This study described the work to adopt and implement ABID, presenting preliminary results of implementation and survey in Taiwan.
The ABID has four components: 1) the strengths I express about myself, 2) the supports I need, 3) the way I express myself, and 4) what others express about my strengths. Interdisciplinary teams used implementation science to communicate with stakeholders, conduct surveys, and develop promotion strategies during the exploration stage. During the installation stage, efforts included the preparation of software, hardware, and training programs. After receiving training, some ECI units stepped into their implementation stage.
In the exploration stage, a pre-implementation survey showed that 30% of ECI practitioners did consider children’s opinions during assessments. Notably, 75% of practitioners supported the integration of ABIDs into children’s records, yet only 4% had participated in the ABID training courses and understood how to complete the ABID with each child. Therefore, 15 training trainers were certified and about 5,000 person-times of training were offered in 11 cities (half of Taiwan cities) from 2021 to 2024. Currently, 30 ECI units are in the initial implementation stage and 3 ECI units are in the full implementation stage for providing services to complete children’s ABID. The ABIDs were placed in children’s individual profiles to let all service providers know the children’s strengths and needed support. One free e-book for parents and one professional handbook have been published to facilitate wider adoption. Some ABIDs were presented in meetings of children’s individualized service plans and were used to express their desired-to-change activities as the outcome goals.
The results showed the current implementation and the impact of ABID in Taiwan. With the support of the government and NGOs, further training for professionals and parents on ABID is planned to ensure the systematic integration of a child-rights approach in ECI services, moving towards sustained implementation.
The ABID is a feasible and easily accessed tool for children to express themselves and been supported from a strength-based level. Continuously application with the implementation science method will bring ABID to the sustainability stage, and ensure the exercise of the rights of children comprised in the UNCRC in Taiwan.
participation
children with developmental disabilities
