PROG2017-2021_OUTCOME_LAOS_OS2_The functional rehabilitation sector of Laos provides a better response to the needs of people with disabilities through the development of clear policies, a more efficient training system and the establishment of a dynamic management system.

The marginalization and lack of participation of people with disabilities is a critical problem for the social and economic development of Lao PDR. The long term objective of the project is that people with disabilities in Laos are functionally independent and participate actively in society while enjoying their rights and benefits. In order to achieve this objective, the project will contribute to the development of (1) increased capacities for hospitals to deliver screening, referral and rehabilitation services for 0-5 years old children in Vientiane Capital and (2) a functional rehabilitation sector that provides a better response to the needs of people with disabilities through the development of clear policies, a more efficient training system and the establishment of a dynamic management system. Through its implementation, the project will increase awareness of the importance and role of physical medicine and rehabilitation within the healthcare sector and general community, improve strategic planning and coordination of key actors within the physical medicine and rehabilitation sector, and increase technical capacities to deliver physical medicine and rehabilitation services for all age groups. The project, specifically outcome one, will challenge traditional gender roles within the family by encouraging equal access to health and rehabilitation services for girls and boys with disabilities and by promoting equality in parenting roles and responsibilities, specifically in relation to the implementation of home-based rehabilitation plans for children with disabilities. Importantly, the project will also support transition from paper-based hospital record keeping systems to digital systems, which will contribute to both digitalization and decreasing the environmental impact of the partnering hospitals and rehabilitation centers.