Aligning a training curriculum with local needs: Use of an advisory board. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hepperlen, Renee A; Rabaey, Paula; Ngulube, Esther; Biggs, Jennifer; DeGracia, Donna; Hearst, Mary O
• Is Part Of: International social work. Volume 65:Number 6(2022)
• Page Start: 1264
• Page End: 1273
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: Advisory board -- children with intellectual and developmental disabilities -- collaborative curriculum development -- inclusive program development -- low- and middle-income countries; Social service -- Periodicals; Social problems -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Community development -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1177/0020872820915267
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-8728

Abstract

Children with disabilities and their families often experience life circumstances that lead to reduced quality of life in low- and middle-income countries. This article describes the development of a curriculum to train community volunteers to provide support to families of children with disabilities in Lusaka, Zambia, using feedback from an advisory board of local stakeholders. Stakeholders had two opportunities to offer input on the curriculum. Reviewer comments focused on three themes – making the manual more Zambian, needing additional content, and simplifying the message. Recommendations were incorporated into the manual – allowing for culturally appropriate alignment with Zambian needs and customs.