ACS LEND AMCHP State Systems Grant. Learn the Signs. Act Early.
Project Description:
Project goal: To promote early screening and identification of neurodevelopmental disabilities in culturally and linguistically diverse communities through focused outreach of the Learn the Signs, Act Early (LTSAE) campaign message.
Project Outcomes: Project outcomes will be significantly increased outreach and awareness of the signs of neurodevelopmental disabilities within culturally diverse communities. Specifically, providers will have new tools and materials needed for outreach to diverse communities. Partnerships will be strengthened and new collaborations will be developed across higher education, major state agencies, and community organizations representing culturally and linguistically diverse communities. In terms of what will be different in our state, in addition to the increased awareness and outreach, we anticipate that the rates of screening for neurodevelopmental disabilities will increase in culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Some examples of specific, measurable outputs of this project would be: 1) Customized Act Early Materials for select diverse communities; 2) Newly developed multimedia tools targeting diverse communities around increased awareness of neurodevelopmental disabilities; 3) Increased Number of Act Early Delegates with a focus on both diverse delegates and frontline workers serving diverse communities; 4) Increased training of Act Early Delegates around outreach in culturally and linguistically diverse communities using both Learn the Signs, Act Early materials combined with existing resources from the diverse community organizations.
Impact. The proposed project presents the opportunity for significant and sustained impact within culturally diverse communities to increase early screening of neurodevelopmental disabilities. While this project will provide the initial training and materials, the Act Early delegates within the community organizations will gain the skills to carry the message and outreach forward beyond the funding cycle of this grant. Further, the expanded Act Early Delegate network will be a framework for both efficient and broader dissemination of Act Early information and coordinated screening efforts. It is expected that Act Early Delegates will integrate Act Early messaging into their practices and identify how their unique set of resources can be brought to early screening, identification, intervention, and policies to support sustainability of effective, integrated practices and processes. Further, the materials developed will be available for ongoing use (PSAs, translated materials, etc.) across the state and within the targeted communities. Training materials such as webinars will be archived and accessible on the MN LEND website for future use. The partnerships that will be developed with culturally diverse community groups will facilitate ongoing professional collaboration and future opportunities for outreach.
Core Function(s):
Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Empowerment Zone, Reservation, Rural/Remote
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
