The Journey to Early Identification and Intervention for Children with Disabilities in Fiji

Fleur Smith (), Sureni Perera and Manjula Marella
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Fleur Smith: Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
Sureni Perera: Head Office, Frank Hilton Organization, Lot 139 Brown Street, Suva, Fiji
Manjula Marella: Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 18, 1-16

Abstract: Early identification of developmental delay or disability and access to early intervention improves outcomes for children with disabilities and their families. However, in many low- and middle-income countries, services and systems to enable timely, co-ordinated care and support are lacking. The aim of this research was to explore the experiences of families of children with developmental disabilities in Fiji in accessing services for intervention and support across sectors. This qualitative study involved conducting interviews with caregivers of children with disabilities (n = 12), and relevant key stakeholders from health, education, disability, and social support sectors ( n = 17). We used journey maps to identify key stages of the families’ journeys, identify key barriers and enablers at each stage, and provide multi-sectoral recommendations for each stage. Enablers include proactive help seeking behaviours, the use of informal support networks and an increasingly supportive policy environment. Barriers to identification include a lack of awareness of developmental disabilities and the benefits of early intervention among service providers and the community. A lack of service availability and capacity, workforce issues, family financial constraints and a lack of collaboration between sectors were barriers to intervention once needs were identified, resulting in significant unmet needs and impacting inclusion and participation for children with disabilities. Overcoming these challenges requires a multi-sectoral approach.

Keywords: children with disability; developmental disability; early childhood intervention; Fiji; low- and middle-income country (LMIC); journey mapping; caregivers; coordination of care (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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