Assistive devices are extremely beneficial in supporting persons with disabilities’ independence in daily activities.  To increase the capacity of health staff who prescribe these devices, on July 24-26, USAID’s Moving Without Limits activity conducted its first training for service providers in Tam Ky city, in collaboration with the Hue Medical and Pharmacy University and Rehabilitation Center and Bach Mai Hospital. This training provided participants with basic skills to assess patients' daily-living activities and prescribe adaptive tools that support them at home or at work. This will enhance the trainees’ assessments and identification of suitable intervention approaches, which can involve a combination of strategies, including assistive devices. The training also encouraged service providers to assess physical home environments while designing accessibility solutions. Two additional courses will be conducted in August 2020 for service providers in Thua Thien Hue and Binh Dinh.

So What? USAID’s efforts to improve service providers’ daily-living intervention planning is increasing access to assistive technology and supporting the independence and quality of life of persons with disabilities.