods of internet connectivity, and log in to access information spanning various chapters. The app’s functionalities include assessment, individual goal setting, plan execution, and progress tracking.

Aligned with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) categories, the ‘RehApp’ categorizes disability into Body Functions and Structures, Activities, Participation, Personal, and Environmental Factors. The measurement of disability focuses on two key factors: activity limitation and participation restriction, providing a nuanced understanding of an individual’s challenges and strengths.
To streamline data management, a dedicated server will be established at the CI CBR office, ensuring the secure and efficient handling of information. This initiative signifies a transformative leap towards fostering inclusive and resilient communities for persons with disabilities. The ‘RehApp’ not only symbolizes innovation in action but also heralds a future where technology plays a pivotal role in shaping a more accessible and inclusive world.